The automotive industry is abuzz with rumors suggesting that Honda is considering resurrecting the iconic S2000 model, this time as an electrified sports car. According to insider information shared with British publication Car, Honda is gearing up to introduce a special electric sports car that could potentially serve as the spiritual successor to the legendary S2000. While specific details about the vehicle remain tightly under wraps, it makes sense that the car will be an all-electric offering.
The original Honda S2000 was initially unveiled as part of the brand’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Interestingly, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of Honda’s establishment, leading many to speculate that the company intends to capitalize on this milestone, much like Porsche did with its Mission X concept during its 75th birthday celebration.
Last year, Honda tantalized enthusiasts by teasing two sports cars, one of which bore striking resemblance to the beloved S2000, raising hopes of a potential revival. As the anticipation builds, automotive enthusiasts wonder if Honda will deliver a lightweight, electric convertible to compete against upcoming electrified sports car offerings, such as the successor to Porsche’s electrified 718 Boxster.
Furthermore, there are whispers that the new electric sports car might carry the esteemed “Type R” moniker. In an interview with Car Magazine, Honda’s technical consultant, Kotaro Yamamoto, confirmed that the “Type R” designation represents racing and the ultimate pleasure of driving. He emphasized that an electric vehicle can undoubtedly deliver this experience, hinting that a Type R model need not rely on a traditional combustion engine. This aligns with Honda’s commitment to performance and driving pleasure, with the Type R name being integral to the brand’s identity. In fact, Hideki Kakinuma, Honda’s lead engineer for Type R, expressed that the brand’s essence revolves around this performance-focused badge, asserting that “Without Type R, there is no Honda.” Thus, the Type R badge could potentially find its way onto the upcoming electric sports car, solidifying Honda’s commitment to pushing boundaries and defying the norms of a typical automaker.
While enthusiasts eagerly await further information from Honda, the possibility of witnessing a modern, electrified interpretation of the S2000, possibly adorned with the revered Type R badge, is undoubtedly a thrilling prospect for automotive enthusiasts and Honda loyalists alike. Only time will tell if these rumors hold true, but if they do, Honda’s electric sports car could signify a bold step into the future, intertwining cutting-edge technology with the soul of a performance-driven legacy.
