The next Gran Turismo star we'll be showcasing in Gran Turismo 7 is the Honda S2000, the cover car of Gran Turismo 2 that was launched in 1999, the same year when this car was released to the general public.
Launched in the spring of 1999, the Honda S2000 served as the spiritual successor of the legendary Honda S800. Priced at 3,380,000 Japanese Yen when it was launched, the S2000 is powered by a 2.0L DOHC VTEC (F20C) engine that produces 250PS of power and 218Nm of torque. It was mated with a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Other stuff includes a double-wishbone suspension, electronically assisted steering, and integrated roll hoops.
As production moved to Suzuka, Mie prefecture, Japan, the S2000 received some minor changes and the AP1 designation has now changed to AP2. The F20C engine was been replaced by a 2.2L DOHC 4-cylinder VTEC (F22C) engine. This engine produces about 242PS of power and 221Nm of torque. This comes with drive-by-wire throttle, an electronic stability control system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl. Interior changes included revised seats and additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests. The AP2 S2000 went on sale in Japan in late 2005 and by the 2008MY, it comes with a new variant called the S2000 Type S, which comes with the sportier exterior look. As the Lehman Shock affected the world market since the end of 2008, production of the S2000 was ended in the summer of 2009 with no direct successor whatsoever.
When I first experienced this car in GT2, the S2000 feels intermediate to drive because of its well-balanced proportions that championed this car. Although not as powerful as its European rivals, it feels down-to-earth easy to drive, and accessible too. With the car returned in GT7 as a hard-to-find used car that will take players days to wait until the chance to buy one, buying one in-game is a hard act to follow but taking a spin on it is the fun part for GT fanatics.
Anyway, no time to be sentimental because now that I got my hands on the Gran Turismo 2 cover car in Gran Turismo 7, it's time to give this car a quick time attack around Laguna Seca. Talk about stirring nostalgia because both the car and the track did appear in GT2 and they've never felt so alive in this game. Thank you, technology. Anyway, let's roll the tape.
After a quick lap around Laguna Seca, the S2000 did it in 1:53.380. Just to let you know, the settings in this car are untouched since purchase.
Despite being out of production several years ago, the S2000 remains a cult classic icon for speedo boys everywhere because...it's a Honda! Why do you need explanations on this one? Silly question.
What other Gran Turismo stars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.
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