2008 Honda S2000 CR to start at $36,300

Honda has announced that its hard-edged 2008 Honda {{{S2000}}} CR will start at $36,300 (plus handling and a $635 destination charge), an increase of $2,000 over the base 2008 S2000 model, which itself has been bumped up just $50. Add $1,000 to the CR's MSRP if you want air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system.

The S2000 CR is designed to appeal to the club racing set who will likely spend most of the time at the track with the specially prepared two-seat roadster. The 237 horsepower four-cylinder engine, which delivers 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm mated to a six-speed manual transmission, is unchanged over the base car. The S2000's softtop is replaced by a removable aluminum hardtop on the CR, contributing to a 99-pound weight savings over the regular-strength S2000 when the 48-pound hardtop is left in the garage.

More aggressive suspension settings, increased structural rigidity, and aerodynamic spoilers designed to reduce lift complement a quicker steering ratio, firmer springs, and larger anti-roll bars. The CR's Kaiser Silver wheels are shod with slightly larger, more aggressive Bridgestone Potenza RE070 rubber than the base S2K employs.

Suede bolsters and a spherical aluminum/leather-wrapped shift knob with a slightly shorter shift stroke are among the CR's interior enhancements, along with a "peak-power indicator" which shows a round, green light next to the digital speedometer when the engine is -- you guessed it -- operating at peak power.

With rumors that Honda might turn the next-generation S2000 into a 2+2, the CR might be one of the last chances anyone has to get a true track-oriented, high-revving, small roadster from Honda.