From Autoexpress:

It's fast, stylish and hi-tech - and also the car Honda said it would never design. Auto Express can exclusively reveal the firm is working flat-out on this stunning coupé, which has already hit the test track in Japan.

Sources have revealed the newcomer - known internally as the S2200 - is to be based on the S2000 roadster, but will be a fixed-head coupé. Previously, bosses had said there would never be a tin-top version of the convertible. Inspired by the innovative S800 coupé - which was built as a sister car to the classic S800 roadster - the S2200 is likely to cost around £27,000. A strict two-seater, it's set to debut as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show late next year.

Powered by a high-revving, four-cylinder 250bhp 2.2-litre engine, the car will rival the likes of Mazda's RX-8 and the new Nissan 350Z. Speed and driveability are top of the list of priorities for Honda's top brass. And as a result, torque output will be impressive, with early indications suggesting the coupé will offer at least 235Nm.

Our insiders say adding a hard-top and glass rear window will mean the car tips the scales at about 1,320kg. However, we've been informed a sub-1,300kg figure is the goal. Despite the extra weight the metal roof will add, en- gineers still insist the car will be faster than the current S2000.
Early estimates suggest the S2200 will sprint from 0-60mph in around six seconds, and hit a top speed of more than 150mph.

Inside, the car will maintain the no-frills feel of the S2000, and include a digital dash and a starter button. Also on offer will be bucket seats, air-con and electric windows.

 

That will be sweet, I hope it happens. 0-60 in only 6 seconds though, doesn't the S2k do it in high 5's. I figure with 10 more hp and 70 more tq it would be well into the 5's.

 

If it's true, I love this. I've never been all too hot on convertibles in the first place, and the hard top for the S2K always looked tacked on.

They've added power, more character lines, still need to see the front but it looks great.

 

250 hp? 2.0 makes 240hp. looks like an rx7.

 

I don't know. I've always liked the look of the hardtop accessory for the current S2000. That picture above, the rear window is just angled to much to off-balance the long hood. Somehow, it just doesn't look right, IMO. I like this better:



By the way, 2.2L should ad at least 20hp to 260hp, if not 280hp (using the 140hp/L in the current model now).

 

Kazi...a rare screw up...check your math bro. The current S2K has 120 HP/L. Try next time bro :fawk:

I love the idea of this. But 27,000 pounds is an AWFUL lot...that's $42,000 USD! That coupe is quite obviously photoshopped, but it is beautiful. I love how the photoshopped that Z4-like hump in the trunk. Looks very nice. Imagine how nice a fixed roof S2000 will handle...holy shit! The cabriolet already kicks the ass of everything this side of a Ferrari 360 Modena. The bastards at R&T can suck it for not putting it in their high grip test, it handles better than the Boxster in test after test.

BTW, wasn't it me who always said there would be an S2200 and that the S line wouldn't die? yeah, it was.

Raven, relax dude. They said faster than the current S2K. Honda estimates are for "normal" drives, not magazine drivers.

 

I read this article the other night and I was like and i sent all my friend the link and everything. I sure hope this article has real substance.

Chris, you too had a rare screw up. The current S2000 in the UK sells for 26,000 pounds. Cars in this country are much cheaper than anywere else, even a German car cost less here than it does in Europe.

Also, wasnt I right with you when i said time and time again an S2200 is the natural progression of the S line. The engine has increased in displacement each time.

And yes, in that article they stated that they focused on low end torque. Everyone loved its high end power, and it's not going away by any means, but that new found tq will get rid of the only thing people ***** about on the S2000.

Also RavenLude, that tq number they gave us in in nm. That's different than lbs/ft. Theres no way (without FI) that they can squeeze 235lbs/ft out of a 2.2L. So, anyways, it would work out to about 270 or so lbs/ft of torque, which is amazing for a small (N/A) 4 cylinder.

But yeah, you got a great point there Chris, a S2000 without a top already outhandles most fixed tops. So yes, this is very good news.

Here's what I want them to do. Ideally, keep the 120hp/L, so 264hp. Now, Honda can do that no problem, but they might not be able to if they want to keep it LEV certified, which by the way is a must for any Honda sold in this country. So along with i-VTEC and its newfound low end torque, have the weight be a little bit less than the S2000. Now, usually that's the deal with the coupes weighing less, but with the S2000's relitivly large frame and massive structual reinforcments (thats too many spelling mistakes for one sentece....) that might not be possible. Anyways, and have it sell for about equal price to a 350Z.

Oh, and keep the current S2000 convertible, and give it the new engine etc etc, dont drop the thing. A coupe and drop top version would be great, becuase some people only shop for one or the other.

Also, a sequential manual such as BMW's SMG II would be nice. So people that dont want a real manual can still buy the car. It'll also tie in with Honda racing efforts, which is ever so important.

Hmmmm, I think thats the longest post-crash post ive ever made.

 

That IS the longest post you've made in quite some time. I didn't know that about European prices, BTW. Thanks for that.

All I can say is, I can't wait. Perhaps they will keep the convertible, but they can't spend as much money R&Ding it because it's such low production. Of course, they'll undoubtably sell more convertibles than coupes...probably 7500 to 4000 each year.

I have no doubt it will be LEV. Perhaps ULEV. Emission status really is not dependant on how many HP/L the engine puts out...it all depends on how efficient the engine is in burning the gasoline and how good the exhaust system is. I'll put my dinero on 260 HP/170 lb-ft.

Kinda funny how the S2K still sells 8,000 or so a year now, in its 3rd year. The Boxster doesn't sell nearly that (I believe like 4,000 a year)

 

Damn, I make this one little math mistake and you on my case for it. :fawk:

 

You should be banned for that mistake if you ask me......

Anyways, adding the coupe and its new features (mainly engine) along with a minor facelift will hold over the S drop top for a while.