Honda's S2000 is ready to drive off
Wrapping up a 10-year run, Honda’s S2000 roadster will drove off into the automotive sunset at the end of the 2009 model-year. The announcement follows the Japanese automaker’s decision to scrub the launch of an all-new NSX supercar.
Hailed by some, hated by others, the S2000 was a high-revving 2-seater that was originally intended as a short-run celebration of Honda’s 50th anniversary. It became notably popular on the local motor sports circuit, especially after the introduction of the S2000 CR – or club racer – edition.
“The S2000 is a sports car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., in a prepared release. “It raised the bar for all future roadsters, and it’s already considered a classic by many Honda fans.”
Why Honda has decided to pull the plug now is unclear, though the carmaker seems to be concentrating on relatively high-volume models. If anything, Honda has shown, over the years, a readiness to make unexpected moves, including its decision to cancel the short-lived hybrid model of its Accord, two years ago.
There was still a bit of shock, however, when the maker killed the next NSX program. The supercar, sold in the U.S. through Honda’s Acura franchise, had been a real attention-getting and “halo car” in its first incarnation. In the planned re-make, Honda had hinted at pushing even further into the hyper-performance category normally associated with European brands like Ferrari.
With the sudden slump in automotive markets worldwide, and growing questions about long-term fuel prices, industry insiders believe Honda planners found it increasingly difficult to create a business plan for the NSX that didn’t predict massive financial losses. So, even though development of the new sports car was close to complete, Honda chose to kill the project off. It’s unclear if the company might reconsider and revive NSX should market conditions improve.