Honda shows hardcore S2000 CR concept

Honda has unveiled the S2000 CR concept, essentially a last-hurrah for the venerable roadster before production ends and Honda releases a replacement. The latest racer-inspired version, which is described by Honda as “aggressively-tuned,” will go on sale in the second half of the year and is aimed at enthusiasts after a stripped out racer engineered for track use.

The factory-tuned roadster provides highly-aggressive suspension settings, increased body and chassis rigidity, overall weight reduction and an aerodynamic body kit dialed-in for reduced lift. An aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft top as standard equipment.

Substantial structural bracing has been added to the storage area previously occupied by the soft top, resulting in additional rigidity. The aluminum hard top replaces the soft top of the conventional S2000, resulting in an overall weight savings of approximately 90 pounds when removed (relative to the current S2000).

Air conditioning and an AM/FM Stereo with CD player are optional equipment, proof that Honda was serious about reducing weight.