New Turbo Coupe Honda S2000

[Sideways&Smiling]

Originally Posted by zygrene

Even if these rumors end up being true, which I think is maybe 5% likely, I just don't see the car appealing to the same kinds of drivers that the original S2000 did. Hybrid, AWD, likely no H-pattern, low redline turbo engine behind the driver, heavy curb weight, coupe are all very anti-S2000. I'm not saying it would be a bad car, or even a bad sports car, but it would capture none of the raw essence of its predecessor. I know I wouldn't buy one, even if it was "only" $35k with 300+ combined hp.

It doesn't say AWD is confirmed. It may just be an option. You also don't know that it would be heavy or be low reving... Sadly, I think you're right about the H pattern, but the same goes for the new supra, nsx, and tons of other cars. The manual is just about dead, unfortunately...

[zygrene]

Originally Posted by Sideways&Smiling

It doesn't say AWD is confirmed. It may just be an option. You also don't know that it would be heavy or be low reving... Sadly, I think you're right about the H pattern, but the same goes for the new supra, nsx, and tons of other cars. The manual is just about dead, unfortunately...

Well, compared to my S2000, the new rumored one will surely be quite a bit heavier (3000+ lb) and lower revving (8k rpm on a production turbo 4 banger isn't really feasible). True on the AWD; hopefully RWD will be standard.

I understand that supercars need dual-clutch gearboxes to be competitive performance-wise, but for entry/middle range sports cars, I think (read: wish) manufacturers should still offer manual as standard.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by zygrene

Even if these rumors end up being true, which I think is maybe 5% likely, I just don't see the car appealing to the same kinds of drivers that the original S2000 did. Hybrid, AWD, likely no H-pattern, low redline turbo engine behind the driver, heavy curb weight, coupe are all very anti-S2000. I'm not saying it would be a bad car, or even a bad sports car, but it would capture none of the raw essence of its predecessor. I know I wouldn't buy one, even if it was "only" $35k with 300+ combined hp.

If it's hybrid then it simply can't be a manual. No way for it to be.

[Sideways&Smiling]

Originally Posted by zygrene

Well, compared to my S2000, the new rumored one will surely be quite a bit heavier (3000+ lb) and lower revving (8k rpm on a production turbo 4 banger isn't really feasible). True on the AWD; hopefully RWD will be standard.

I understand that supercars need dual-clutch gearboxes to be competitive performance-wise, but for entry/middle range sports cars, I think (read: wish) manufacturers should still offer manual as standard.

I'd settle for a Holinger sequential tranny.

[zygrene]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

If it's hybrid then it simply can't be a manual. No way for it to be.

Technically not true, since the old Civic Hybrid and the newer CR-Z come standard with manual, although their hybrid systems are somewhat primitive.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by zygrene

I understand that supercars need dual-clutch gearboxes to be competitive performance-wise, but for entry/middle range sports cars, I think (read: wish) manufacturers should still offer manual as standard.

What entry/mid level sports car doesn't have a MT standard? I honestly can't think of one, even the American boats spec a MT.

Some cars don't even have an AT option like the Abarth and Acura ILX w/ 2.4L.

[SirBrass]

Last MY Cameros were AT-only, I heard.

[zygrene]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

What entry/mid level sports car doesn't have a MT standard? I honestly can't think of one, even the American boats spec a MT.

Some cars don't even have an AT option like the Abarth and Acura ILX w/ 2.4L.

You're right, most if not all entry/mid level sport cars right now still offer manual as standard. I'm just hoping that doesn't change any time soon. With new sports cars equipped with individual electric motors and start/stop on the gas motor, manual will no longer be feasible.

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Fanatics argue that it's mid-engined because the engine sits behind the front axle, sometimes you can get them to concede that it's 'front-mid-engine' or 'mid-front-engine'.

By that argument, a Corvette is mid engined too...

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by chrisl

By that argument, a Corvette is mid engined too...

I see the block ahead of the front axle line but I agree with you, it's a silly argument of little importance: engine in front of driver.

Originally Posted by SirBrass

Last MY Cameros were AT-only, I heard.

What? I think you heard wrong.

http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro-spor...ecs/trims.html

Just did the build your own and the 1SS package baselines a 6 speed MT, the AT is a ~$1k option.

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

If it's hybrid then it simply can't be a manual. No way for it to be.

Not true:

Originally Posted by zygrene

Technically not true, since the old Civic Hybrid and the newer CR-Z come standard with manual, although their hybrid systems are somewhat primitive.

The only thing you can't do with a manual gearbox is run one in full EV mode, but I can't imagine that's a big problem with a hybrid sports car.

[reni]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

A) This article is unfounded clickbait. The likelihood of Honda having the impetus to deliver something like this is remote.

B) Even if they did have the impetus to do this, what's the possibility of it happening anytime soon? Wasn't the "new" NSX supposed to be launched in 2012 or something?

C) Even if they did do something like this mid-engine hybrid S2k, which they won't, the claimed price is $35k? Well that's proof right there that it will fail, for the same reason the S2000 did. It's too expensive. Economically, America's middle class is shrinking faster than ever before and the $35k+ price range just isn't going cut it. They need to deliver a sports car in the $20-25k range. No more "middle range". Make a car for the rich folk and one for the poor folk because there just isn't many folk in the middle.

D) Why would I want this? Let's think about it. Turbo, Hybrid, AWD + current safety regs. Can you say fat ass? No way this car is under 3000lbs. Does 300hp and 40mpg get me excited, yes but something with those number has been "just around the corner" for over 10 years now from more than just Honda. I'll believe it when it shows up on a showroom floor (preferably under 3000lbs).

E) "Honda". Errr wrong. At $35k, that thing better have a damn Acura badge on it.

The average price of a new car in the US is now over $31k, so a $35k sports car isn't like some exclusive luxury item, this isn't the 80s.

And while we're on the subject it was a bit sad the NSX wasn't badged as a Honda in the US either. After all, Ayrton Senna didn't win those championships in a "McLaren-Acura".

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

I see the block ahead of the front axle line but I agree with you, it's a silly argument of little importance: engine in front of driver.

Maybe by a tiny bit, but it's pretty clear that the engine is basically behind the front axle (which is impressive for a 6+ liter V8 in a front engine car).

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by reni

After all, Ayrton Senna didn't win those championships in a "McLaren-Acura".