Anyway, no matter how you generate your speed, the S2000 rewards your efforts. The RWD roadster is 'front mid-engined' with a compact double wishbone suspension and 16" Bridgestones. It corners with minimal body roll, prodigious grip and tremendous feedback. Aided by an electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, the S2000 slices through corners with consummate ease, flick flacking like a sports bike. The previous model's tendency to swap ends in extreme situations has been replaced with at-the-limit understeer. Which is just as well, considering how easy it is to approach those limits.

If Honda upgraded the S2000's cabin and sonically tuned the engine, the Nipponese convertible would be an irresistible alternative to its newer, fresher challengers. As it is, the S2000 is a great car that constantly screams for forgiveness.