My GT7 Log: The star of GT2

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 The F20C engine was been replaced by a 2.2L DOHC 4-cylinder VTEC (F22C) engine.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.

Remembering the S2000

Just like in one episode of Top Gear, when Jeremy Clarkson caught you driving with a luxury roadsters, especially German, in the Isle of Mann, he would probably yelling "YOU GOT THE WRONG CAR! YOU GOT THE WRONG CAR! I GOT THE RIGHT CAR OVER THERE!" and chances are that you've encountered the Honda S2000.

S2000 in London

Looking for the world's greatest roads

Remembered as Honda's first and last rear-wheel drive two seater roadster, the S2000 is probably an all-time favorite among JDM fans because this the only Honda that can drift well because of its FR layout. Too bad they don't make one of these anymore, which is sad...

How did the Honda S2000 began? First of all, back in the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, the Honda Sport Study Model was a concept car serving as a template for the production of the S2000. As years pass by, the Sport Study Model concept remain unchanged when appeared in most motor shows until Honda decided to produce the S2000 in the spring of 1999, serving as a spiritual successor of the classic S800.

Most enthusiasts nicknamed this as "S2" or "S2K" but that doesn't make any sense. Anyway, when it came out in 1999, it costs 3,380,000 Japanese Yen and for that, it comes with 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 limited slip differential. Other stuff includes a double wishbone suspension, electronically assisted steering, and integrated roll hoops. This S2000, designated as AP1, was produced in Honda's Takanezawa plant in Tochigi prefecture, Japan until 2003 and in the following year, production moved to Suzuka, Mie prefecture, Japan.

The AP1 S2000 is somewhat extraordinary for me because this is one of the easiest Hondas you can drive. The way you handle is somewhat very soft, very comfortable, and this is more of a spongecake but with added hot sauce on it. Don't know how to eat one but still, it's a skull-breaking sensation, something that you want to be completely bonkers on the open road.

When I first drive one in the past Gran Turismo video games, it felt like that the S2000 is somewhat very unique and I think its a rare opportunity for a car that is part of my childhood memories. Little known fact that the S2000 was featured on the Caltex Vortex commercial, remember that?

The Stig meets God Hand's S2000

That's how God Hand can do in the corners!

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 a 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. I should told that this AP2 S2000 went on sale in Japan since late 2005 and by the 2008MY, it comes with a new variant called the S2000 Type S, which comes with 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. You know that during its existence, it's still a fun to drive Honda and now, it's just a worthless litter due to the economy, the environment, tensions in the Middle East (especially Iran and Syria), and the relentless war on speed.

I have no regrets to this AP2 S2000. Even though it handles like the AP1, the 2.2L VTEC engine really copes it up with more power than the old 2.0L VTEC engine I found on the AP1.

No wonder the S2000 was served as a primary weapon for Initial D 4th Stage's "God Hand" Joushima...

God Foot vs. God Hand
at the Top Gear Test Track!

Even when the Honda S2000 was gone since the summer of 2009, it's hard to remember why did Honda want to get rid of the only FR sportscar in existence but for some enthusiasts, it's still considered to be a national treasure, a treasure that only made them laughed because it was made for one purpose; FUN.

Unfamiliar Tuner

Song played on my Personal BGM: Mommy Complex by Peaches

From the album: I Feel Cream

Opera S2000 and Opera 350Z hanging around
at the Top Gear Test Track

In the days of GT4, there was one tuner that I am not utterly familiar of. You may never heard of it or seen it but this tuner has a strong affiliation with the Gran Turismo crew. That was Opera Performance, a tuner name you are not familiar with but getting familiar with their tuned versions of the S2000 and the Z33.

With Gran Turismo 5 on the run, we are now getting knowledgeable about the Opera S2000 and the Opera Z33. Firstly, let's go over with the Opera Z33. It maybe more of a 350Z to you but this Z33 modified by Opera Performance features an enhanced body kit to make it more aggressive, toughened chassis, improved suspension, lightweight titanium exhaust, and aerodynamics created by the Gran Turismo team. Under the hood, it produces about 335HP/7600rpm of power and 249lb-ft/5500rpm of torque. The Opera Z33 only weighs about 1340kg so I could say about somewhat lighter than the normal Z33.

Now, on the Opera S2000. This Opera-modified Honda S2000 might be lacking more power than the Opera Z33 because of its 261HP power output but what it makes it up for its lack of power is the weight that is somewhat lighter than the Opera Z33 because it is 930kg, allowing the Opera S2000 to corner more efficiently than the Z33 thanks to its improved aerodynamics. Scientifically said that the Opera S2000 is the car developed using GT data for performance figures.

So, the Opera Z33 is excelled to be the most powerful Z33 ever made while the Opera S2000 is made to be the lightest S2000 ever made, with Gran Turismo-inspired technology on it because Opera Performance was a Gran Turismo affiliate. With Gran Turismo technology, these two tuned JDM cars are made with science and shaped to be more track-ready and competitive.

IS 2000?

2011 Honda Infinite Stratos S2000 Race Car

By request from the IS (Infinite Stratos) staff and crew, a Honda S2000 is nested with something itasha. An itasha filled with everything Infinite Stratos on it. It was made in collaboration with Dijon Racing (you might remember them for the famous Haruri Suzumiya Racing Hankook Porsche at the Super GT).

Why S2000? Aren't they suppose to use the Lexus IS make it even? But whatever the heck is, this IS2000 will appear at the Infinite Stratos One-Off Festival coming this June 5, 2011 at the Yokohama BLITZ. It will also show up at the Twin Ring Motegi Super Taikyu Series 2011 sometime.

Forza players, get your creative imagination ready because I hope you guys recreate the Honda Infinite Stratos S2000 Race Car for interest.

Photo: Official Infinite Stratos site