The Honda S2000: Will it Rise Again?
It's a question that has car enthusiasts buzzing: Will Honda resurrect the iconic S2000? The desire is clearly there, burning brightly within the Japanese automaker, but the path to a second generation isn't as straightforward as one might hope.
At the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show, Chief Engineer of the Prelude, Tomoyuki Yamagami, hinted at the internal longing to revive this legendary nameplate. He acknowledged the widespread affection for the S2000, stating, "Of course, everybody thinks so... Every Honda employee loves S2000, someday, I’d like to [build another one]."
The original S2000, produced from 1999 to 2009, remains a symbol of driving purity. It was split into two versions, the AP1 and AP2, from 2003 onwards. In Australia, the S2000 was powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (the F20C), which screamed all the way to 9000rpm and produced 176kW/208Nm. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, and it featured a power-operated fabric roof.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Japanese and US versions of the S2000 (AP2) received a 2.2-liter engine, boosting torque to 220Nm, though the redline was lowered to 8000rpm. The S2000's unique powertrain and architecture set it apart, as it wasn't shared with any other Honda model.
When asked about the possibility of collaborating with another manufacturer for the next S2000 – similar to the Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ, Toyota Supra/BMW Z4, and Mazda MX-5/Abarth 124 Spider – Yamagami-san dismissed the idea, indicating a desire to protect the S2000's unique identity. He explained that Honda wants to preserve its DNA, suggesting that a shared platform might dilute the essence of the S2000.
Honda could potentially utilize its existing parts bin, similar to the approach taken with the 2026 Prelude, which leverages the Civic platform, e:HEV powertrain, and Civic Type R brakes. However, there isn't a readily available platform that perfectly suits the S2000's requirements.
And this is the part most people miss... Cost and sales are significant hurdles. With Honda prioritizing hybrid and electric powertrains, resources for a low-volume convertible model are limited. Yamagami-san pointed out the high cost of designing, developing, and building conventional sports cars, making them unaffordable for many younger buyers. He highlighted the fact that sports cars, due to their limited production numbers, often command high prices.
As an example, he mentioned the new Prelude, which is developed using a combination of Civic, Civic Type R, and HEV components to reduce costs. However, even with these efforts, feedback from buyers suggests that the price is still too high.
When the S2000 first launched in Australia in 1999, it was priced at $69,950 before on-road costs. Adjusted for inflation, that's roughly equivalent to $140,000 in 2025!
What do you think? Do you believe Honda should bring back the S2000, even if it means a higher price tag? Or would you prefer a more affordable sports car, even if it meant sacrificing some of the original's unique character? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
