What could the Honda S2000 be? The full story is inside.
According to Autocar, Honda has filed patents in Japan indicating that it is developing a new roadster that will replace the Honda S2000. According to the application, the car will have an engine that is fitted to a central frame. This suggests that the rear-wheel-drive car will be mid-engined.
This magazine believes that this model will be hybrid. However, it is speculation based upon Honda’s constantly changing corporate strategy. Honda will have to create something unique and affordable, as S2000 sales have declined in recent years. The Japanese automaker is pushing for vehicles that emit less direct emissions, which supports the possibility of a hybrid roadster.
After cancelling their Honda/Acura NSX successor and eliminating niche models from both brands, the company was thought to be only in the “mass market” game. If the successor to the S2000 is designed to compete directly with the Mazda MX-5/Miata, it could be in line with this strategy.
According to the patent application the company will use parts and a frame that are derived from existing models. However, these can be modified. In an effort to keep the weight down, aluminum will be used. According to current speculation, the car will likely be built on the same platform as the Honda Jazz.
Autocar hopes for the best. They envision a drop-top that is 50/50 in weight, with a well-geared electric motor and a petrol engine with more horsepower than the CRZ. The magazine writes that such a model could sprint to 100 km/h in just six seconds.