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Honda sexes up S2000 roadster

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According to Honda the latest S2000 benefits from engineering fine-tuning for better stability, sharp responses and great comfort.

It comes with Honda's new Vehicle Stability Assistance (VSA) as standard, tuned to intervene only at a late stage. The S2000 for 2006 also gets an upgraded sound system, with two additional speakers incorporated in the roll hoop.

The S2000 is a rear wheel driven front-engined two seater roadster with a sturdy chassis frame and potent 177 kW 2.0-litre race-bred VTEC engine mated to a six-speed gearbox.

There are also stylish 17-inch alloy wheels with a twin 5-spoke pattern, for an aggressive appearance ? shod with wide 215/45 R17 tyres at the front and 245/40R17 at the rear for impressive grip.

The Electrical Power Steering (EPS) system has a slow gear ratio and a rigid mounting to give precision, feel and response. The S2000's advanced ABS system features software that deals effectively and intelligently with situations in which levels of surface grip differ momentarily between one wheel and another, for added stability.

The overall result is a dynamic capability that enables the exhilarating performance of the Honda S2000's race-bred 2.0-litre VTEC engine ? 240 km/h top speed and 0-100 km/h dash in 6.2 seconds ? to be exploited to the full.

New traction control

The new traction control and stability control system (VSA) has a dedicated electronic control unit that receives signals such as wheel speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration rate, steering angle, engine speed, and brake activation.

When it senses that any of these indicators don't conform to a map of standard driving conditions, it assumes that the vehicle is about to become unstable and starts to intervene ? gently at first and then more rapidly depending on the degree of control required.

This could include adjusting the fuel supply, retarding the ignition timing and adjusting the hydraulic pressure on each individual brake calliper.

In an oversteer situation ? where rear wheel slippage is forcing the nose of the car inwards ? VSA will delicately apply braking force to the outer wheels. This affects the outward movement of the rear of the vehicle, and at the same time reduces the cornering force on the front wheels.

In an understeer situation, engine torque is reduced and braking force gently applied to the inner rear wheel - increasing tractability by reviving grip at the front of the vehicle.

Price:

  • R365 000

    The Honda S2000 comes with a comprehensive 1-year roadside assistance programme. A 5-year/100 000km service plan is standard with the vehicle.

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