2005 Honda S2000 1 2005 Honda S2000
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2005 Honda S2000 : Overview INTRODUCTION The Honda S2000 is a high-performance, 2-seat, open-topped roadster based on the SSM concept car first shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. Designed to be fun to drive, the S2000 uses an advanced front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports-car configuration, and also incorporates world-class safety features. Many of the lessons learned in four decades of building racing cars and motorcycles are incorporated into the S2000's design. The S2000 is produced at Honda's Takanezawa plant in Tochigi, Japan, where such cars as the Acura NSX and the Honda Insight are built. What's New For 2005 o New colour - Silverstone metallic with 2-tone red and black leather interior Colour and Trim Exterior Interior (Leather) Berlina Black Black or Black/Red Sebring Silver Metallic Black or Black/Red Solar Yellow Pearl Black Grand Prix White Black/Red Silverstone Metallic Black or Black/Red MARKETING POSITION We all know that sports cars have enjoyed a resurgence of popularity recently, as vehicles like the BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK have ignited the market. We see continued excitement in this market segment, with the addition of the Audi TT Coupe and Roadster, and the rebirth of the Nissan 350 Z. Top Competitive Models Primary BMW Z4 Porsche Boxster Mercedes-Benz SLK Audi TT Nissan 350Z Convertible KEY DEMOGRAPHICS We see this in our key competitors' demographics in this segment: mainly men, in their mid- forties to early fifties, married, with household incomes above $100,000. The number one reason these buyers cite for their purchase decision is that they want a vehicle that's 'fun to drive'. The target demographics are 70 percent male, 60 percent married, median age of 40-plus, and median household income above $100,000. To these buyers, Honda's brand image, its racing heritage, and its tradition of technological innovation will be the primary purchase motivation. And while we don't expect the majority of our buyers to look at the competition, we know you will and we're not afraid to compete head-to-head. 2005 Honda S2000 1 The S2000 is more technically advanced and provides a more thrilling driving experience than its competitors. Many of these buyers are coming out of other sporty-type cars, or other vehicles within the same brand family. These buyers know what they want. The majority are not cross-shopping other vehicles at all, even within this category. Brand image is all-important to these buyers. Demographics are one of the factors driving this resurgence. Baby Boomers, reaching their peak earning years, are looking to recapture their youth - a time when they might have been driving MGs or Triumphs. S2000 Gender 70% Male Status 60% Married Median Age 40+ Household Income $100K+ University & Education 70%+ Z3 L4 Z3 L6 SLK Boxster* Male 71% 73% 66% 81% Married 57% 55% 46% 72% Median Age 46 45 43 48 Median Income 157K 223K 175K 166K College + 71% 62% 61% 85% *(US Data) 2005 Honda S2000 : Body BODY - OVERVIEW The S2000 is the production version of the stylish SSM concept car that Honda first showed at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. Like the SSM, the S2000 is an open-topped, two-seat roadster, designed for enthusiast drivers. The S2000 body and interior also incorporate class-leading safety, quality and comfort features. HONDA S2000 BODY FEATURES o Electrically powered soft top o Integrated roll bars o High-intensity discharge (HID), projector-type headlights o 17-inch alloy wheels o Body-coloured dual power mirrors o Dual exhaust o Impact-absorbing, 8-km/h, body-coloured bumpers o Wind deflector HONDA S2000 EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS Millimeters Length: 4,118 2005 Honda S2000 2 Width: 1,750 Height: 1,285 Wheelbase: 2,400 Track, Front: 1,470 Track, Rear: 1,510 Kilograms Curb Weight: 1,290 Weight Distribution (%, Front/Rear) 49/51 EXTERIOR STYLING AND DESIGN The S2000’s styling is distinctive and presents a modern, dynamic look. Its long hood and wide front end create a visual impression of lowness and mass. The hoodline drops away to a low, strong nose shaped for minimal aerodynamic drag and good forward visibility. The S2000’s clear-lens, multi-reflector headlights and exterior line sweep back from the leading edge of the fenders. The lamps are a high-intensity discharge (HID) projector type that throw a powerful, broad beam. Side reflectors, parking and directional lights are combined in the same units. The outside mirrors and door handles are body-coloured. The S2000 badge on the front fender and Honda badges on the hood and trunk are the only identifying marks on the car. In profile, the S2000 looks taut and aggressive. Its broad sides visually convey strength and mass. The gap between the outer sidewalls and the outer edges