Honda Consider Reviving Legendary Roadster S2000

JAKARTA Japanese manufacturer Honda confirmed that they are considering reviving one of its iconic models, Honda S2000. The car that was produced between 1999 and 2009.

Director of the Product Division of Honda Takashi Yamamoto, said that the company sees significant potential in building small rear-wheeled sports roadsters that are again driving drivers. The statement raises speculation that the next generation of S2000 could be announced in the near future.

According to various media sources reported by Drive, Tuesday, November 4, Honda is exploring designs that combine light, fun characters driven from the first generation of S2000 with modern technology such as turbochargers or even hybrid-assist.

Honda's internal sources also explain that the future views of this model are not limited to nostalgia. The development team targets that the new S2000 will maintain the front-hand engine layout (front-engineer, rear-wheel drive/RWD) as well as add contemporary features such as digital help systems and better efficiency levels.

In the original model, Honda S2000 is known for its naturally absorbed 2.0 liter engine which was able to achieve a red-line of 9.000 rpm an achievement for the light roadster category at that time. Honda Australia said that the car was believed to be a classic sportcar that should be recognized.

Although Honda has not released official specifications or launch schedules, several series of rumors suggest that this model can be introduced around the end of 2025 or early 2026. If using a turbo or hybrid engine, the company must also ensure that the fun-to-drive' character from S2000 is maintained, not just increasing energy.

One of the challenges faced by Honda is to keep the weight of the vehicle low and the handling sharp. This is because the driving style that characterizes the S2000 is responsive and close to the driver, not merely the acceleration rate or the highest speed.

If Honda only adds turbo or hybrid and then increases the car until it forgets its balance, then the spirit of the S2000 is no longer. The challenge is to unite modern technology with a sense of 'driver's car'," said one analyst.

However, until now there has been no official confirmation regarding which prices or markets will get the model. However, in terms of global strategy, the presence of the new S2000 can be a symbol that Honda not only plays in the family car or SUV segment, but also maintains an encouraging legacy of sports cars.