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Honda S2000 CR starting at $36,300
Click the image above for more high-res shots of the Honda S2000 CR.
Honda has officially priced the 2008 S2000, and for an extra $2,000 you can step up to the track-ready CR model for a cool $36,300 (not including $635 for shipping). As you've seen before, the S2000 CR nixes the soft top in favor of an aluminum hardtop, and comes equipped with a revised suspension and new aero bits while simultaneously shedding the pounds. If you're not inclined to make the trek to the track sans air conditioning and tunes, they can both be added for an additional $1,000.
The new for 2008 S2000 gets redesigned 17-inch wheels, retuned spring and damper rates that improve high-speed stability and steering feel, along with a tire pressure monitoring system and a new instrument cluster with redesigned fuel and temp gauges.
Honda's full press release is after the jump, and be sure to check out the S2000 CR's gallery below.
[Source: Honda]
Gallery: Honda S2000 Club Racer
PRESS RELEASE
The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2008 Honda S2000 starts at $34,300, plus destination and handling charges, when the vehicle goes on sale today, announced American Honda Motor Co., Inc. The 2008 S2000 MSRP reflects a $50 increase compared to 2007 prices.
The MSRP* for the newly-introduced S2000 CR starts at $36,300, plus destination and handling charges. The S2000 CR enhances the S2000 with more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable aluminum hardtop that replaces the convertible soft top, higher rigidity and reduced weight. The S2000 CR equipped with air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system is available for the MSRP* of $37,300, plus destination and handling charges.
The S2000 represents the purest expression of Honda fun-to-drive DNA with its 2-seat, open-topped roadster configuration and sophisticated front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform. As a true sports car that can serve as a practical and fun daily driver that can also feel equally at home on a racetrack, the 2008 S2000 further evolves with the addition of a club racer-inspired S2000 CR. The added S2000 CR features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy open track day events and also provide a more ideal starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.
The front engine, rear-wheel-drive S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short-throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and an ideal 50/50 weight balance.
The renowned high-revving engine delivers 237 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6800 rpm. Perfectly complementing the engine's high-output characteristic is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise shifting and quick throws. Additional performance features include a front and rear double wishbone suspension, electric power steering and a torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential.
The S2000 comes with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (new wheel design for 2008), ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as electronic stability control. While VSA serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant. Air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are standard equipment on the S2000, optional on the S2000 CR for weight savings.
New for 2008, the S2000 has revised spring and damper tuning that subtly influences steering feel and high speed vehicle behavior. The instrument panel has a revised meter design for the fuel and temperature gauges, adding to the aesthetics of the display. Specifically, the fuel and temperature meters now reside along the arc formed by the tachometer instead of a semi-circle configuration below and to the right of the tachometer. Also, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been added.
The S2000 has dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) for the driver and passenger, three-point seat belts with load limiters and automatic tensioning system, roll bar hoops and reinforced windshield posts. For pedestrian safety, the hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots are designed to collapse and help minimize the severity of a head injury to a pedestrian.
S2000 CR
The S2000 CR is an entirely new trim level for 2008. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. Compared to the S2000, the factory-tuned S2000 CR provides more aggressive track-oriented suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction, and aerodynamic spoilers tuned for reduced lift and enhanced chassis balance at high speeds. A removable aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top.
The aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and specially-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, more aggressive Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires (in place of RE050 tires), a larger rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and the S2000's new wheel design in Kaiser Silver. A rear body brace has been added to the area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. Relative to the base 2008 S2000, cumulative weight savings total 51 pounds (hardtop installed) and 99 pounds (hardtop removed). A sport-tuned muffler adds to the vehicles heightened performance feel.
The S2000 CR interior follows traditional racecar themes. Fabric seating surfaces with yellow stitching help create a sporty appearance while synthetic suede bolsters enhance lateral grip. An exclusive spherical aluminum shift knob on the S2000 CR rests 12.6 mm lower for a 6 percent reduction in shift stroke compared to the conventional S2000 cylindrical shift knob (aluminum/leather wrapped). Additionally, shift load effort increases by 10 percent for even more direct feedback when engaging a gear.
The S2000 CR instrument panel meters include a "peak-power indicator." When the engine is operating at peak power, a round, green light illuminates to the right of the digital speedometer. To save weight, air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are only available as factory-installed optional equipment.
The design and engineering concept for the S2000 is to deliver race-car-like performance and handling-something an enthusiast driver could use and enjoy, even in everyday driving situations. In addition, the S2000 is intended to be a modern, socially-responsible automobile with low emissions. The S2000's roadster layout also captures the spirit of the legendary high-performance sports cars of the past, as well as Honda's very first sports car, the S500 roadster. However, the S2000 makes no attempt to be a retro sports car. It is a unique, Honda interpretation of a modern sports car - with high performance, state-of-the-art technology, style, and Honda durability, quality and refinement.
* MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $635.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
SPG 4:33PM (10/09/2007)
I have never liked the styling of this car.
Also I find it too small. When I went to a dealership and tried to sit in one I could not get my legs under the steering wheel no matter how hard I tried.
I hope a new generation of S2000's have both improved styling and ergonomics.
Nice colour though.
