AP2v2 PERFORMANCE AND REFINEMENT - 2006 HONDA S2000

SUMMARY - PERFORMANCE AND REFINEMENT - SPECS

Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car and performance icon for the Honda brand, the S2000 combines uncompromising racetrack ready performance with everyday usability. For 2006 Honda builds on that premise with significant updates to further improve performance and refinement.

Notable changes to the 2006 S2000 include electronic Drive-by-Wire (DBW) Throttle System™, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), maintenance minder system, standard headrest speakers, an outside temperature gauge, revised seat and console designs, a unique new alloy wheel design, and the addition of Laguna Blue Pearl as an exterior color.

"Never content to leave well-enough alone, we're committed to maintaining the S2000's performance and technological leadership in its segment," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It's a car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, and it represents the ultimate expression of the fun-to-drive characteristic found in all Honda vehicles."

The S2000's renowned high-revving, 2.2-liter, DOHC, VTEC™ (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) 4-cylinder engine remains the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance technology, delivering 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 short throws.

For 2006, the S2000 comes equipped with a Drive-by-Wire throttle control system eliminating the need for a mechanical connection between the throttle pedal and the engine. This enables the continuous monitoring and adjustment of throttle pedal sensitivity to create an ideal match between throttle response and driving conditions. The system also manages the S2000's cruise control function for greater precision.

Also new for 2006 is Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist system, making the S2000 more stable and forgiving than ever during street driving or in inclement weather conditions. Working in concert with the Drive-by-Wire system, VSA continuously monitors yaw rate, steering input, throttle input, and braking pressure to determine if the car is following its driver's intended path, and can independently coordinate each of the disk brakes through the 4-channel anti-lock brake system, along with the throttle, to enhance vehicle stability. While this 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. To help provide optimum stopping power, the braking system also features Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist.

The S2000's rear-wheel-drive chassis and powertrain layout results in a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for perfect balance when cornering, while its hybrid monocoque body and "high X-bone frame" results in exceptional structural rigidity. 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.

Standard features for the S2000 include a power retractable convertible top, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, leather trimmed seats, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, now with daytime running lights. An aluminum hardtop and XM Satellite Radio are available as dealer installed options.

For 2006, the S2000 cockpit receives a new seat design and an updated console. Racecar style digital gauges and driver oriented control layout characterize the Formula 1 inspired interior, while new headrest speakers enhance audio enjoyment during top-down driving. Additional equipment includes an AM/FM stereo CD player, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, and a new outside temperature gauge. Also new for 2006 is a maintenance minder system that notifies the driver when service is required based on driving conditions and oil life rather than on fixed time or mileage intervals and daytime running lamps.

Laguna Blue Pearl is a new color for 2006 that compliments the S2000's sharp-edged roadster styling, and joins the existing palate of colors, including Silverstone Metallic, Sebring Silver, New Formula Red, Suzuka Blue Metallic, Rio Yellow Pearl, Berlina Black, and Grand Prix White.

*For the 2006 model year, all Honda horsepower and torque specifications have been updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations that went into affect in January of 2005. These new calculations reflect a number of significant changes in the way horsepower and torque are measured and may cause SAE net horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. To avoid confusion, all 2006 Honda press materials will specify "SAE net (Rev 8/04") after all horsepower and torque figures to denote adherence to the new standards.