Coming to a Track Near You: Club Racer-Inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR

[webby]

Prototype Makes World Debut at the New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, U.S.A., April 4, 2007– The club racer-inspired 2008 Honda S2000 CR Prototype making its world debut at the New York International Auto Show introduces a higher level of track-worthy performance and style to the S2000 roadster, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced.



The S2000 CR will be available as an entirely new S2000 trim level when it goes on sale in the fall of 2007. The lighter, stiffer and more aggressive overall design is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance and feel. The factory-tuned roadster provides highly-aggressive suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction and an aerodynamic body kit dialed-in for reduced lift. An aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top as standard equipment.

"The S2000 CR is the closest thing you can get to a Honda-built racecar with license plate holders and a horn," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Its features and equipment are designed to appeal to weekend club racing enthusiasts."

The full-body aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and highly-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, a wider rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars and a new wheel design in a dark gray color.

Substantial structural bracing has been added to the storage area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. The aluminum hard top replaces the soft top of the conventional S2000, resulting in an overall weight savings of approximately 90 pounds when removed (relative to the current S2000).

The exclusive interior is highlighted by unique cloth seating surfaces with yellow stitching, a unique spherical aluminum shifter and carbon fiber-style trim panels. Air conditioning and an AM/FM Stereo with CD player are optional equipment. Standard features for the S2000 include 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). While VSA serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant it.

Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is the performance icon for the Honda brand and combines uncompromising racetrack-ready performance with everyday usability. The S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and a perfect 50/50 weight balance.

The renowned high-revving engine delivers 237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. Perfectly complimenting the engine's output characteristics is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise shifting and quick throws. Combined with a front and rear double wishbone suspension, precise electric power steering, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential, the end result is a complete, no compromise, performance package for the enthusiast driver.

View the entire gallery -

[trystar]

damn that thing looks hot

[spocheld]

Wow, they finally decided to make it come with a hard top standard, got me thinking about it finally as I hate convertibles. And wow does that look hot!

[Dueces22]

It looks 98.3% exactly the same!

it looks tight tho!

[edciv]

i'd lose the wing personally but i like it a lot otherwise.. i wonder how much more it'll cost because it says CR!

[SiAzul]

^^what he said

[06si]

^^What they said

[07Sin4Door]

Hotness without wing

[Hondahawaii777]

That car is HIDEOUS!!!


As a matter of fact, its SO bad, that there is a petition amongst S2K owners to not even produce it.

To: Honda North America

This petition is to reflect the distaste and lack of satisfaction by the Honda S2000 Owners Community over Honda North America's "S2000 CR Concept" by demanding for the concept's destruction and non-production after the New York Auto Show.

It is an insulting move by Honda North America and clearly goes against the supporters of the vehicle, many of which are return buyers, and its followers.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

EDIT:

Here's the link:

http://www.petitiononline.com/NCS2KCR/petition.html

[DOHCivicSI]

This is SeXX

[DOHCivicSI]

we need to petition the CREATION of this sexx machine!

[webby]

I'm surprised more people haven't commented on the look of it. I personally hate the rear wing. I think it makes the car look horrible which is why I'm not surprised someone has started a petition.

[vtzboi]

dont like the front end sorry but i love the wing n hard top

[taffysi]

I love it. Isn't this the U.S version of their Type-R version? Except this is called a CR? I can't believe people are petitioning to have them not make it. I want it!! Isn't it also the same as petitioning not to have a Civic Type R here?

[Skylinegtr06]

Im pissed off because its mostly exterior, where is the perofrmance upgrade? Engine is exactly the same, now if they could bump it up to 300hp or supercharger then it would be a hit

[3pac2k6]

^^^^ I agree. 162 lb-ft. of torque?

[edciv]

if you don't like the wing...... TAKE IT OFF!! i wasn't expecting the motor to be something out of this world.. the s2000 motor has so much potential... what i wouldn't mind is a price reduction in order to have the people buying it (hopefully me) have some extra money on the side to modify it the way i want but that's just wishful thinking

[07TWSi]

man, they ruined the s2000. the s2000 was all about understated good looks not gigantic wings and ridiculous humps. don't make it.

[jpik2003]

Car - ehh
Wing - no
Hard top - yep

[IWANNAGOFAST]

car is gross to the max.

the hardtop is exactly the same as the oem hardtop that's been offered every year the s2k has been avaliable.