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The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster with the size of the small Mazda Miata and speed of the Porsche Boxster. It's a technological statement from Honda, which has no equal when it comes to pumping big horsepower out of small engines.

The S2000 has earned a reputation as the sports car with an engine like a superbike motorcycle. Big horsepower from small displacement, with a narrow powerband and extremely high RPM. Nothing could match the original S2000 for exhilaration. While the original 2.0l 4-cylinder engine revved to 9,000 rpm, the Honda S2000 received a slightly larger engine with 2.2l of displacement for the 2004 model year. The current engine revs to 8,200 rpm (the redline starts at 8,000 rpm), still top among piston engines, and offers a broader torque range.

For 2008, Honda adds a more focussed CR (as in Club Racer) version the S2000's lineup. Lighter and stiffer than the standard version, this hardcore racer for the street is engineered to maximize the S2000's potential on a racetrack with the goal of substantially-improving track times, chassis balance, and feel. Sharing its engine with the standard S2000, the CR adds a full-body aerodynamic package to reduce lift through large and highly-tuned front and rear spoilers. Exclusive chassis features include a quicker steering ratio, Bridgestone Potenza RE070 high-performance tires, a wider rear tire size, firmer springs and dampers, larger stabilizer bars, and a new wheel design in a dark gray color. Structural rigidity is increased by an aluminum hardtop in place of the convertible soft top, and substantial structural bracing in the storage area previously occupied by the soft top.

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The 2008 Honda S2000 is available in two versions, the standard roadster and the track-oriented CR.

The Honda S2000 ($34,300) is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox; an automatic is not available. Standard features include an air con, AM/FM/CD audio system, cruise control, electrically powered soft top, keyfob remote entry, headrest speakers, leather steering-wheel and seats, power windows, a limited slip-differential, and alloy wheels shod with P215/45 R17 tires in front and P245/40 R17 in the rear.

There are a few dealer-installed options available, including a removable hardtop, a trunk spoiler, and XM Satellite radio.

The Honda S2000 CR (36,300) receives an exclusive interior highlighted by unique cloth seating surfaces with yellow stitching, a unique spherical aluminum shifter, and carbonfiber-style trim panels. While standard equipment is equal to the standard version's, air conditioning and the audio system are dropped in favor of reduced weight, but remain available as options.

Standard safety features include ABS, dual airbags, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). Side airbags are not available.