Keep in mind that Honda has an "exotic" factory which builds only the NSX and S2000, and essentially by hand. Well, I mean, the body panels and stuff are formed by machine but it's done a lot more by hand than a mass production line.

It would stand to reason that this factory is not readily able to be converted to producing one of Honda's global platforms and even if it were, volume would most likely be too low to justify the cost of the changeover. Therefore we can assume that Honda at the very least wants to keep the plant open, which means they'll have to continue to build something not that far from the NSX or S2000.

 

good.

 

Yes! I agree.Someday soon I want to replace my 6 year old Type R,with something else!

 

this is just rumor and speculation...even the auto mags print it...i can't even count the number of times a rumor printed in automobile, c&d, mt, r&t were wrong

the s2k will not go away b/c it brings excitement to the brand and gets people in the dealership just to look at it...it is also affordable (uncommon for such a track ready racer)

the nsx has been the flagship of honda's engineering prowess and accomplishment (hard to justify cost)...remember when it first came out...it was a huge success...but the current model is now long in the tooth so sales are lagging

 

I thought the S2000 was the Boxster rival. At least that's what they always compare it to in magazines.

 

It is in terms of performance, but not in terms of prestige, comfort or space.

 

the s2000 is meant to be a very enthusiast oriented car, so it's pretty bare-bones and it has very few luxurious features. the boxster (also the slk, and z4) are meant to have more perks and creature comforts. while they have bigger engines and comparable specs, they are definately a lot less performance-driven models.

i suppose they could make a roadster based on the s2000, but sell it in NA under the acura brand and load it with features and options.. that would be interesting, but i don't see it happening.

i think honda really needs an icon model to solidify their lineup. the NSX and the s2000 do just that. if they got rid of them both it would be terrible for their image, imo.

 

The Boxster isn't performance oriented? I think not.

The "$40,000 Boxster competitor" most likely refers to the fact that during the run-up to the introduction of the S2000, certain people within American Honda wanted to sell it as an Acura here. Thus, American Honda still wants a $40,000-ish direct competitor for the Boxster which can be sold as an Acura.

 

funny how i never said that

 

i finally got my automobile mag so i could read the article...after a couple read throughs it seems likely that acura is scared of selling a 100k car that sells in such small volume that it gives it little in terms of sales...i'm wondering if they are considering a 40-50k performance coupe (rwd or awd...maybe front engine) along the lines of a vette...something affordable yet high performance