Honda might drop the production of the S2000 in 2008 and introduce a R-Type derivative. The Type-R was originally conceived in 2004, but now it will have more horsepower and less weight for added punch and align more effectively with the Mazdaspeed Miata.
The S2000 Type R model year 2004 proposal (official document from Honda) consisted of:
target of 100kg weight reduction
balanced engine internals (Type R treatment)
Type R exclusive interior
air conditioning becomes a factory option
SRS air bag becomes a factory option
sound deadening material deleted
front tire: 205/55R16 to 205/45R17 (implemented on AP2)
rear tire: 225/50R16 to 245/40R17 (implemented on AP2)
Type R exclusive suspension tuning
Type R exclusive uprated brakes
Type R exclusive body color(s)
spare tire deleted
smechanical LSD
spower soft top deleted
lightweight carbon hard top
audio becomes factory option
The next S
Honda has been tossing around many ideas on the next S. From 4 door sports car to FF compact sports. But it seems they have decided to stay with the FR roadster format, and are preparing a concept car in time for the discontinuation of the S2000. But instead of targeting the likes of SLK and Z4, they are going to go with a 2.0L engine and battle it out with the long-time popular Mazda Roadster (Miata in US). Engine will be the new Advanced VTEC K20A with an output of about 200-220 hp.
It will be a milder engine than the S2000, and the suspension tuning will also follow this route. Styling is said to be heavily based on the S500/S600/S800, Honda’s first 4 wheel automotive. Dimensions will be slightly smaller than the S2000 with an overall length of 4000mm, overall width of 1730mm, height of 1250mm, and wheelbase of 2400mm. That’s about the same size as the Mazda Roadster. The roof will be electric powered metal hardtop, and the car should weight in at 1250kg, which is slightly heavier than the Mazda, but the extra power in the S will more than make up for it. It is also probable that the car will be available only with a clutchless 6spd manual shift transmission.