Honda is getting ready to revive one of its most famous badges.
No, we’re not getting a new Legend. Even better, the S2000 could be making a comeback.
Forbes reports Honda’s “marketing gurus are seriously considering the launch of a next-generation S2000 that could surface to celebrate the coupe’s 25th anniversary in 2024”.
Power is expected to come from a version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the Civic Type R with power cranked up to deliver 250kW and 400Nm.
Don’t worry, the delightful six-speed manual transmission is expected to carry over.
According the Forbes the new S2000 will be a similar size to its dainty predecessor which, at 4145mm long and 1750mm wide, was slightly larger than a current Mazda MX-5.
It won’t be a carbon copy, however. The report says Honda is planning to use aluminium and carbon fibre to keep its weight below 1350kg, and the front-end styling will be modernised with slimmer headlights.
Revealed in concept form in 1995 and put into production in 1999, the S2000 was conceived to celebrate the Honda Motor Company’s 50th Anniversary.
Power came from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 176kW and 208Nm, all of which was delivered right at the top end of the rev range. VTEC, yo.
Production ended in 2009, since which point Honda has stayed quiet about a second-generation. Rather than dusting off the S2000 badge, it revived the NSX nameplate for a hybrid V6 supercar.
Launched as an Acura at the 2015 Detroit motor show, it was earlier this year removed from the local range as Honda prepares to move from its current dealer franchise setup to a centrally-managed agency model.
Honda isn’t alone in looking to its past for some sporting inspiration. Toyota has dusted off the Supra badge as part of a tie-up with BMW, while the Nissan 400Z has one eye firmly on the 240Z.
