It’s been over ten years since Honda first released the S2000 in celebration of its golden anniversary…
The Well Rounded and Absurdly Responsive Honda S2000 AP2 (Click to Enlarge)
and with the final S2000 having sadly rolled off the assembly line back on August 7, 2009 we figured it was high time we showed the plucky Honda roadster some love and featured it as our photo of the day.
The AP2 (2004-2009) included the introduction of a larger version of the F20C engine for the North American market. Designated F22C1, the engine’s stroke was lengthened, increasing its displacement to 2,157 cc (132 cu in). At the same time, the redline was reduced from 8,800 rpm to 8,000 rpm with a cutout at 8,200 rpm, mandated by the longer travel of the pistons. Peak torque increased 6% to 162lb-ft at 6,500rpm while power output was the same 237hp at a lower 7,800rpm. In conjunction with its introduction of the F22C1, Honda also changed the transmission gear ratios by shortening the first four gears and lengthening the last two. Another change was the inclusion of a clutch release delay valve.
Production of the S2000 ceased in June 2009. Plans for an S2000 successor were scrapped in the aftermath of the automotive industry crisis of 2008. To commemorate the production run of the S2000, Honda offered a special variant called the S2000 Ultimate Edition for the European market, and a similar GT Edition 100 variant for the UK. These editions featured a removable hard top, Grand Prix White paint scheme, red leather interior, and numbered plaques.
A native of Tampa, FL Robert is the presiding editor and co-owner of both Down Shift Magazine and DS Holdings, LLC. A proud alumnus of the University of South Florida’s class of 2005 Robert is active in the Tampa Bay community and when not residing at his home in Tampa, FL enjoys traveling throughout the United States and abroad covering the motorsports and cultural phenomenon that shape our modern automotive enthusiast community.
