The Honda S2000 epitomizes 40 years of Honda’s racing history. A genealogy it traces to the F1 racecars (including a victory in the 2004 and 2005 Indy 500). For 2006 the S2000 hit the road with spanking new alloy wheels, sportier seats, a Drive-by-Wire Throttle System and Stability Control. Seat and console had been redesigned too.

It has a smart maintenance minder with headrest-mounted stereo speakers and an outside temperature gauge. Declared power output for the S2000's engine had gone down a couple of notches courtesy of the new SAE horsepower-rating system the preceding year. It has a basic warranty of 60 months / 60,000 miles. For 2007 the S2000 doesn’t receive any upgrades.

The S2000 is equipped with a 2.2 liter (L) four-cylinder engine that puts out 237 horsepower (hp) and 162 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. A six-speed close-ratio manual transmission and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) are standard. It achieves an estimated fuel economy of 20/26 mpg (city/highway).

The S2000‘s exterior moves along sleek-smooth lines. Dynamic-aggressive paths integrate into stark-chiseled corners. Laguna Blue Pearl is a new exterior color choice for that was added in the 2006 model year. It has an optional molded aluminum hardtop that weighs 44 lbs.

A power-operated top with a glass rear window (with defroster), 17-inch wheels and HID headlights are standard. The electrically powered soft top opens or closes in about six seconds with the push of a switch that is located on the center console.

An available Front Under Body Spoiler Extends the front body work giving it an aggressive look. Integrated roll bars rest behind the seats. Optional Side Strakes that mount directly in front of the rear wheel wells give the vehicle a sporty flair.

Other standard features comprise; compact spare tire, alloy wheels, a glass rear window, a power window lockout, dual body color power adjustable folding exterior rearview mirrors, a passenger vanity mirror, power windows, a rear window defroster, tinted glass, front dual sunvisors, intermittent windshield wipers, front and rear body color 5-mph impact-absorbing bumpers, a front air dam, a wind deflector, and a trunk rear spoiler.

The cockpit is functional and uncluttered. Most of the controls are conveniently placed within the periphery of the steering wheel. Leather-trimmed seats with a perforated texture helps the material breathe. Ample bolstering keeps the driver and passenger in place during spirited drives.

Standard safety features include; an AM/FM radio with 8 speakers and a CD player, a radio antenna, a power-soft convertible top, an interior air filter, manual air conditioning, front carpeted floor mats, a carpet located in the passenger cabin and trunk, a leather steering wheel, perforated leather seats, front dual manually reclining bucket seats that adjusts 4-ways with integral headrests, a lower console storage located on the floor with an armrest, cupholders, and a front dual door mounted storage space.

Well, the S2000 is ‘excitement’ gift wrapped in a car. Brakes are responsive and steering is sharp. Handling and cornering abilities impress.

The red starter button fires up the potent four-cylinder even as it emits a dramatic growl. Push it to 5,000 rpm and the S2000 is ready to devour track.

The S2000 scored four stars out of five for protection against frontal impacts in government crash tests. It was awarded five stars for side-impact protection without side airbags. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and stability control are among its standard safety features.

Standard safety features include; front 3-point seat belts with automatic tensioning system , a driver and passenger seat belt reminder, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, side-impact door beams, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), an Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System and an emergency trunk opener.