HONDA’S NEW S2000 IS ON SALE
19 February 2008 - Honda

Re-tuned dampers, uprated springs and thicker anti-roll bars give the car greater stability.

Honda’s refreshed S2000 is now on sale in the UK with new suspension settings to make the iconic two-seater more communicative, predictable and exhilarating to drive.

The S2000’s handling and performance characteristics have been enhanced by changes to the suspension. The new set-up is identical to that fitted to its Japanese counterpart – the S2000 Type-S.

Re-tuned dampers, uprated springs and thicker anti-roll bars give the car greater stability, agile handling and more responsive steering, to help harness the S2000’s high-revving 240PS 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine.

Also featuring on the 2008 car are a new design of 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels and a new paint colour – Synchro Silver. On the inside, there are three new leather interiors to choose from – Black with red stitching, Brown with red stitching and Red with black sides. There is also a design change to the headrest frame which has been re-shaped to offer greater roll-over protection*.

“The S2000 has always been a raw, exciting, performance car,” said Tom Gardner, Head of Marketing, Honda (UK), “but some found the car a little too edgy in some conditions. These latest changes, make the S2000 even more fun to drive but predictable too – giving the driver more confidence.”

Sales of S2000 in 2007 totalled 563 units. The model is priced from £28,050 for the Roadster and £28,600 for the GT model with detachable roof.

Trophy cabinet
Since its UK debut in 1999, the S2000 has always been a drivers’ car, hailed for its engaging drive on and off track, both of which are reflected by the numerous awards the car has won.

2000
Best Engine 1.8-2.0-litre International Engine of the Year
User Chooser Car of the Year Fleet World
2001
Best Open Top Car AOL Online poll
Best Engine 1.8-2.0-litre International Engine of the Year
2002
Best Convertible The Sunday Times
Best Engine 1.8-2.0-litre International Engine of the Year
2003
Best Roadster Auto Express Used Car Honours
Best Engine 1.8-2.0-litre International Engine of the Year
2004
Best Convertible The Sunday Times
Best Sports Car Auto Express Driver Power Survey
Best Engine 1.8-2.0-litre International Engine of the Year
2005
1st Place overall Auto Express Driver Power Survey
Best Sports Car Top Gear Reader Survey
2006
Winner Auto Express Driver Power Survey – making it the second consecutive year and scoring a remarkable 98 per cent in build quality, reliability and braking categories
2007
Winner Auto Express Driver Power Survey in which S2000 was voted Best Sports Car, Best for braking and best for reliability
S2000 timeline
September 1999: Sales start in the UK
March 2002: Range updated with improvements to suspension, greater choice of paint and trim colours, CD audio system. New GT model has pre-fitted aluminium hardtop
June 2002: S2000 gains 4-star rating for occupant safety in Euro NCAP crash test
January 2004: Updates include chassis stiffening, body rigidity, spring and damper settings, new wheels, steering response, advanced ABS, styling (rear bumper, triple-lens headlamps/tail-lights) and interior (trim, audio, security)
January 2006: Refreshed with drive-by-wire throttle; VSA; new wheels; roll-over hoop speakers; new paint options; interior trim
January 2008: Further enhanced with Japanese specification suspension, new alloy wheels and new interior and exterior colours

*The S2000 has a 4 star NCAP rating for adults.

http://www.honda-eu.com

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