Seeking to highlight the on-track potential of the new 2008 S2000 CR, Honda
announced today that two S2000 CRs will race in the annual "25 Hours of
Thunderhill" endurance race on December 1 and 2. Billed as the "most severe
endurance race on the planet," the 25 Hours of Thunderhill will mark the
first time the 2008 S2000 CR will compete in a sanctioned motorsports event.
Cars in the race will be driven by two teams of four drivers comprised of
Honda associates from its various North American operations, and two members
of the automotive media.
Engineers from Honda R&D Americas built the cars to National Auto Sport
Association (NASA) Performance Touring C (PTC) specs in an effort to
demonstrate the on-track performance capability of the S2000 CR. The
modifications were kept simple to show how easily track-day or amateur
racing enthusiasts can convert their own CRs, and take them to the track.
Each vehicle will be outfitted with a McMahen Autosports Roll Cage, BF
Goodrich g-Force R1 DOT racing tires, custom single-outlet race exhaust by
AEM, Goodridge stainless steel brake hoses and Cobalt Friction XR series
racing brake pads.
Honda has already established a successful track record at the Thunderhill
competition. In 2005, Honda associates campaigned two identically prepared
2006 Civic Si racecars which placed first and second in class and fourth and
sixth overall in a field of 58 cars.
Building on the already great qualities of the S2000, the S2000 CR
introduces more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing
bodywork, a removable hardtop, higher rigidity and reduced weight to the
S2000 formula. The added features are designed to appeal to enthusiasts who
enjoy open track-day events and to provide a more ideal starting point for
racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club racing events.
PRESS RELEASE
The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2008 Honda S2000
starts at $34,300, plus destination and handling charges, when the vehicle
goes on sale today, announced American Honda Motor Co., Inc. The 2008 S2000
MSRP reflects a $50 increase compared to 2007 prices.
The MSRP* for the newly-introduced S2000 CR starts at $36,300, plus
destination and handling charges. The S2000 CR enhances the S2000 with more
track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a
removable aluminum hardtop that replaces the convertible soft top, higher
rigidity and reduced weight. The S2000 CR equipped with air conditioning and
an AM/FM/CD audio system is available for the MSRP* of $37,300, plus
destination and handling charges.
The S2000 represents the purest expression of Honda fun-to-drive DNA with
its 2-seat, open-topped roadster configuration and sophisticated
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform. As a true sports car that can serve
as a practical and fun daily driver that can also feel equally at home on a
racetrack, the 2008 S2000 further evolves with the addition of a club
racer-inspired S2000 CR. The added S2000 CR features are designed to appeal
to enthusiasts who enjoy open track day events and also provide a more ideal
starting point for racers who modify the S2000 for competition in club
racing events.
The front engine, rear-wheel-drive 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
an ideal 50/50 weight balance.
The renowned high-revving engine delivers 237 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 162
lb-ft. of torque at 6800 rpm. Perfectly complementing the engine's
high-output characteristic is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio
6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise
shifting and quick throws. Additional performance features include a front
and rear double wishbone suspension, electric power steering and a
torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential.
The S2000 comes with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (new wheel design for
2008), ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as electronic
stability control. 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. Air conditioning and an
AM/FM/CD audio system are standard equipment on the S2000, optional on the
S2000 CR for weight savings.
New for 2008, the S2000 has revised spring and damper tuning that subtly
influences steering feel and high speed vehicle behavior. The instrument
panel has a revised meter design for the fuel and temperature gauges, adding
to the aesthetics of the display. Specifically, the fuel and temperature
meters now reside along the arc formed by the tachometer instead of a
semi-circle configuration below and to the right of the tachometer. Also, a
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been added.
The S2000 has dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) for the driver
and passenger, three-point seat belts with load limiters and automatic
tensioning system, roll bar hoops and reinforced windshield posts. For
pedestrian safety, the hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots are designed
to collapse and help minimize the severity of a head injury to a pedestrian.
S2000 CR
The S2000 CR is an entirely new trim level for 2008. 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. Compared to the S2000, the factory-tuned
S2000 CR provides more aggressive track-oriented suspension settings,
increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction, and
aerodynamic spoilers tuned for reduced lift and enhanced chassis balance at
high speeds. A removable aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top.
The aerodynamic package reduces lift through large and specially-tuned front
and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering
ratio, more aggressive Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires (in place of RE050
tires), a larger rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger
stabilizer bars and the S2000's new wheel design in Kaiser Silver. A rear
body brace has been added to the area previously occupied by the soft top,
resulting in additional rigidity. Relative to the base 2008 S2000,
cumulative weight savings total 51 pounds (hardtop installed) and 99 pounds
(hardtop removed). A sport-tuned muffler adds to the vehicles heightened
performance feel.
The S2000 CR interior follows traditional racecar themes. Fabric seating
surfaces with yellow stitching help create a sporty appearance while
synthetic suede bolsters enhance lateral grip. An exclusive spherical
aluminum shift knob on the S2000 CR rests 12.6 mm lower for a 6 percent
reduction in shift stroke compared to the conventional S2000 cylindrical
shift knob (aluminum/leather wrapped). Additionally, shift load effort
increases by 10 percent for even more direct feedback when engaging a gear.
The S2000 CR instrument panel meters include a "peak-power indicator." When
the engine is operating at peak power, a round, green light illuminates to
the right of the digital speedometer. To save weight, air conditioning and
an AM/FM/CD audio system are only available as factory-installed optional
equipment.
The design and engineering concept for the S2000 is to deliver race-car-like
performance and handling-something an enthusiast driver could use and enjoy,
even in everyday driving situations. In addition, the S2000 is intended to
be a modern, socially-responsible automobile with low emissions. The S2000's
roadster layout also captures the spirit of the legendary high-performance
sports cars of the past, as well as Honda's very first sports car, the S500
roadster. However, the S2000 makes no attempt to be a retro sports car. It
is a unique, Honda interpretation of a modern sports car - with high
performance, state-of-the-art technology, style, and Honda durability,
quality and refinement.
* MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $635.00 destination charge and
options. Dealer prices may vary.
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