The Next Generation Honda S2000 Will Be A Mid-Engined Hybrid Coupe

It’s no secret that Honda has been on a mission to restore its sporty credentials after years away from the scene. With the all-new NSX supercar at the top of the range, miniature S660 sports car at entry-level end and the upcoming Civic Type-R hot hatcnext step in Honda’s game plan is a mid-sized S2000 sports car replacement.

According to Motoring’s sources, the S2000 project has finally been given the green light. However, despite being referred to as the new S2000, it is not strictly a direct successor. Keeping the all-important rear-wheel drive layout, the new car will actually be a mid-engined coupe, unlike the original front-engined roadster.

It is also expected that this new coupe will run a revised version of the new Civic Type-R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with an electric motor strapped on for extra power and improved economy. If the idea of a hybrid coupe ‘successor’ to the S2000 has you crying into your VTEC, the fact it’ll also get a seven-speed automatic transmission won’t come as good news either.

Production is also expected to take place alongside the NSX - though hopefully unaffected by the same battery issues that caused an NSX prototype to burn down at the ‘Ring - so expect the new S2000 to feature a similar carbonfibre and aluminium structure seen in the supercar. With more than 300bhp in a car that’ll weigh little more than a tonne, expect the new S2k to be just as much of a handful as the old one.

We can’t wait to see how this car evolves come production time, but for now we’re remaining cautiously optimistic Honda can channel the spirit of the old S2000.