NYIAS: Honda S2000 CR

[siegen]

Coming to a Track Near You: Club Racer-Inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR

The club racer-inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR Prototype making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show introduces a higher level of track-worthy performance and style to the S2000 roadster, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The S2000 CR will be available as an entirely new S2000 trim level when it goes on sale in the fall of 2007. 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. The factory-tuned roadster provides highly-aggressive suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction and an aerodynamic body kit dialed-in for reduced lift. An aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top as standard equipment.

"The S2000 CR is the closest thing you can get to a Honda-built racecar with license plate holders and a horn," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Its features and equipment are designed to appeal to weekend club racing enthusiasts."

The full-body aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and highly-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, a wider rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and a new wheel design in a dark gray color.

Substantial structural bracing has been added to the storage area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. The aluminum hard top replaces the soft top of the conventional S2000, resulting in an overall weight savings of approximately 90 pounds when removed (relative to the current S2000).

Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is the performance icon for the Honda brand and combines uncompromising racetrack-ready performance with everyday usability. The 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 a perfect 50/50 weight balance.

Full Press Release

Photo Gallery

Interview with S2000 CR Product Planner

Pictures:

[siegen]

Full stats haven't been released yet, but according to the interview, overall weight has been reduced by 150 lbs compared to the current S2000. Not sure if that is with the hard top removed or not, but that's a significant weight reduction. According to what I've read, track times have been improved by 2 seconds around Tsukuba. Considering the average time for a sports car like the S2000 is right around 1min, a 2 second reduction is pretty impressive, specially considering the engine and drivetrain are identical to the regular model.

[bowtie_dude]

Hot color. Wings a little goofy, though. The S2K is an engineering marvel, just not my cup of tea.

[FAPTurbo]

Hate the wing, love the car.

My cousin owns one, but my beef with it is that it's a b*tch for me to get in and out, and I'm just six feet.

[NOS2006]

Just redesign the thing already!

[Cory Wolfe]

I love the S2000.

[njtex]

The ones on the CR look nice and perky but I still like the pair of bumps on the Solstice better!

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Hate the wing and bodykit, but I love the color -- Reminds me of the '93 Porsche 968 Club Sports and I love the 924/944/968 Series Porsches.

[DetroitNut90]

I'm not sure this bodykit does the S2000 a justice...it looks better stock, IMO. That said, I love the color and the rims.

[Z-06]

The rims remind me of C5 Z06.

But I am with Captainbooyah, even though being 5-10 and medium built I felt cramped in it. My boss who is 6-2 and skinny as a rail, drives one, I wonder if he takes a hot bath to uncramp his muscles after he drives it home.

[Flybrian]

Change the Title to 'Club Ricer'...

Change the Title to 'Club Ricer'...

Change the Title to 'Club Ricer'...

Huh? Oh. Hi. Sorry. Daydreaming.

Always thought this car looked pretty good...stock.

[ToniCipriani]

Those mods aren't my cup of tea, but can't argue that it's a damn good car.

I still like the Solstice better though. Lines look less boring.

[ocnblu]

So the rumors of its imminent demise were wrong-o? I'm a fan of torque, so this thing, while pretty in color, doesn't jingle my bells.