Latest news with #S2000
The Drive
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
This Honda Hot Wheels Set Is the Perfect Gift for the VTEC Fan in Your Life
The latest car news, reviews, and features. A new Hot Wheels set is about to drop, and it's going to make the Honda boys jump out of their shoes. Rightfully so, to be fair. This new box set is flippin' sweet. It combines both Hot Wheels and JDM royalty into one perfect package for any fan of either or both, and it's currently available for pre-order. In this set, you get four pieces and a little stand: A Honda Sakura Sprinter transport truck, a 1999 Honda Civic Type R, a 2020 Honda S2000 20th Anniversary edition, and the legendary 2003 Honda NSX-R. Those three are essentially the holy trinity for any Honda fan, even if one of them isn't actually real. And even the truck is cool. The 2020 Honda S2000 20th Anniversary was never actually put into production. It was a show car, designed to flex Honda's accessories and parts division's muscles. But it looked so good that fans begged Honda to bring the S2000 back for real, 11 years after it left production. While that won't ever happen, this die cast is the closest anyone will ever get to owning one. Hot Match Collectibles While the Civic Type R might not seem special to the average car enthusiast, the first-generation 'EK9' version is a legend in the JDM community. But that status is well-deserved, as it's still widely regarded as the best Civic Type R of them all and had a 185-horsepower 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine. That gave it the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated engine ever, at the time. Lastly is the Honda NSX-R. Just before production of the NSX ended, Honda released one final version, the facelifted NSX-R, and it was about as perfect as a mid-engine car could be. It was lighter, stripped-out, more focused, and had better aero than the already brilliant normal NSX. Honda only made 140 of these, so getting your hands on a real one seems unlikely. But you can have Hot Wheels' take on it. And to carry them all is the Honda Sakura Sprinter, a transport truck designed to look like a Hino ZM Series COE. It's a collectible in its own right, finished in Championship White to match the sports cars it hauls. For a Honda fan, this Hot Wheels set is just about the perfect gift. But you're going to have to act fast, as pre-orders are already selling out at multiple vendors. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@ Nico DeMattia is a staff writer at The Drive. He started writing about cars on his own blog to express his opinions when no one else would publish them back in 2015, and eventually turned it into a full-time career.
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Here's Why I Think These 6 Used Convertibles Guarantee a Fun Summer Behind the Wheel
There is almost nothing better than driving around in a convertible car on a nice summer day. The sun's rays beating down on you, the wind in your hair (if you have any), and the sound of the car's engine as it works its way through the RPM range make for a glorious way to spend a hot day, which gets even better when the sun goes down. However, finding a new convertible car in the market is tough nowadays, as there are only a few available. With every buyer's interest turning to SUVs, automakers aren't seeing any need to produce convertible cars, since they have historically been a tough sale. Fortunately, the used car market has all types of convertible cars that can fit a variety of budgets. These range from sports cars to passenger cars, with some being more practical and sportier than others. Either way, if you're looking for a convertible car to make the most of summertime, here are six used examples that could fit your criteria. The Mazda Miata has been on the market since the early 90s, and over a million units have been sold worldwide, which means that it's still very popular. While some buyers may still doubt that the Miata is worth checking out because it's small and seemingly underpowered, we would beg those buyers to take a closer look. The latest generation of the Miata, which debuted in 2016, features an aggressive style inside and out, without straying away from its formula for success. Instead of pushing massive horsepower numbers, the Miata remains a fun ride by utilizing a lightweight body structure, an agile suspension, and a high-revving engine. Under its hood is a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. That's not much, but it's enough to have fun driving the car, especially when it's equipped with a manual transmission. To top things off, the Mazda Miata is also available with either a soft-top or a retractable hardtop when the MX-5 RF version is chosen. The Honda S2000 is one of the most legendary convertible cars on the market. Not because it has a soft top that can fold down or up in less than 20 seconds, but mainly because of its powertrain. The S2000 is powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. That power matches well with the car's sub-2,800-pound body frame, which is reinforced with a lot of bracing and aluminum for lightweight sturdiness. The earlier S2000 models (2000-2003) had a 9,000-rpm redline, which made the car extremely fun to drive, especially with its silky smooth six-speed manual transmission. Let's not forget that the S2000 was also one of the only rear-wheel-drive cars that Honda ever built, which only adds to the car's driving engagement. If Japanese roadsters aren't your thing, then the BMW 2 Series Convertible might be. The 2 Series is a stout luxury coupe that provides plenty of driving excitement with its balanced personality. The 2 Series offers elevated levels of braking, steering, and handling, making it a blast to drive on winding roads and open highways, especially when the top is down. Under the car's hood is a 255-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but if more power is desired, then the six-cylinder M240i is the better choice. Regardless of which trim level is chosen, the BMW 2 Series is a rear-drive platform in standard form, but an all-wheel-drive configuration can also be found. The 2 Series convertible was also produced as either a soft-top convertible or a hardtop coupe, making it a good fit for anyone in search of open-air motoring fun. The Porsche Boxster has always been a staple in the convertible sports car segment, thanks to its impeccable build quality and unrivaled speed. Over the years, the Boxster has gone through many different iterations and been powered by a variety of powertrains, but one thing has stayed the same: its layout. What makes the Boxster unlike most other convertibles is its mid-engine, rear-drive layout, which gives it a near-perfect weight balance for better cornering abilities. The current Boxster also provides plenty of thrust with its turbocharged, four-cylinder base engine that produces 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. We would say that it's enough power for most motorists, but of course, it's hard not to recommend the 350-horsepower Boxster S, which only increases the driving fun. The Ford Mustang has been an icon in the automotive space since the 60s, and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. The current Mustang is still offered in convertible form, but if you're looking for a bargain, we suggest checking out the last generation, produced from 2015 to 2023. The sixth-generation Mustang was the first to feature an independent rear suspension for better handling and ride refinement. In addition to a convertible body style, this version of the Mustang also came with a choice of three different engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a peppy V6, and a monstrous V8. Of course, we would choose the latter for the best driving experience possible, even just from the sound of it alone with the top down. Like the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic muscle car that's been on the scene since the late 60s, when it was introduced in both coupe and convertible form. While you may be able to track one of those down with some success, we recommend opting for the latest version for most technology, power, and refined drivability. The sixth-generation Camaro featured a well-equipped cabin, a sports suspension, and a choice of engines to suit a variety of tastes. The entry-level model featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provided a good amount of power and fuel efficiency, but the 455-horsepower V8 was the one to get for optimal driving pleasure. For those who wanted some power without all the noise, the V6 engine split the difference between the two. No matter which powertrain you choose, however, the Camaro convertible is an excellent choice for summer fun. Although buyers are no longer gravitating toward convertibles and prefer SUVs instead, there are still plenty to be found in the used market. From American muscle to German finesse, these convertibles offer all kinds of driving fun with the simple push of a button or the flick of a switch, making them perfect for the warm summer days. As an added cherry on top, most of the examples you'll find on the used market cost far less than their new counterparts. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Honda S2000 Auctions For Over $95,000
