In 1995, Honda unveiled a captivating concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, sparking excitement but with little expectation for production. Defying predictions, Honda launched the S2000 in 1999, commemorating its 50th anniversary. This S2000 Car was a spiritual successor to Honda’s classic 1960s roadsters—the S500, S600, and S800—and its name honored its 2.0L engine displacement.
The Honda s2000 car debuted as a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive marvel, powered by a high-revving 2.0L inline four-cylinder DOHC-VTEC engine (F20C). This engine delivered an impressive 237 horsepower. Produced from 1999 to 2009, the s2000 car came in two main versions for the US market. The initial AP1 model, from 1999 to 2003, became famous for its exhilarating high-revving engine. In Japanese specification, the F20C produced 247 horsepower and held the record for the highest power-to-displacement ratio among naturally aspirated production engines of its time. The AP1’s exceptional handling was largely due to its near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The AP2, manufactured from 2004 to 2009, featured the updated F22C1 2.2L inline-four engine. While maintaining the same horsepower, this engine offered approximately 10 lb-ft of additional peak torque at a lower RPM, catering to American driving preferences. The AP2 also included revised suspension and subtle cosmetic updates.
This legendary s2000 car gained further fame when featured in the Fast and Furious film franchise. Johnny Tran drove a black Honda s2000 car in the original movie, but it was Suki who truly made the s2000 car iconic in 2 Fast 2 Furious. For Suki’s character, the s2000 car was transformed with a vibrant pink repaint (from its original black) and adorned with elaborate anime-inspired airbrush art. Film production reportedly required a dedicated airbrush artist on set to constantly retouch the car, reflecting the wear and tear of the intense Miami street race scenes at the movie’s start. Suki’s s2000 car was visually enhanced with a Paxton supercharger, boosting its power to around 340 horsepower for the film. To achieve the memorable jump over a bridge, the roadster was specially fitted with a ground effects kit and stylish 18-inch wheels.
Collection of the Petersen Automotive Museum, Gift of the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation
This Vehicle is featured in ‘Hollywood Customs: Modified for the Movies’ Exhibit
