Electric S2000: Honda’s 75th Anniversary Surprise

Electric S200? Honda is no stranger to innovation and pushing the boundaries of performance and technology. As the company approaches its 75th anniversary, rumors are circulating about a potential game-changer that could mark this milestone in style – an electric sports car that could serve as the spiritual successor to the iconic S2000. Speculations have been fueled by insider information leaked to British publication Car, suggesting that a special Honda sports car is in the works and will make its debut later this year.

The S2000, a beloved roadster, was originally unveiled in honor of Honda’s 50th anniversary. Now, as 2023 marks three-quarters of a century since Honda’s establishment, it seems the company is eager to capitalize on the occasion by venturing into the EV sports car arena with an electric S2000.

While details about the mysterious sports car remain tightly under wraps, one fact has caught the attention of enthusiasts and automotive aficionados alike – it will be an electric vehicle (EV). Honda had previously teased the world with two sports car concepts, one of which bore a striking resemblance to the classic S2000, sparking excitement and hope among fans.

The possibility of an electric successor to the S2000 raises intriguing questions. Will it be a lightweight, electric convertible, aimed at challenging upcoming electrified sports cars like the 718 Boxster successor? Or does Honda have something entirely different up its sleeve?

Rumors of the new sports car potentially receiving the iconic Type R moniker have added fuel to the fire. The Type R badge has long been associated with Honda’s racing pedigree and passion for ultimate driving pleasure. According to Honda’s technical consultant, Kotaro Yamamoto, the essence of Type R lies in delivering joy through performance, and this can be achieved with an electric powertrain. He emphasized that, even in a fully electric society, Type R models will continue to uphold their legacy of providing an exhilarating driving experience.

The significance of the Type R badge to Honda cannot be overstated. Hideki Kakinuma, Honda’s lead engineer for Type R, once boldly proclaimed, “Without Type R, there is no Honda.” It has become a symbol of the brand’s commitment to performance and has set Honda apart from being just another conventional automaker.

One key aspect that could set the Electric S2000 apart from its competitors is its underlying platform. Honda’s upcoming e:N architecture could offer the vehicle rear-wheel drive (RWD) or possibly even all-wheel drive (AWD) for the higher-performance Type R version. Moreover, utilizing a single electric motor could help maintain a lightweight design and a reasonable price point, although the final outcome will largely depend on the vehicle’s overall design philosophy.

The weight of electric sports cars has been a concern for some, as traditional construction methods often result in vehicles tipping the scales at around 4,000 lbs or more. However, there have been exceptions, such as the carbon fiber-bodied Lotus Evija hypercar weighing in at 3,702 lbs or the Alpine A110 E-ternite at 3,038 lbs. These examples have shown that it is possible to create lightweight electric sports cars.

Drawing inspiration from these examples, Honda could aim to make the Electric S2000 successor as lightweight as possible, harkening back to the roots of the original S2000 that garnered fame for its nimble and thrilling driving experience. This would not only align with Honda’s performance aspirations but also solidify its position as a pioneer in the electric vehicle market.

As the world anxiously awaits Honda’s official announcement, the possibility of an electric S2000 successor is both intriguing and exciting. If Honda manages to deliver a lightweight, electric sports car that embodies the spirit of the iconic S2000 while embracing the cutting-edge technology of the future, it will undoubtedly make a profound impact on the automotive landscape. As the 75th-anniversary celebration approaches, all eyes are on Honda, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their storied history.