---

Honda S2000 Roadster Set to Take Green Flag

24 September 1998

Honda S2000 Roadster Set to Take Green Flag

    TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 24 -- The Honda S2000 prototype, a
two-seat roadster balancing high performance with the latest safety and low
emission technologies, was unveiled today in Japan at ceremonies marking the
company's 50th anniversary.  The car will go on sale in the United States as a
year 2000 model, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced.
    The S2000 prototype is based on Honda's SSM (Sports Study Model) concept
vehicle, first shown at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show.
    The S2000 combines superb driving performance with innovative
technologies.  The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive S2000 roadster will be
powered by an all-new, compact and naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, DOHC VTEC
4-cylinder engine, producing more than 240-horsepower and mated to a new
6-speed manual transmission.  The new engine will generate about
120-horsepower per liter while meeting California's stringent Low Emission
Vehicle (LEV) standards.
    The Honda S2000 features an electrically-operated convertible soft top and
highly rigid body construction of the type normally reserved for closed-body
vehicles, providing the foundation for open-air driving enjoyment with
outstanding dynamic performance and world-class safety protection.
    With the engine mounted behind the front axle, the S2000 boasts a 50/50
weight distribution for optimal handling balance.
    The S2000 prototype is based on Honda's philosophy of producing world-
class automobiles that deliver outstanding individual driving enjoyment while
meeting the needs of society at large.
    "With today's focus on performance, safety and the environment, the S2000
is the latest edition to Honda's long line of sports cars designed for driving
pleasure, while showing the direction for Honda's future car designs," said
Hiroyuki Yoshino, president of Honda Motor Co.
    The S2000 also embodies the technological advances developed by Honda
engineers over the past four decades on racing circuits around the world.
Honda's racing accomplishments include both Formula One Constructor and CART
Manufacturer championships, as well as numerous motorcycle racing titles.

                Honda S2000 Prototype Facts and Specifications

    *  Dimensions (inches)
         Length          162.00
         Width            68.90
         Height           50.60
         Wheelbase        94.49

    *  Body
         Two-seat roadster
         Highly rigid body construction
         50/50 weight distribution
         Electrically-powered convertible soft top

    *  Powertrain
         Front-engine, rear-drive
         Compact 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder DOHC VTEC engine
         Maximum output of more than 240-horsepower
         LEV emissions
         New, 6-speed manual transmission

    *  Produced at Honda's Tochigi Factory, Takanezawa Plant, Tochigi, Japan

    *  U.S. market release: summer of 1999 as a 2000 model