I picked up the new car on Saturday – an ex-demo 2008 Honda S2000 GT in red. We traded in our 1999 model which we had owned since March and I have to say it certainly feels a better car.
The S2000 has had a number of different changes over the years from first introduction. A list of model year differences up to the 2006 model can be found on the s2ki site. The 2008 model has been revised further with re-tuned dampers, uprated springs and thicker anti-roll bars from the Japanese Type-S version. It also gets new five spoke alloys.
Going from the 1999 model other changes for me are the addition of VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist); a different exhaust; a slightly different centre console; a different display for the rev counter, fuel and temperature; the addition of an external temperature display and clock; slightly different seats; different steering wheel; different gear knob; and being a GT the addition of a hardtop.
Driving the car, it feels alot more stable both in a straight line at speed and through the corners and just generally more sure of itself. The old model felt quite skittish over bumps and nervous in the wet and generally didn’t instill confidence in the driver (for me or my wife anyway). Don’t get me wrong I did like the car, I wouldn’t have had another one otherwise even knowing it was supposed to be better. I went all the way to Switzerland and back in the old one and had a great time but it would have been better if i’d had the new car at the time. I can’t wait now until next year for another European road trip.
Pictures to follow once it’s been cleaned.
