The 2008 Honda S2000 comes with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). (VSA is the Honda brand name for 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. Inside, the minor changes include revised instrument panel meters and minor revisions to the seat design. Also, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been added.
Powertrain
The 2.2-liter, DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine produces 237 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque while meeting California's Low-Emission Vehicle 2 (LEV-2) standards. Honda's innovative VTEC advanced variable valve-timing system operates the engine's 16 valves in both intake and exhaust modes. This system is compact and tailored to the high-output, high-rpm operating characteristics of the S2000 engine. Torque and horsepower are optimized over the engine's entire operating range to simultaneously provide low-end power and top-end performance near the engines 8000 rpm redline. The S2000 is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds.
The aluminum-alloy cylinder head maximizes space efficiency with a compact gear and chain-drive system for the dual overhead camshafts. The ancillary drive system for the alternator, water pump and air-conditioning compressor also use a space-efficient design.
The engine's highly rigid, aluminum-alloy cylinder block features long-wearing FRM (Fiber-Reinforced Metal) cylinder liners.
ightweight pistons are made of forged aluminum alloy and the forged-steel connecting rods and crankshaft are heat-treated for added toughness. Numerous friction-reduction techniques, such as, roller-bearing cam followers and advanced bearing materials, are used in the engine.
A large-capacity, low-restriction intake system and low back-pressure exhaust system contribute to the engine's overall efficiency and help create the S2000's audible performance demeanor. (The S2000 CR sport muffler is tuned for a more aggressive exhaust note.) The exhaust system uses a high-efficiency metal-honeycomb catalyst. A direct-ignition system and Honda-programmed multi-point fuel injection contribute to the S2000's engine achieving its LEV-2 status.
A 6-speed, manual transmission uses closely-spaced low gear ratios on gears one through five, and a "tall" sixth speed gear for relaxed highway cruising (65mph = 3500 rpm). The transmission is a compact design and features a direct mechanical shift linkage with short throws between each gear. A Torsen limited-slip differential distributes torque to both rear wheels simultaneously or variably as traction conditions permit.
Body
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