Jump forward with me to 2008 or so, when the S2000 is theoretically due for replacement.
Here's what I'd do for the successor.
I'd build a 2.5 liter 24 valve DOHC Inline-6, i-VTEC, with pneumatically "sprung" valves a la F1. Short-stroke, generous-bore motor with an astronomically high redline...say 14K. Somewhere around 280hp, 180tq.. :drool:
Maybe I'd throw in IMA as an option, maybe not. :chuckles:
Then...expand the Tochigi assembly plant to further support the manufacture and assembly of an aluminum bodied hardtop [& convertable] variant..about the same size as the current S2K, maybe a scoshe smaller.
ItalDesign or Pininfarina would be contracted for the design work, this time exclusively.
Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the new "F25C1" would be mounted in the body with the majority of the block behind the front axle. Obviously, rear wheel drive....
Then tell marketing to price it at $35K..
Sounds nice, eh? :happysad: