Talk of a new Honda sports car will not die. Although we now know that the tiny S660 roadster will not come to America, and a speculated mid-engine sports car positioned below the Acura NSX is probably not happening, the prospect of a reborn S2000 roadster is gaining steam. And it could arrive in 2018, as the company’s present to itself for its 70th anniversary.
There’s a certain symmetry to that, considering that Honda first launched the S2000 in 1998, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. For the 70th, we could be looking at both a new car and a commemorative two-wheeler, as well. ?Based on the company?s MotoGP contender, the bike will be a detuned, roadgoing version of the RC213V-S,? says our source. “As for the car, expect something special. Size-wise, it?ll be similar to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, but the Honda will have a lot more power.” Skeptics may note that Honda does not have a platform for a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car. But our insider tells us to not overlook what the company has done with its S660 mini-coupe and the all-new NSX supercar. ?Both those coupes have unique, dedicated platforms, right"? he says. Spot on.
His statement reminded us of a comment made by one Acura executive at the 2014 Detroit auto show. When asked if Honda were planning a smaller sports car to slot in under the NSX, the executive nodded and said he does want such a car, but that it would not appear before 2017.
One more snippet that points to a new sports...