Read the full story on Backfire News If you have a clean Honda S2000 in your possession or know someone who does, now might be the time to sell. Yet another one went for big bucks, this time auctioning at Amelia Island for a whopping $95,200. That's enough to get anyone with one of these cars plotting. However, there are some special conditions around the little Honda that helped boost its value to that lofty starters, the original owner showed incredible restraint and foresight, logging a mere 42 miles on the odometer. In other words, in the last quarter century (the age of the S2000) the owner pretty much kept it garaged and clean, but didn't spend time behind the wheel. This conflicts with a principle we and many other enthusiasts share, that cars were made to be driven, not parked in a preservation bubble and admired like some sort of metal sculpture. Sure, they're things of beauty, and Honda knocked it out of the park on the S2000's aesthetics, but driving one is a real treat. Many are claiming this is the most factory fresh Honda S2000 to ever be brought to market. While the Silverstone Metallic paint and black leather upholstery look flawless, as Broad Arrow Auctions notes in the lot listing, it's far from the record of the highest-valued in existence. Almost $100,000 is a large chunk of cash, but a 2009 Honda S2000 CR with 123 miles sold for over twice that amount, $205,000, on Bring A Trailer back in April 2022. In February 2022 another S2000 CR, a 2008 example with 5,500 miles sold for $127,500. Yes, 2022 was a great year for Honda S2000s and collector cars in general. In other words, we might not see a new record for a while as the whole collector car market has deflated some from those crazy times. Still, $95,200 is nothing to sneeze at, showing the Honda S2000 is definitely a serious collector car. Image via Broad Arrow Auctions
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Viper Power: Widebody Honda S2000 Gets A Real Engine
Read the full story on Backfire News Normally, a Honda S2000 is pretty cute little toy for the wife to drive around, but they're not a serious threat on the track. However, this one with a Dodge Viper V10 crammed under the hood is something else entirely. This is the roadster Honda not only was afraid to build, but couldn't pull it off had it wanted by a 2006 Dodge Viper, the V10 engine is rated at 510-horsepower and 535 lb.-ft. of torque, well beyond the little four-banger Honda used. With that big power boost, plus a number of other modifications like the flared out fenders, this little car can really move. One would think dropping a big, heavy engine like a Viper's V10 into the S2000, a car known for being incredibly well balanced would make it handle like garbage. But the owner says that's not even close to true. According to him, the front-to-rear weight distribution is 47-to-53. In other words, it's not quite perfect but still good enough to handle quite well. What's hilarious about this build is the owner bought it from someone who already had the engine in the car. He became aware of it after seeing people on an S2000 forum mocking the unfinished project. Instead of laughing at the ridiculousness of such a thing, he saw potential and ran with it. However, he says he had to rip everything out and start over, including fabricating a number of parts. It's not like there are online guides for doing a Viper V10 engine swap into a Honda S2000. He also added Penske adjustable shocks and installed a close-ratio steering rack out of Mustang, not the mention a rear differential from a Ford Expedition. The body is made up of different aftermarket parts modified to fit, if not fabricated by the owner himself. He is a true trailblazer with this build, that's for sure. Watch the video to see and hear just how much a fire breather this heavily modified Honda S2000 is. Images via Autotopia LA/YouTube
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Honda S2000 Has The Best Startup Sequence
How do you start your car? Is it a push button with a proximity key, a standard key that you turn, or that weird thing BMW did for a while where you have to put the fob in the dash before the button will work? Well, regardless of your answer, your car is boring to start — unless you own a Honda S2000. The Honda S2000 has the best starting sequence of any production car, and in fact I'd argue that it's the only car that's good to start. To get an S2k running, there's a whole process: Insert key, check for neutral gear, turn key, depress clutch, press start button. It's complicated, obtuse, and absolutely perfect. Have you ever seen a fully built race car start with just a key or a button? No! They have switch panels for master power, fuel, ECU power, and the starter. Do fighter jets power on with a proximity key? Absolutely not! They've got approximately 80,000 switches that need to be flipped in the precise right order before you can start buzzing the tower. Or, in an F35, before you can get high enough off the ground to crash. In our modern world of touchscreen or touchless convenience, we're starved for tactility in everyday actions. Our enclosures lack enrichment, and we should thank Honda for giving us the race car start experience in a production vehicle. If every automaker did this, gave us enough buttons and switches to remind us just how complex a machine we're operating, the world would be a better place. A less convenient place, sure, but one that's more interesting and more fun to live in. The S2000 showed us the way all those years ago, and we should have listened. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
