| Report: Honda S2000 Successor to become an Acura
When we last heard that the successor to the Honda S2000 will have four seats we were greatly disappointed. We also predicted that the successor to the Honda S2000 will be badged as an Acura since it was reported to be marketed a more affluent audience. While the roadster having four seats is still not confirmed, WindingRoad is reporting that their source in Japan has confirmed it will be badged an Acura.The successor to the Honda S2000 is now under development but we won't see a concept or production version of it for another two or three years, after it gets approved by Honda's management. Read Article .
Dodge Demon Concept Goes on the Attack
It seems that one of the fastest growing segments of the automotive world is the affordable roadster, perhaps cashing in on all those baby boomers on the cusp of retiring, but want to have a sexy (empty nest) kind of ride. Dodge has just unveiled their Demon Concept, a two-seat convertible with a bit of an angry streak, marketed directly against the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, and Mazda MX-5. Because it is yet another open top roadster in the DaimlerChrysler family, you've got to wonder if Dr. Z is ready to scrap the Crossfire. There are certain elements on the Demon that remind me a Nissan 350Z, other parts that make me think of a Honda S2000, but the part of the car that really sticks out is that ultra aggressive nose. It's like it has a cross-hair in its teeth. Principle designer Jae Chung says that "while the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car." It'll tip the scales at 2600 pounds and come equipped with a 2.4L engine good for 172hp and 165 lbs-ft of torque.
Honda S2000 successor: the apple falls far from the tree
When we reported a month ago that Honda was working on a replacement for the S2000 roadster, we speculated that the new convertible could be positioned as an Acura. Such rumors are gaining credence as the S2000 replacement isn't shaping up to be much like the S2000 at all. Emerging reports suggest that the new convertible could be badged as an Acura, which will likely mean it'll get a completely different name to fit into the premium brand's nomenclature – probably matching the "_SX" formula. (The brand issue is really only a consideration for the North American market – overseas Acuras are sold as Hondas, anyway.) It's also tipped to include four seats, whereas the S2000 is a strict two-seater. Rear drive remains a question mark, as the new convertible could shift to front-wheel-drive.
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2007 Geneva Auto Show
There are a few reasons that Dodge decided to name its roadster for 2007 Geneva Auto Show the "Dodge Demon." First, car companies love alliteration. Start the brand name and model name with the same sound and ” bam! ” the car is an instant success. Take, for example, the Ford Five Hundred.... Also, as Trevor Creed, the big man at Chrysler Group Design, says, "We simply find it safer to use our own names." Dodge produced a version of the Plymouth Duster in 1971-'72 that it also called the Demon. It ain't no fairy! But we suspect there's another reason. A demon is evil. A demon is a ghost up to no good. It is therefore neither wimpy nor girly. In the same genre of mischievous little spirits, there are sprites (a name already taken), gremlins (ditto), brownies, pixies and, yes, fairies. Hmmm, the Dodge Pixie? The image of pointy ears, sloe eyes and little-girl haircuts is not a perfect fit for the maker of Hemis and Rams and Hemi Rams.
Prison escapee is caught after 40-minute foot chase
HILLCREST: An convict who escaped from a minimum-security prison more than two weeks ago was captured yesterday in Hillcrest. David Griffis, 40, was taken into custody just before 8 a.m. near Blaine and Cleveland avenues after leading officers on a 40-minute foot chase, said San Diego police Detective Gary Hassen. Police got a call just before 7 a.m. from someone who reported spotting Griffis on Washington Street near Richmond Street, Hassen said. Griffis took off when officers arrived and jumped over several fences in his attempt to escape, Hassen said. When he was finally caught he appeared to be having a seizure and was taken to a hospital. Griffis has been on the lam since Feb. 4, when he walked away from the McCain Valley Sierra Conservation Center in Boulevard, where he was serving a six-year sentence on a drug charge.
Honda S2000 Features |
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| Honda S2000 Performance & Efficiency Standard Features |
-2,157 cc 2.2 liters in-line 4 front engine with 87 mm bore, 90.7 mm stroke, 11.1 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
-Premium unleaded fuel 91
-Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 26 and EPA city (mpg): 20
-Multi-point injection fuel system
-13.2 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank
-Power: 177 kW , 237 HP SAE @ 7,800 rpm; 162 ft lb , 220 Nm @ 6,800 rpm
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| Honda S2000 Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features |
-Four-wheel ABS
-Brake assist system
-Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
-Electronic brake distribution
-Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
-Immobilizer
-Rear limited slip differential
-Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
-Stability control
-Wishbone front and rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs
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| Honda S2000 Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features |
-Body color front and rear bumpers
-Fixed hoop convertible rollover protection
-Electric softtop convertible roof with glass rear window
-Day time running lights
-Driver and passenger power body color door mirrors
-External dimensions: overall length (inches): 162.2, overall width (inches): 68.9, overall height (inches): 50, wheelbase (inches): 94.5, front track (inches): 57.9, rear track (inches): 59.4 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 35.4
-Projector beam lens Xenon bulb headlights
-Luxury trim alloy & leather on gearknob, leather on doors and alloy look on dashboard
-Pearl paint
-Fixed rear window with defogger
-Tinted glass on cabin
-Weights: curb weight (lbs) 2,855
-Windshield wipers with fixed intermittent wipe
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| Honda S2000 Interior Standard Features |
-12v power outlet: front and 1
-Air conditioning
-Fixed mast antenna
-Audio anti-theft protection: code and concealable
-Audio system with AM/FM and CD player
-Cargo area light
-Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 5
-Clock
-Full dashboard console , full floor console with covered storage box
-Courtesy lights
-Cruise control
-Front seats cup holders fixed
-Door ajar warning
-Door pockets/bins for driver seat and passenger seat
-External temperature
-Floor covering: carpet in load area
-Floor mats
-Driver and passenger front airbag with multi-stage deployment
-Sports driver and passenger seat
-3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
-Front seat center armrest
-Two head restraints on front seats
-Illuminated entry system
-Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 34.6, front hip room (inches): 49.8, front leg room (inches): 44.3, front shoulder room (inches): 50.7 and interior volume (cu ft): 44.8
-Low fuel level warning
-Remote power locks
-Vehicle speed proportional power steering
-Front power windows with one one-touch
-Front reading lights
-Rear view mirror
-Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
-Remote fuel filler door release
-Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
-Front seat back storage
-Leather seat upholstery with additional vinyl
-Seating: two seats
-Service interval indicator
-Eight speaker(s)
-Leather covered multi-function steering wheel
-Tachometer
-Passenger vanity mirror
-Ventilation system with recirculation setting and micro filter
-Wind deflector behind seats
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