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Driving Impressions
We expected the S2000 to deliver exhilarating performance, and we weren't disappointed, even during a session at Road Atlanta, a northern Georgia racing circuit. We expected performance, but we were surprised and impressed with how tractable the S2000 can be when the driver wants to cruise at a sedate pace. With an engine that doesn't really wake up until the tachometer ticks up to 7000 rpm and suspension tuning designed to eliminate body roll in cornering, we expected sluggish performance and harsh ride quality. Not so. It takes a little rowing through the gearbox to generate passing speeds, but the S2000 is otherwise as composed and comfortable as any other topless boulevardier.But make no mistake, the tiger burns just below the surface, waiting to be unleashed. As we suggested earlier, the S2000 doesn't really come to life until the tachometer soars beyond the point where most engines run out of breath. There's an electric motor quality to its power, like a Japanese superbike -- no punch in the back, just a sense that with enough forward gears, one might keep accelerating beyond the speed of light. Although the engine's unique powerband makes it difficult to generate really quick getaways, the S2000 is nevertheless capable of hustling to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. That's quick. The S2000 is capable of 150 mph at the top end. Most important, it emits a delightful, high-tech tenor snarl while it's doing all this. But that's only part of the fun. Though the S2000's 16-inch Bridgestone tires aren't particularly wide, the car can handle impressively high cornering speeds, and its responses are as decisive and precise as a cheetah closing in on an antelope. Not a misstep or false move, regardless of the pace. A set of world-class brakes complements the S2000's speed and agility, augmented by ABS (a standard feature). These are the best brakes we've ever encountered on any Honda vehicle, and they round out a set of sports car credentials that's tough to top.
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