Here’s the S2000 Type R That Should Have Been Build
What if Honda had built a more hardcore version of its iconic roadster?
Coulda, Shoulda
While the S2000 has already earned legend status among gearheads, it's certainly worth arguing that Honda didn't maximize that model's potential by a long shot. After all, the S2000 was a bit long in the tooth by the time it was discontinued, and the Club Racer - though much beloved - didn't offer any sort of massive performance upgrade. What we needed was a proper S2000 Type R, and that's precisely what artist Abimelec Arellano has dreamed up with these renderings.
Photos: Abimelec Arellano
Theoretical Powerplant
Designed in collaboration with Hagerty for its "What If?" series, this hypothetical S2000 Type R would have theoretically been equipped with a 1.9-liter version of the legendary F20/F22C inline-four-cylinder powerplant that would rev to a lofty 9,700 rpm, producing around 268 peak horsepower, a bit better than the regular version.
Photos: Abimelec Arellano
Body Parts
Of course, an S2000 Type R wouldn't be a Type R without a host of other upgrades in virtually every department, including a variety of aerodynamic bits and pieces that aid both performance and looks. In this case, those parts only add to the S2000's clean appearance without going overboard, which is what we'd expect from an OEM build.
Photos: Abimelec Arellano
Other Upgrades
Finished in an equally clean and simple shade dubbed Championship White, this S2000 Type R also rolls on a set of lightweight NSX-R wheels, which are painted to match. We can also see the red interior through the glass, providing us with a timeless color combination perfectly complemented by a half cage and Recaro seats.
Photos: Abimelec Arellano
Nailed It
Honda never built an S2000 Type R, and at this point, such a machine seems highly unlikely to ever exist, even if it was to bring back its beloved drop-top. Regardless, we found this particular exercise to be a fun one, and we feel like Arellano nailed exactly what we think an S2000 Type R would have looked like, if it existed.
Photos: Abimelec Arellano
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