New Honda S2000 Offers An Enhanced Driving Experience

Part of the enhanced ride and handling package are stylish new alloy wheels with a twin 5-spoke pattern, increased from 16 inch to 17 inch for a more aggressive appearance, and riding on wider Bridgestone Potenza tyres for increased grip. 205/55R16 tyres are replaced by 215/45 R17 ones at the front and 225/50R 16 by 245/40R17 at the rear. A corresponding change in tread pattern, from S-02 to RE050, gives a better balance between wet and dry performance.

Steering characteristics don’t go unchanged, and new settings to the Electrical Power Steering (EPS) system – the steering gear ratio is now 7 per cent ‘slower’ – and a more rigid mounting provide greater precision, feel and response.

And finally a lighter and more advanced ABS system features software that deals more effectively and intelligently with situations in which levels of surface grip differ momentarily between one wheel and another, for added stability.

The overall result is a dynamic capability that enables the exhilarating performance of the Honda S2000’s race-bred 2.0 litre VTEC engine – 150 mph top speed and 0-62 mph dash in 6.2 seconds – to be exploited to the full.

Improved controls boost driving experience

The driving experience also benefits from some small, but nonetheless effective improvements to the drivetrain. There is now a smoother, more positive feel to gear shifting thanks to the use of carbon fibre-type synchromesh components on all forward gears, which reduce wear, are lighter in weight and have a greater capacity.

Greater refinement, and the reduced transmission of noise and vibration to the cabin are the benefits of a more rigid clutch housing, while at the same time the differential casing is strengthened. A new clutch delay system ensures that the engine’s high levels of torque are transferred smoothly and seamlessly.

And Honda has now increased accelerator pedal effort, while reducing pedal travel, which provides greater consistency and a more linear feel.

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