Honda's Answer to Nissan and Mazda?
 

In the new R&T there is a brief blurb about a potential s2200 coupe to replace the s2000 roadster. This new car has a 2.2L 4 with 250-hp and more torque. There is some speculation about whether this is concrete or not. But, disregarding that, what do you guys think?

Would you consider this car over an RX-8, or a Z even?

Unfortunately I cant upload the article since its too big. If you want to see the article, go to www.s2ki.com and search for s2200 r&t, its the first thread and its on the second page. Enjoy!


:D

I saw that article as well. I'm interested in the whole package, 4 doors etc. so I would not think the S2200 coupe would be all that practical.
In the same magazine is the EVOIII and this will be giving Subie a run for their money I think.
Do you think these rally-inspired cars are a threat for RX-8 enthusiasts? I find them a little cheesy in the styling department and I think the curves and tight engineering of the RX-8 suites my tastes a little more but it is hard to ignore the fun factor of he WRX and EVOIII. The handling numbers on the EVOIII looked impressive and it is coming it at around the same price range as the 350Z/RX-8.

http://celicaman.f0e.net/S2000%20pic...0closeupsm.jpg

If it weighs less and costs less than the s2000, then things could get interesting. Otherwise, it will just be another car for the 4th gen RX-7 to devour...

i would be very interested in the 250HP s2200. However, with the current s2000 coming in at $30K+, i don't see how a base s2200 would start below $35K. price is a big factor for me.

Speaking of that same magazine, I know no one on this forum respects American cars, but no one can deny that the Z06 outperformed a BMW M3 SMG II, a porsche 911 targa, and the 350Z. It beat all of them in 0-60, skidpad, 1/4 mile, lap time, and braking. I think that's an all around whooping.

--I love rx8's and that's probably what I'll get, but I think I feel proud that us lowly Americans and our low-tech pushrod v8's will beat the tail off an $85,000 porsche.

Don't assume that nobody on this forum appreciates the Z06. Do you think I'm just some crazed import fan? :)

I didn't say that, I just feel that most people around here don't like to admit it. Don't even ask anyone here what they think about camaros or mustangs.(so old, horrible interior, handling sucks) I just love cars. low 13's in the 1/4 mile and an LS1 for 30000 or less, sounds ok to me.

btw- an S2200 sounds pretty cool to me also. But I think I'll stick to the RX8.

Sounds kinda cool, but IMHO, it looks kinda like a posessed Porsche. I think I'll keep my RX-8 when it gets here.

it will no doubt be a great performer. good for people who want performance and a drop top. On the otherhand, if you want "luxury" you prob wont find it there. S2000s have "minimalist" interior and dont even think about this car if you need room. This is not good or bad, just what it is. Its a car that stays true to its purpose.

Well, I for one have a deep respect for American Muscle. Before I found out that the RX-8 was so close to release, I had a deposit down on a 2003 SVT Cobra. They may not have the handling prowess of the RX-8, but when it comes to break-neck speed, the Cobra and the Z06 are hard to beat. The Cobra has 390hp from the factory! I have driven it and I will say this: It is scary fast...

This would definitely be a car I will cross-shop with the RX8, if in fact it actually makes it into priduction. Interestingly, Sam Mitani, the guy who did that write-up on the RX8 in last year's Road and Track, wrote this article as well.

Anyhow, they are estimating the weight to be around 1,300 KG or 2,860 lbs or less, 250 Peak HP, 173 lbs-ft. peak torque from a 2.2L VTEC engine. Personally, I would have preferred Honda built the coupe 1st (with a little bit more room - i.e. RX7) and then spun the convertible off of it because I would think a chassis originally and specifically designed for a hardtop would be superior and lighter. In addition, using their I-VTEC engine would probobly result in a better torque curve, but even based on the stats above, it should be very interesting.

Unquestionably the RX8 is much more practical and if the performance differences are not significant, I'd go with the RX8.

The S2K and even a S2.2K with 250HP would not be on my list of cars to buy for $30K-40K. I remember when the S2K first came out at $32K, but the dealers were all charging $38K+. The car looks nice and handles well, but not for that price. For the same money, you can get a nice used NSX.

Regardless, If I wanted a Japanese 2 seat convertible, I would likely get a slightly used Miata, a turbo kit, and all the other standard upgrades (brakes, suspension, etc..) installed for <$25K and be competitive or do circles around the S2K/S2.2K, not to mention other cars like Z3/M roadster and Boxster/S.

Personally, I have great respect for the Z06 and SVT Cobra. Great cars in their own right, just a different approach to speed and power than their Japanese and German counterparts. I used to "barrow" my brother's C4 in high school all the time and has driven his C5 many a times as well. These are great cars for cruising or long, straight stretches of highway. Personally, I wouldn't take one to the track, though a few of the track instructors I've had race Corvettes.

Currently my list is:
For 4 doors (daily driver):
STi, MazdaSpeed 6, Evo, and a new addition, Dodge Magnum SRT-8 (and yes, it's a wagon)

For 2 doors (weekend fun car):
427 Cobra replica, 4th gen RX-7, MazdaSpeed RX-8, 350Z/G35 Coupe

what about the prelude?
 

Does Honda have any plans on replacing the prelude? I know the Accord V6 coupe kind of fits that market but it's really more of a midsized sedan or coupe than a true-bred sports car. I'd like to see honda fill the gap between the Si and the S2000. Does anybody else have any comments on that? Thanks.

Re: what about the prelude?
 

Personally I dont' think so. The RSX-S took over that spot in the Honda line up. Remember that in Japan there are no "Acuras".. but Honda RSX-S, Integra, etc..