PERFORMANCE: The 2.0-liter S2000 engine made its 240 horsepower at 8300 rpm, with the fuel cutoff at 9000. This was great for bench racing bragging rights, and the top-end surge between 7000 and 9000 was truly exhilarating, with a sound like a 1970s Cosworth-powered Formula One car. But at lesser speeds, power was adequate but not all that impressive, and the light flywheel which allowed fast revving also allowed revs to drop precipitously below the heart of the power band when upshifting.

For 2004, the light switch has been turned into a rheostat. A stroker crankshaft increases displacement to 2.2 liters, and lowers the redline from 9000 to 8200 rpm. But, although horsepower is the same 240, it peaks at 7800 rpm, with maximum torque now 162 lb-ft at 6500 rpm - more torque at lower engine speeds. Really useful power is now available from 3500 rpm, rather than 6000, to redline. It keeps building until the rev limiter steps in, and the healthier midrange blends into the top-end rush.