Rendered Speculation: Honda S2000 successor rumored to get hybrid power, AWD
Honda is in the sea change business lately, reasserting itself in the hybrid sphere with the Insight and forthcoming CR-Z, and giving Acura the ZDX and perhaps a sleek new coupe to play with. The latest Honda rumor originating from the homeland is that the company could be working on a car that will replace the S2000 more in spirit than in configuration.
The purported coupe is said to be a 2+2 and more powerful than the CR-Z, with all four wheels driven through a variant of Honda's SH-AWD system. It might also be a hybrid. Rumors of an S2000 successor in some guise – even as a front-wheel drive Acura – have been around for a couple of years now, and they probably won't stop until we actually get one. But you'll never hear us complain about Honda's entry into powerful little hybrid all-wheel drive sports cars – as long as it doesn't look like the bastardized rendering of a Mitsubishi Eclipse you see pictured.
[Source: Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
blue3874 11:03AM (5/26/2009)
Aston Martin Eos GT-R?
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hypermiler 11:03AM (5/26/2009)
I thought the next S2000 was a 4-banger version of NSX??
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Kooshball 11:08AM (5/26/2009)
i'd be first on the list but i know it won't happen.
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john 2:33PM (5/26/2009)
Yea, Honda seem to like its top-of-the-line products to be a one-hit-wonder.
Wheatstraw 11:11AM (5/26/2009)
Maybe this will be a reason for Acura to develop rear-bias awd drive system.
That would be a great help for the TL / RL.
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SimbaDogg 1:40AM (5/27/2009)
gah'd damnit, as a long time s2000 owner, all i have to say is gah'd damnit. all i really wanted from honda for a s2000 successor was something heavily updated, w/ a more potent chassis, and an even more capable motor. and of course more modern features (gps offered in the US...i mean damnit, you could get it in an Si but not a s2000? ugh), decent stereo, adaptive cruise control etc etc. if this is the case...i guess i'd rather move to something like the TSX or something. maybe even an insight.
RG 11:16AM (5/26/2009)
Wow, what's the deal with the influx of desirable, sporty Honda concepts?
I mean it will never happen, but still, thats two nice concepts in less than a week. Such a shame that I have no confidence in Honda bringing either to market.
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Aloysius Vampa 11:19AM (5/26/2009)
It could be cool... then again, it could be junk.
If it's anything.
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Colin Smith 11:24AM (5/26/2009)
Or, if the render is anything to go by, it could be a Ford, or a Mercedes, or a Peugeot. I wish the Japanese could come up with a bit of brand identity.
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timwang2006 11:24AM (5/26/2009)
Why AWD and hybrid power? A direct injection VTEC four would meet any emission and efficiency requirements. This isn't really a continuation of the s2000 at all. It should be (relatively) inexpensive, light, and rev happy. This won't be any of that. Not that this won't be a great car if it were made, just not appropriate for a s2000 successor. Keep it small. Keep it light. Keep it fun.
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epwolfram 12:17PM (5/26/2009)
Agreed.
There is no point in having AWD in this type of car. The key to a roadster like the S2000 is to keep it as light as possible. AWD and Hybrid would negate this and make it less competitive on a road course.
The S2000 was an amazing car for both curb appeal and track performance.
Honda won't mess it up, they know better. These are just to generate public interest.
RG 12:50PM (5/26/2009)
They are looking at SH-AWD and a hybrid powertrain to leverage previous development efforts. The cost to develop a new engine and chassis (like the s2000 and NSX) makes little to no sense in this automotive climate. So Honda is trying to cobble together sporty offerings through existing engine and drivetrain technologies, much like Audi. As far I know, Audi also only has AWD and FWD offerings.
It could work but it could also be a disaster- Honda's parts bin is severely lacking in quality and quantity when compared to VW's bin.
IK 11:25AM (5/26/2009)
RIP HONDA
they have completely lost touch with what made their company special
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Redline 11:27AM (5/26/2009)
I think they should keep it RWD only or at least offer an option for RWD only.
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Imag 11:33AM (5/26/2009)
Honda - you're crazy.
You make two vehicles - the NSX and the S2000, that approached automotive perfection for their era. Instead of supporting either one with upgrades that would allowed them to coalesce into a real brand, you just let each one languish, then discontinued them. Porsche made tons of money in that space (despite their current market-induced situation), and you made two vehicles worthy to be there, but then you just let them go.
Now this... a hybrid sports car that will be cute and it will be nice, but will also be a weighty mass with numb steering and front-tire-eating fury. My guess, given your track record, is it will be very innovative, then you will let it whither, then you will discontinue it...
*sigh*
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jalamb81 11:46AM (5/26/2009)
Looks a lot like the Mitsubishi Concept RA which is also AWD.
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tunafish 11:54AM (5/26/2009)
As an s2000 owner... that is not in any way shape or form a successor. Not a roadster, not a vtec engine, not RWD. Pass.
..also +1 to everything Imag said above.
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121891racer 12:05PM (5/26/2009)
I personally actually like the look of this rendered speculation. But with that drivetrain configuration it is in no way a honda s2k successor. The successcor should have a VTEC rev happy engine, hopefully putting out around 250hp. Keep it light, and help the torque issues the previous car had.
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Keith 3:00PM (5/26/2009)
At this point I am expecting someone to start the rumor that a 1/2 ton pickup truck will be the successor to the S2000.
PR: It has 2 seats and is sporty!
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RamblinReck89 12:06PM (5/26/2009)
As much as it's completely not an S2000 followup, I think I still kinda like it. Just don't call it an S2000. And I even am somewhat drawn to the rendered version. Sure it needs work to get rid of the ugly, but it could still be a fun attractive small car. Take away my manual transmission option though, and I'll hate it forever because I'm old and ornery like that.
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