of the fenderwells has been minimized, giving the car a wide and stable look. The main character line of the car rises from the headlights, along the top of the fender and the top of the door, to the high rear deck, for an aggressive, raked look. Sculpted lower side sills further enhance the car’s angular appearance, and serve to draw the eye to the S2000’s large, flared wheelwells and high-performance wheels and tires. The 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are an open, 5-spoke pattern that calls attention to the S2000’s large brake discs and calipers. A small spoiler with an LED stoplight is integrated into the trailing edge of the trunk lid. Large, round taillights set in clear-lens housings and dual, chromed exhaust tips visually dominate the rear view of the car. The S2000’s trunk volume is 152 litres. A space-saver spare tire is stored on a shelf, separated from the rest of the trunk by the carpeted trunk liner. Fuel-tank capacity is 50 litres. CONVERTIBLE TOP The S2000 features a power-operated rear glass, soft convertible top. Pushing the switch on the centre console opens or closes the top in about six seconds, and latches at the top of the windshield hold it securely. When folded, the top stows compactly behind the cockpit. A soft boot cover snaps in place to protect the top. ROLL BARS AND AIR DEFLECTOR The S2000’s roll bars combine with the car’s reinforced windshield frame to help form a protective area for the driver’s and passenger’s heads in the event of a rollover. A clear acrylic panel acts as a wind deflector to help reduce cockpit turbulence. NVH COUNTERMEASURES Measures employed on the S2000 to minimize and control NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) include vibration-absorbing engine mounts and suspension bushings, resonance- 2005 Honda S2000 3 damping chambers in the intake and exhaust systems and soundproof materials applied to the floor, floor tunnel and trunk. REMOVEABLE HARD TOP The S2000 is also available with a handsome removable hard top. Easy installed or removed by two people, the hard top adds a luxurious look to this true sports car. A storage stand and protective cover are also available for the storage of your hard top when not in use. 2005 Honda S2000 : Chassis CHASSIS - OVERVIEW A front-engine/rear-wheel-drive configuration was chosen for the S2000. This "classic" layout is widely regarded for its excellent handling characteristics and direct, linear response to control inputs from steering, brakes and throttle–especially when approaching the chassis and tires’ adhesion limit. Since optimum weight distribution and balance are such important factors in achieving excellent handling characteristics, Honda engineers set the S2000’s engine and drivetrain as low and close to the centre of the chassis as possible. Suspension geometry–toe, caster, camber, roll centres, etc.–also have a tremendous effect on handling and response, so Honda engineers designed an all-new double wish-bone suspension for the S2000 with optimum geometry. Steering is by an electrically assisted, power rack-and-pinion system, similar to the system used on the NSX. The braking system uses 4-wheel discs and ABS. The system has been specially engineered for optimum efficiency, feedback and control. The following Honda-designed chassis features contribute to the S2000’s exceptional handling and response: o 49/51 (front/rear) weight distribution o Entire drivetrain located behind the centreline of the front axle (front mid-engine layout). This helps lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity and helps to centralize vehicle mass, resulting in a low yaw moment and more responsive vehicle behavior o Wide track (1470 mm front/1510 mm rear) contributes to vehicle stability and chassis rigidity o Highly rigid "high X-bone frame" o Compact, highly rigid 4-wheel "in-wheel" double wishbone suspension allows for low hoodline o Mono-tube shock absorbers o Electric power steering system o Four-wheel disc brakes (300 mm vented front/282 mm. solid rear), with Honda- designed 3-channel ABS o Limited-slip differential 49/51 WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION Honda engineers wanted the S2000 to have a balanced 49/51 (front-to-rear) weight distribution, considered ideal for a front-engine rear-wheel-drive roadster. To accomplish this, and also lower the centre of gravity, Honda engineers placed the engine and transmission low in the chassis and behind the front suspension. CENTRALIZED MASS, LOW YAW MOMENT Five decades of designing and building racing cars and motorcycles has taught Honda engineers the value of centralizing a vehicle’s mass–placing as much weight as possible close to the centre of the vehicle. The result is what engineers call a "low polar moment of inertia," which gives the vehicle a lower yaw moment–or less steering delay–which translates into quicker, more linear steering response.