Reply
psarhjinian 9:28PM (10/09/2007)
Yeah, it really is unfortnate that this car followed the Prelude school of interior design. If the seat could go a little further back, or the wheel could telescope, it'd be just a lot more accomodating.
Of course, the Miata and Kappa cars aren't much better.
naggs 4:33PM (10/09/2007)
any pics of the car w/aluminum roof?
Reply
Ducky 4:35PM (10/09/2007)
$2000 for a car that goes around the Tochigi test track 2 seconds faster than the base model is pretty good. You can add 30-40 hp to the car and it'll probably not achieve that kind of lap time
Reply
Ligor 4:40PM (10/09/2007)
I still think $36k for this is a waste
let me have a G35/CTS/328/G37 anyday in fornt of this ugly thing thats been around for like 10 years now.
i can't believe people would pony up $36k for this car.
Reply
industry 5:19PM (10/09/2007)
all the cars you mentioned have nothing in common with the market section the S2K is catered for. you might as well have recommended that a nissan pathfinder would be a better buy for the same amount. honda is one of the few manufacturers that can keep the same model longer than others and yet keep it from looking dated.
naggs 7:08PM (10/09/2007)
it would be more fair to compare this to a bmw m coupe or that nismo 350z
Solo Racer 12:41AM (10/10/2007)
The G35 and 37 are fine cars, but not the same purpose as this. 2+2 touring cars that weigh a lot more than a roadster are not in the same category. Especially when the roadster has been prepared for track use.
R 12:47AM (10/10/2007)
What everyone already said. The G series cars are like boats compared to the S. But I wouldn't mind a G for a daily driver.
Menice 4:46PM (10/09/2007)
the only honda i actually would want to own...i do love this car for what it is......
just never gonna pay that much for a honda.
Reply
Solo Racer 12:38AM (10/10/2007)
How about they slap an Acura badge on it? That make you feel better?
Menice 8:33AM (10/10/2007)
no, your barking up the wrong tree man, i drive the other H. i dont shop via name, my car and Kohls cloths show it.
acura appear too narrow for my liking these days. and again too costly. (i'm a cheap bastard) I had taken over driving my wifes 91 integra for a few yrs. 180k miles, great car. as is honda of course. just not a fan of the styles these days. like the TL would be great..if it were a foot wider imo.
s2000 is an amazing car but
$36,000 is a lot of cash for any car....
Steve C 4:46PM (10/09/2007)
Can I pay extra to not have the boy racer wing?
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John P. 4:50PM (10/09/2007)
Early 90's econo styling, chintzy interior, overpriced,... but ohhhh so sweet motor.
I bet it'll be fun to drive if I could just get past it's humble looks.
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carguy 5:09PM (10/09/2007)
For 36K I'll take a 350Z with a blower. The S2000 is nice but so is having torque.
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rv 5:10PM (10/09/2007)
$30k+? For a McHonda??? Yeah, right. Never spoke with a single person who actually enjoyed driving it. And my god, the engine note is embarrassing. I swear, I live in a nice neighborhood, and a guy who must've been in his 30s was driving one. Until I saw what it was, I thought it was a moped or leafblower. As my trustworthy car geek friend said, "There was no there there". Was kind of like a trip to Universal Studios; a cheap and fake attempt at the real thing...
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2o6 5:21PM (10/09/2007)
How old are you, 12? Do you realize how stupid you sound? This is a 4cyl engine that revvs over 6000 rpm....of course the engine note is going to high. I've seen you post in other honda threads. You sound dumb. Most of Honda's motors rev high, thus the torque is at the top end. It's a tight-handling, widely acclaimed sports car that is comparable to the Miata and solstice.
Justin 6:25PM (10/09/2007)
he didn't say the note was high, he said it sounded like a moped or leaf blower. Which means a high note, but also a weak and/or lame sound.
R 12:54AM (10/10/2007)
Yeah, I'm gonna have to agree with ermax18 here. I've had trouble finding someone who did *not* like driving the S2k. It's not the fastest car in a straight line, but is it oh so fun to drive. Heck, I've encountered people who sideline their M3's to drive their s2k's.
I've met one person who didn't like it, and that's because he couldn't really adapt to the transmission coming from his M3, and he's "BMW forever", but even then, he started warming up to it. I'm guessing with the way you describe Honda's, there's a good chance it's domestic or nothing for you. See you at the track, maybe...probably not.
Solo Racer 12:57AM (10/10/2007)
"he didn't say the note was high, he said it sounded like a moped or leaf blower. Which means a high note, but also a weak and/or lame sound."
So, he's still a narrow-minded, know-nothing. He probably thinks the Elise isn't fast enough.
And while the 350Z is fine GT car, it's still heavy. The Nismo version has the tires, suspension and aero to be very stable at high speeds, but it's not as nimble as lighter sports cars like the Cayman, nor as fast as full-on GT cars like an M6.
Just like another poster said, you have to pick your poison. You want fast quarter-mile times? Big-block V-8 with a blower and solid rear axle. Fast on the short, twisty tracks? Elise, Miata, S2000, Cayman/Boxter. Fast on the bigger tracks? Vette, Viper, GT3. Something with very good performance on road, but won't beat you to a pulp? G37, 350Z, BMW 1 or 3, M3/5/6, Audi S or RS, new STS.