Here's Why It's Our Fault Honda Won't Give Us A New S2000

We are witnessing a resurgence in iconic Japanese sports cars. Legendary nameplates like the Toyota Celica and the mid-engine Toyota MR-2 are making a comeback. The process started nearly 20 years ago when Nissan introduced the R35 GT-R – an already-appreciating modern classic with vast aftermarket support for those willing to pay the price.

Honda also entered the fray with the NSX, which sadly, did not perform to expectations. The brand already missed one shot at properly reviving one of its legendary models and while Honda can pull another rabbit out of its hat in the form of the S2000, the Japanese carmaker seems more willing to play it safe and cut its losses. Part of the reason why a new Honda S2000 will probably not happen is us enthusiasts, and here's why. 

Not many people would pay the asking price 

The original Honda S2000 was on its own platform. It did not share any major components with other Honda and Acura models, meaning the company had to develop a bespoke chassis, drivetrain, and engine.

This costs money. In modern days when carmakers are looking to maximize parts sharing between different models, developing a new platform from scratch for a low-volume model would be financially unsound.  

If done, you can be sure the revived Honda S2000 would cost a hefty sum. Back in 2009, the S2000 had an MSRP of $35,705, which adjusted for inflation comes up to $53,380 – nearly double the price of another compact Japanese roadster, currently on sale. In short, the development costs would be too high to justify a car, tailored to a small consumer base like us car enthusiasts. 

There is a better alternative out there that costs less 

If you are looking for a compact Japanese roadster with a normally aspirated engine, currently, only one Japanese car fits the bill – the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The days when Miata was trailing behind the Honda S2000 are long gone as the current, ND2 Miata is quicker, more balanced, and offers more modern tech without sacrificing the lightweight characteristics of the roadster.

Moreover, Honda S2000 prices on the used market are in the same neighborhood as a brand-new Mazda MX-5. Considering the aforementioned development costs, if Honda were to revive the S2000 now, that car would have an MSRP of at least $55,000, which is too much for the average car enthusiast. We haven't even gotten to dealership markups, which are sure to play havoc with the hypothetical market for the new Honda S2000. 

It will have to lose some of the old S2000's unique characteristics 

One of the original Honda S2000's defining characteristics was the normally-aspirated F20C/ F22C normally-aspirated engine. The high-rev four-cylinder engine could rev to 9,000 RPM and with 237 to 247 horsepower on tap (depending on model year and market), it boasted the highest specific output of any normally aspirated engine. The engine also sat behind the front axle, giving the S2000 a front-mid-engine layout, and was exclusively mated to a six-speed manual. 

Needless to say, a normally-aspirated, high-revving engine, lacking low-end torque would not be able to cover today's strict emissions and noise regulations, so Honda would have to resort to forced induction. This would mean the new S2000 will have to sacrifice some of its uniqueness to satisfy ever-stringent government mandates. Luckily, Honda still has the K20 turbo-four engine, which packs up to 326 horsepower and 309 pound-feet in the Honda Civic Type-R. Not to mention the aftermarket support for the K-series platform. 

Despite rumors about a new Honda S2000 circulating the internet for a decade now, I think the Japanese carmaker will not be reviving the iconic roadster anytime soon. The brand is more focused on hybrids and EVs and even the new Honda Prelude will be a FHEV, although there is a glimmer of hope that a Prelude Type-S could happen. On that disappointing note, I will cease my rambling, but feel free to share your thoughts on the matter in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Honda S2000