Honda Car Forum

The S2000 receives a comprehensive list of improvements
for 2004
to deliver a more potent and sporting driving experience.
Improvements for 2004 include a larger displacement engine
with a
broader power band, a re-tuned suspension, and
enhancements to the
body and interior designed to make the roadster an even more
compelling track car and a more refined daily driver.

The 2004 S2000 accelerates with increased authority and
more
pull through corners with an enhanced powerband that comes
on sooner
and stronger. High performance power now starts as soon as
3,000 rpm
compared to 6,000 rpm on the 2003 model. New suspension
tuning with
larger wheels and tires improves cornering grip while
minimizing the
effects of road disturbances. Compared to the 2003 model, the
2004
S2000 benefits from the following major enhancements:

Larger displacement 2.2-liter engine (+0.2 liters) produces
240
horsepower @ 7800 rpm (+0 @ -500) and 162 lb.-ft. of torque @
6500
(+8 @ -1000)

• 17-inch wheels and tires replace 16-inch wheels and
  tires



• Body rigidity increased



• Revised suspension tuning



• Revised transmission gear ratios with carbon
  synchronizers on
  all forward gears



• Bolder front and rear exterior styling with triple-beam lens
  designs



• Freshened interior design with improved shoulder and
  elbow
  room



• New options including XM Satellite Radio and headrest
  speakers

On the street, the 2004 S2000 transmits less ride
harshness.
Inside, shoulder and elbow room increases by as much as 20
mm and a
redesigned center console has been added with two cupholders
(previously just one) and a one-touch sliding lid.

The 2004 S2000 engine has been re-designed and
displacement
increased by 0.2 liters through lengthening the stroke of piston
travel. Improvements to the engine result in available torque and
horsepower increasing between 4- and 10-percent among 1000
rpm and
8000 rpm, which helps to boost acceleration at lower rpms. The
2.2-liter, DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine meets California's strict
Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. Honda's innovative
VTEC
advanced variable valve-timing system, operates the S2000
engine's 16
valves (4 per cylinder) in both intake and exhaust modes. This
system
is compact and tailored to the high-output, high-rpm operating
characteristics of the S2000 engine.

A revised 6-speed, manual transmission provides lower
gear ratios
on gears one through five. To further magnify the increase in
engine
performance, gears one through four are 4 percent lower than
the 2003
model. The transmission is a compact design and features a
direct
shift linkage with class-leading feel and short throws. New
carbon
synchronizers on gears one through six replace brass double
and
triple cone synchronizers on select gears to enhance the already
excellent "direct feel" associated with the S2000
transmission.

A Torsen limited-slip differential smoothly delivers power to
the
rear wheels, regardless of traction conditions. The S2000
engine and
transmission are capable of accelerating the S2000 from 0-60
mph in less than six seconds.

Honda's racing experience is also evident in the S2000's
responsive handling. The chassis has an ideal 50/50 weight
distribution, and the body and frame are a hybrid
monocoque-frame
structure that forms a highly rigid platform for the S2000's
in-wheel
double wishbone suspension system,and plays an important
role in
helping the S2000 achieve its high level of safety protection.
Body
rigidity has been increased for 2004 by strengthening key points
on
the body and chassis. The power steering system is a highly
responsive, electrically assisted type, which has been retuned
for
2004 to provide enhanced feedback to the driver.

Larger front 215/45 and rear 245/40 R-rated tires are
mounted on
17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16"), while large11-inch brake
discs
(vented in front) provide excellent stopping power and brake feel.
New brake pad material improves the pedal feel and resists
fading in
high performance driving. An anti-lock braking system is
standard.

The exterior styling of the S2000's body is bolder with new
front
and rear styling elements. The nose has slightly improved
aerodynamics for 2004 that involve a new front bumper design
and
re-positioned air intakes. The front headlights employ a new
triple
beam design and the rear taillights are also a new triple beam
design
with LED illumination.

The S2000's exterior features the following colors: Berlina
Black,
Grand Prix White, New Formula Red, Sebring Silver Metallic,
Silverstone Metallic, Rio Yellow Pearl and Suzuka Blue Metallic.
Sebring Silver Metallic and Silverstone Metallic exterior colors are
available with either a new red and black interior color
combination
or an all black interior.

The interior is modern and designed with the driver's needs
in
mind. A redesigned center console contains two cupholders
(previously
just one) and a new storage tray and overall enhanced
functionality.
The radio features XM Satellite Radio capability with an optional
dealer-installed receiver and antenna. Dealer-installed headrest
speakers (two per seat) are also now available.

For 2004, controls such as the steering, brakes and clutch,
operate with a new level of precision and have an even more
direct
feel. The aluminum leather-wrapped shift knob, F1-inspired
digital
instrument display and separate engine-start button serve as a
reminder of the racing heritage of the S2000.

2004 S2000 Improvements

• Performance and Handling
  
  
  
  
  • Dynamic acceleration increased
  
  
  
  • Transmission shifter direct feel increased
  
  
  
  • High-speed stability enhanced
  
  
  
  • At-the-limit performance increased with more gradual
    fall-off
  
  
  
  • Sensitivity to disturbances decreased (less bump
    steer)
  
  
  
  • Steering feedback enhanced
  
  
  
  • Brake pedal dynamic feel enhanced
  
  
  
  



• Comfort and Convenience
  
  
  
  
  • Interior space increased
  
  
  
  • Interior storage functionality increased
  
  
  
  • Optional audio features added - XM Satellite Radio
    capability
  
  
  
  • Dealer-installed speaker headrests (2 per seat)
    available