Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Honda S2000 Receives Enhanced Power and Improved Handling for 2004

Torrance, Calif. 10/06/2003 -- The S2000 receives a comprehensive list of improvements for 2004 to deliver a more potent and sporting driving experience. Improvements for 2004 include a larger displacement engine with a broader power band, a re-tuned suspension, and enhancements to the body and interior designed to make the roadster an even more compelling track car and a more refined daily driver.

The 2004 S2000 accelerates with increased authority and more pull through corners with an enhanced powerband that comes on sooner and stronger. High performance power now starts as soon as 3,000 rpm compared to 6,000 rpm on the 2003 model. New suspension tuning with larger wheels and tires improves cornering grip while minimizing the effects of road disturbances. Compared to the 2003 model, the 2004 S2000 benefits from the following major enhancements:

Larger displacement 2.2-liter engine (+0.2 liters) produces 240 horsepower @ 7800 rpm (+0 @ -500) and 162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 6500 (+8 @ -1000)

17-inch wheels and tires replace 16-inch wheels and tires
Body rigidity increased
Revised suspension tuning
Revised transmission gear ratios with carbon synchronizers on all forward gears
Bolder front and rear exterior styling with triple-beam lens designs
Freshened interior design with improved shoulder and elbow room
New options including XM Satellite Radio and headrest speakers
On the street, the 2004 S2000 transmits less ride harshness. Inside, shoulder and elbow room increases by as much as 20 mm and a redesigned center console has been added with two cupholders (previously just one) and a one-touch sliding lid.

The 2004 S2000 engine has been re-designed and displacement increased by 0.2 liters through lengthening the stroke of piston travel. Improvements to the engine result in available torque and horsepower increasing between 4- and 10-percent among 1000 rpm and 8000 rpm, which helps to boost acceleration at lower rpms. The 2.2-liter, DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine meets California's strict Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. Honda's innovative VTEC advanced variable valve-timing system, operates the S2000 engine's 16 valves (4 per cylinder) in both intake and exhaust modes. This system is compact and tailored to the high-output, high-rpm operating characteristics of the S2000 engine.

A revised 6-speed, manual transmission provides lower gear ratios on gears one through five. To further magnify the increase in engine performance, gears one through four are 4 percent lower than the 2003 model. The transmission is a compact design and features a direct shift linkage with class-leading feel and short throws. New carbon synchronizers on gears one through six replace brass double and triple cone synchronizers on select gears to enhance the already excellent "direct feel" associated with the S2000 transmission.

A Torsen limited-slip differential smoothly delivers power to the rear wheels, regardless of traction conditions. The S2000 engine and transmission are capable of accelerating the S2000 from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds.

Honda's racing experience is also evident in the S2000's responsive handling. The chassis has an ideal 50/50 weight distribution, and the body and frame are a hybrid monocoque-frame structure that forms a highly rigid platform for the S2000's in-wheel double wishbone suspension system,and plays an important role in helping the S2000 achieve its high level of safety protection. Body rigidity has been increased for 2004 by strengthening key points on the body and chassis. The power steering system is a highly responsive, electrically assisted type, which has been retuned for 2004 to provide enhanced feedback to the driver.

Larger front 215/45 and rear 245/40 R-rated tires are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16"), while large11-inch brake discs (vented in front) provide excellent stopping power and brake feel. New brake pad material improves the pedal feel and resists fading in high performance driving. An anti-lock braking system is standard.

The exterior styling of the S2000's body is bolder with new front and rear styling elements. The nose has slightly improved aerodynamics for 2004 that involve a new front bumper design and re-positioned air intakes. The front headlights employ a new triple beam design and the rear taillights are also a new triple beam design with LED illumination.

The S2000's exterior features the following colors: Berlina Black, Grand Prix White, New Formula Red, Sebring Silver Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Rio Yellow Pearl and Suzuka Blue Metallic. Sebring Silver Metallic and Silverstone Metallic exterior colors are available with either a new red and black interior color combination or an all black interior.

The interior is modern and designed with the driver's needs in mind. A redesigned center console contains two cupholders (previously just one) and a new storage tray and overall enhanced functionality. The radio features XM Satellite Radio capability with an optional dealer-installed receiver and antenna. Dealer-installed headrest speakers (two per seat) are also now available.

For 2004, controls such as the steering, brakes and clutch, operate with a new level of precision and have an even more direct feel. The aluminum leather-wrapped shift knob, F1-inspired digital instrument display and separate engine-start button serve as a reminder of the racing heritage of the S2000.

2004 S2000 Improvements

Performance and Handling
Dynamic acceleration increased
Transmission shifter direct feel increased
High-speed stability enhanced
At-the-limit performance increased with more gradual fall-off
Sensitivity to disturbances decreased (less bump steer)
Steering feedback enhanced
Brake pedal dynamic feel enhanced
Comfort and Convenience
Interior space increased
Interior storage functionality increased
Optional audio features added - XM Satellite Radio capability
Dealer-installed speaker headrests (2 per seat) available