That space is left, largely, by the Honda S2000, though some might include the RX-8's absence in that gap. If you want a new car with more than 225 horsepower and less than 2,800 pounds curb weight, you're currently without any real choice in the under-$30,000 range--and without many even in the under-$50,000 range.
Fortunately, there are the beginnings of whispers (Automotive News, sub. req.) about a rebirth of the Honda S2000 line--or a successor to it, perhaps. They're weak and thready, not even rising to the status of rumor as yet, but the whispers surrounding Honda have been shouts in the throats of fans of the S2000 since its discontinuation in 2009.
So we ask you: what would you want to see in an S2000 replacement, keeping in mind that it would have to be both quintessentially Honda and suited for the modern regulatory and retail marketplace.
What kind of engine would you like to see? Another high-revving, peaky, VTEC four-cylinder? Something with a turbo on it? More cabin space? Lighter weight construction? More than the last model's 240 horsepower rating?
Put some thought into it, and formulate what your ideal Honda S2000 successor's spec sheet would look like and post it in the comments below.
We'll start with ours:
- 260 horsepower naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder
- Two seats (cloth)
- Manual soft top
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Base version with manual windows, manual locks, no radio, optional soft top delete with separate hard top
- Luxury version with power retractable hard top, navigation, HUD, and full leather interior
- 25+ combined mpg
- Price from $28,000-40,000+