http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2571

http://blogs.edmunds.com/.ee99b0d/cmd.233/embedded..ee99b23

- weight loss of about 90 pounds
- ditched the soft top (a removable aluminum hard top comes standard). Where the soft top would be stowed is a new structural element that stiffens the car's structure.
- retuned the suspension with stiffer springs and dampers and fatter antiroll bars.
- The CR carries unique 17-inch wheels with near-race-slick Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.
- quicker steering ratio than the standard S2000
- grippy fabric-covered seats in place of leather
- a shorter shifter lever with shorter throws for the standard six-speed manual transmission.

Thumbs up on the enhancements that actually improve performance. 90 LB weight loss? nice!

That wing, though.... OMG that's awful. Honda should know better.

Way to make a great car even better! :thumbup:

The wing isn't the pretties one I've seen, but unlike most Honda's with wings, this FR could actually benefit from it.

I am sure anyone getting this will know what to do with the wing.

I am sure anyone getting this will know what to do with the wing.

http://images.oldhouseweb.com/stories/bitmaps/13034/sawzall1.jpg

I think that is fantastic!

http://www.hondanews.com/thumbnails/2007/4/4/13680_preview.jpg?1175694520
http://www.hondanews.com/thumbnails/2007/4/4/13678_preview.jpg?1175694438
http://www.hondanews.com/thumbnails/2007/4/4/13673_preview.jpg?1175694220
http://www.hondanews.com/thumbnails/2007/4/4/13660_preview.jpg?1175693660
http://www.hondanews.com/thumbnails/2007/4/4/13659_preview.jpg?1175693618

- weight loss of about 90 pounds
:thumbup:
- ditched the soft top (a removable aluminum hard top comes standard).
This alone was like $3000. Standard is good. Wondering what the MSRP on this car will be. Where the soft top would be stowed is a new structural element that stiffens the car's structure.
It's already stiff, but stiffer is also good.:thumbup:
- retuned the suspension with stiffer springs and dampers and fatter antiroll bars.
:thumbup: will it go back to mechanical linkages or still drive-by wire?
- The CR carries unique 17-inch wheels with near-race-slick Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.
Don't like those rims :thumbdn: Are these rims lighter than the old ones? If not, some lighter aftermarket rims will reduce the weight even more... maybe it will even reach 100lbs total weight reduction.
- quicker steering ratio than the standard S2000
:thumbup:
- grippy fabric-covered seats in place of leather
maybe similar the ITR material ? (suede & grippy fabric). I hate leather... no grip..
- a shorter shifter lever with shorter throws for the standard six-speed manual transmission. shorter than it's already is? :thumbup:

the wing - :rolleyes: I would let that wing lose and send it to heaven.


It's about the time to trade in my S2k

really ugly

That wing, though.... OMG that's awful. Honda should know better.

They might lose another 10 lbs if they ditch the wing. haha

Other than that, awesome! Welcome back S2k.

I would definitly take the wing off and replace it with another one of better looks and usage.

Overall, I like it!

Looks good. As for the wing, I think it's there for an intended purpose. Considering that this version is more for racing than anything else, it's probably very functional. Of course it's hideous, but it probably provides an extreme amount of downforce.

will it go back to mechanical linkages or still drive-by wire?

Unfortunately, I would have to assume that the DBW will stay (as will the stability control). I had an 04' S2000 with the mechanical linkage (and no electronic nannies), and the throttle response was second to none. Though, I'm currently driving a Civic Si with the DBW, and it's quite good. It's proof that DBW can be done correctly.

http://www.hondanews.com/thumbnails/2007/4/4/13680_preview.jpg?1175694520
That front bumper cover is pretty bad too. I suppose a person could always round up one from a stock S, and swap it out.

A little over the top for my taste...

there is noting wrong with this, if it was done in 2001... these days, it looks like too much...

The car looks good, minus the wing.

But of course that's good because the wing is removeable.

ugh those humps behind the seat and the wing kill it for me. Sky Redline looks better. Honda has the better interior though.

Well so much for my dreams of wanting a fun sports car. The wing is absolutely horrid. Did they beef up the power any? I don't recall reading that.

I like the idea of this car, however, I'm not feelin that wing nor the front bumper. Neither seem to flow well with the car overall. I am a big fan of saving weight, shorter throws, and a stiffer ride!

Well so much for my dreams of wanting a fun sports car. The wing is absolutely horrid. Did they beef up the power any? I don't recall reading that.

don't let the look ruins your dreams. It's one hell of a sport car. look can be changed very easily especially the wing.

Great all the way around, it makes me want to get another one. I'd probably take off the wing, and the bumps behind the seat would be much less pronounced on a more subtle color. I'm thinking Silverstone (again) or Black.

edit: I'm really surprised they didn't change the gearing or up the hp/tq a bit.

Review and more pics. (Click gallery)

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/12648/2008-honda-s2000-cr.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/2007/Q2/040420070906019371.jpg

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/2007/Q2/040420070906017531.jpg

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/2007/Q2/040420070906017454.jpg

Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires similar to those used on the former Japanese-market NSX-R. The 215/45R-17 front and 255/40R-17!

Those seats look comfortable. I much rather have that than the current leather seat. My friend took out his leather seats and replaced it with suede. It's hugs you a lot better on very sharp/fast turns.

Looks more aggresive for a little 2 seater.. :p

Did they beef up the power any? I don't recall reading that.

Sounds like the drivetrain stays the same. Although if the 90 LB weight loss is to be believed, that has the same effect as adding power, so in the end, that's what's important.

And another thing, I assume most of the weight loss is in the area where the soft-top used to reside (top + mechanism + electric motor), which is up high on the vehicle. That should mean a lower COG which equates to even better handling.

I thought it was rumored that the CR will get 260hp?

The weight savings is nice and a removeable hardtop is nice although I would prefer a fixed top but I wish they could have upped the horsepower a bit to like the rumured 260hp to go along with the weight savings. I don't think 90lbs is going to make all that much difference in performance if the power is the same, maybe a tenth of a second or 2 at most. It would be really nice if they offered a turbo option in the future like what is on the RDX. The Solstice/Sky while they don't handle in the same league as the S2000 are very fast and fun now with the turbo option.

Ok, they bastardized one of the best looking cars on the road :(

The weight savings is nice and a removeable hardtop is nice although I would prefer a fixed top but I wish they could have upped the horsepower a bit to like the rumured 260hp to go along with the weight savings. I don't think 90lbs is going to make all that much difference in performance if the power is the same, maybe a tenth of a second or 2 at most. It would be really nice if they offered a turbo option in the future like what is on the RDX. The Solstice/Sky while they don't handle in the same league as the S2000 are very fast and fun now with the turbo option.

+1

260 hp + turbo.

I'd have to sell the 2IS for that!

I like honda's way of thinking!!
The execution of their thoughts need work though.

everything is great except the wing.. i really want to see how this car performs

I wonder when Honda will release more info.

This is the best news I've heard in awhile from Honda.

Looks better in White. :D

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1966/crwhiteus0.jpg

Looks better in White. :D

Looks like a photochop job. The car isn't lowered like that, it doesn't come with those wheels, and the brake disks appear to be about 4" in diameter.

But I agree that it looks much better in white.

that wing better be functional...