Honda’s S2000 roadster was almost universally loved for its handling prowess. Critics complained that the car lacked torque on the bottom end, and that driving an S2000 fast meant sticking to the upper reaches of the tachometer, but no one argued about the car’s razor-sharp handling, communicative steering or sublime manual gearbox.
Motor Authority is reporting that a new Honda Roadster is in the works, confirmed by CEO Takanobu Ito in a recent speech. The new model will have “strong handling dynamics,” it will likely use a conventional gasoline engine and it will go on sale in Japan in 2014. Beyond that little is known about the car, such as whether Honda will opt for front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive layout.
If that’s the good news, here’s the bad news: Ito referred to the car as one of several minicars that Honda is currently working on. Instead of a roadster comparable in size to the previous S2000, think of a competitor to the MINI Cooper Roadster and you get the idea. That’s probably why the car will launch in Japan first, and it may mean that the United States is excluded from sales.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
