Next-gen S2000 Render Inspires a Unique Revival Strategy
If Honda does build a next-gen S2000, it should look to Japan’s two least successful automakers for inspiration.
Earlier this week, our friends over at autoevolotion published a post featuring a new render of a next-gen Honda S2000, courtesy of Car News Network. And while we think the execution of the “modern” headlights looks ham-handed, we do dig the NSX-inspired rear decklid. More than anything, the photo-chop got us thinking the about the possibility of a revival for the much-loved roadster.
Now, we don’t think we’ll see a next-gen S2000 anytime soon. Because mainstream companies build sports cars for the same reasons customers buy them — they’re cool, and they have cash to burn. The decision to buy, or build, a sports car is an emotional, not fiscal one, and this isn’t exactly the perfect time to drop a sizable investment into a niche product. Because regardless of how well reviewed it is, a new S2000 won’t be a major unit-shifter for Honda. It’ll be a vanity project.
Of course, partnering with a competitor is one way to offset the cost of sports car development, but we don’t see Honda going that route. Arch-rival Toyota is already in bed with both Subaru and BMW, so those companies won’t be receptive. For the time being, Mazda and FIAT are still entwined, and while Mercedes-Benz and Audi both offer drop-top two-seaters, we don’t see the SL or TT as being the basis for a next-gen S2000.
So Honda can’t really turn to other companies for financial help. But when it comes to a next-gen S2000, it can definitely turn to them for inspiration — enter Mitsubishi and Nissan.
For those unaware, along with divisions dedicated to industrial infrastructure, mineral resources, urban development, power solutions, the food industry, and natural gas, Mitsubishi also makes vehicles.
Today, the company’s offerings are uninspiring penalty boxes aimed squarely at folks with dismal credit and worse decision-making skills. But in the past, Mitsubishi has produced some truly inspired hardware — like the Lancer Evolution. The Evo is a fantastic bit of kit, because every drop of development money went into the supercar-killing drivetrain, and the company seriously didn’t care that — aside from a pair or Recaro seats — the cabin felt as anonymous as an airport rental.
If there’s going to be another S2000, Honda should follow that lead, and only spend money where it really counts.
For notes on just how cheap an automaker can get in the modern era, Honda needs to look no further than Nissan, and its 370Z. Despite the model’s rich heritage, Nissan has left it fundamentally unchanged for over a decade. The 370Z is so ancient, in fact, that 2020 models don’t even have a screen in the dash. Instead, its federally-mandated backup camera resides in the rear-view mirror, just like the $50 units you can buy on Amazon. While Nissan clearly made this move out of desperation, Honda should adopt a similar strategy from a position of strength. Seriously, screw the screen, and give buyers a Bluetooth-compatible radio that has knobs — because you know people love knobs.
Admittedly, if Honda took our suggestions, it probably won’t sell a lot of next-gen S2000s. But history tells us that an affordable, two-seater sports car is never going to be a boon to the bottom line. So the company might as well make a bare-bones, wickedly fun-to-drive machine for as cheap as possible, satisfy the fans, and shore up the old street cred. For companies like Honda, that’s all sports cars are about anyway.
Photos: Car News Network