2000 Honda S2000

Imagine if Formula One engineers built a sports car. Well, they did, and it's Honda's new S2000. When it needed engineers to take the SSM concept car from show car to sports car, Honda found them in its racing department. The goal was to develop a convertible two-seater with quick acceleration, taut handling, crisp shifting, great braking ability, and looks to kill. After driving the S2000 on the French Riviera and at our test track, we feel it's reached the goal. Honda plans to build 15,000 cars for model year 2000, 5000 of which will be sold in the U.S. beginning next month.

The S2000's shining star is its stiff structure, which uses a "hybrid monocoque body" and "high X-bone frame." Translated, these terms mean a rigid, steel body (except for the aluminum hood) and chassis that give the S2000 the structural rigidity usually seen only in closed-top vehicles`it's one of the most solid drop tops we've driven. Absent is the dash shake of most convertibles. However, stiff isn't how the S2000 rides, due to the double wishbone suspension damped by gas-pressurized shocks. When combined with the setback engine (resulting in 50/50 front/rear weight distribution) and special Bridgestone 16-inch tires, the S2000 offers a comfortable ride and taut road feel.

With the top down, there's minimal wind noise and buffeting, especially with the optional wind blocker in place. The power top is easy to operate, dropping in 9 seconds and raising in 8 seconds. Disappointing are the plastic rear window and the boot, which must be installed manually (it took us 2.5 minutes to put in place). Honda engineers say it would've been difficult to incorporate a glass window and automatic boot (as in the Saab and Volvo), and keep the car's rigidity up and retail price at $30,000. Honda did incorporate a heating/cooling feature that, when activated with the top down, optimizes cabin temperature for the upper and lower body.