Although Honda’s S2000 ended production in 2009, its spirit still resonates with enthusiasts. Digital artist Theophilus Chin, also known as Theottle, has brought that spirit to life with a stunning concept that blends the S2000 with Prelude-inspired styling.
Chin’s design pays tribute to the S2000 while incorporating elements of the Prelude. The proportions remain familiar: a long hood, low stance, two-seat cabin, and fabric roof. While based on photos of the facelifted S2000, every body panel has been reimagined. The front features Prelude headlamps, a slim grille, and a bold bumper intake that create a striking appearance. Clean, flowing sides are accentuated with flush door handles and small aerodynamic vents behind the front fenders. The car rides on 19-inch wheels from the Prelude’s “Sports Style” package available in Japan, striking a balance between familiarity and innovation, a bridge across generations.
The rear design is more daring. A full-width LED light bar follows modern trends, and black trim frames the bumper. Dual exhausts remain prominent, preserving the S2000’s sporty character, while the tail loses the soft curves of the 1999 model. Reactions may be divided, some will appreciate the contemporary flair, while others may miss the classic elegance. Overall, it’s the S2000’s essence housed in a Prelude-inspired shell.
Power is expected to come from a combustion engine, suggested by the visible exhausts. The likely choice could be the Civic Type R’s 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, producing 325 horsepower. Known for its high-revving nature, this engine fits the S2000’s performance legacy. A hybrid system could add power and efficiency, aligning with Honda’s plan for 13 new hybrid vehicles by 2030. However, added battery weight could undermine the S2000’s lightweight, driver-focused philosophy. Purists seeking the original’s raw 9,000-rpm redline may be skeptical of electrification, even if it increases performance.
Beneath the styling lies a major challenge: the platform. Honda currently lacks a rear-wheel drive chassis for a small roadster. The Prelude is based on front-wheel drive and can only simulate sporty handling with virtual gear shifts, lacking the rear-drive balance of the S2000. Competing with cars like the Nissan Z would require a dedicated platform, which is expensive for a low-volume model. With Honda prioritizing hybrids and SUVs, such an investment is unlikely, leaving this concept as an enticing “what if” rather than a production-ready vehicle.
