Honda S1000: Build it? Bring it? What is it?

varmint

The most recent issue of Road&Track has a short blurb and picture of a new Honda concept. It's a tiny roadster with styling related to the S2000. Another similarity is the engine, which is reported to be a high-revving, 4 cylinder, 1 liter (yes, very small) block mounted up front. Output was quoted at 120 horses. That's quite a bit lower than the Miata or anything else on our market, but the vehicle is expected to weigh only 2,000 lbs. R&T labeled it as a 2006 design.

Should they build it? Should they bring it over here? Does anyone have any more details on this little rascal?

leomaccord1

So far the Miata is in a class by itself IMO. It's a small, sporty, reliable, well-built 2 seater with a slick engine and tranny to move it along, at an excellent price. The S2000 is an awesome ride, but for 8 thousand more than a Miata. I for one, would love to see a "budget S" in the mix. Heck, wasn't the original S500 and S600 along those same lines back in the 70's? Small displacment, no frills, roadster? I think if GM allows the release of the Solstice, it might signal Honda to go ahead and bring the S1000 over as well!

varmint

Some things I forgot to mention... R&T mentioned that they wish for it to come over at less than $20,000. So the S2K and S1K would bookend the Miata. Neither would be a direct competitor.

Also, the S1K is FWD. It's more like a Del Sol done properly than a scaled down S2K.

FWIW, this is my review of the Miata. varmint "Town Hall Test Drive Team" Jun 24, 2003 5:57pm In the part where I compare it with the S2K, you'll see my reasoning for why Honda should bring this S1K over here. The S2K is wonderful as a high speed kamikaze machine, but the Miata is able to dance at lower speeds. I'm thinking that the 2,000 lbs S1K would be more tossable.

hondasellertx

The Miata and the S2000 are nowhere near $8k apart if you compare the SE model Miata and spec it up as close to the S2000 as possible. The difference is more like $4500 or so and the Miata doesn't have the HID headlights, power top or several other features, not least of which is the extra hundred horsepower the S2000 puts out. The Miata is definitely a nice car however it is no bargain and can only come somewhat close to the S2000, not play in the same league.

bowke28

i couldnt agree with you more. its like someone saying a civic should be over $25000. nice car, very reliable, but not worth that kind of money.

varmint

I don't think the Miata is a bargain in terms of bang for the buck, but it is the only sporty roadster than many enthusiasts can afford. The only other option is the MRSpyder and those tend to be difficult to purchase. Both are considered "serious sports cars" to some degree, but are still cheap enough for the average Joe.

I think the S1000 represents the potential for dirt cheap fun. Much like the CRX. This car could do for Honda what the Civic Si has failed to do. The S1000 could become the darling of the tuners and aftermarket crowd. It might be a good halo car for the youth brand Honda is considering.

sphinx99

I'd hate to get run over by an Escalade EXT while driving a S1000. It's around that point that I start thinking, "why not just get a good motorbike?"

muffin_man

I pray that Honda brings the S1000. I would do anything for smaller cars to become more popular.

While fully loaded Miatas can sticker at $28k, you can actually buy them for $22k. (and the color of the 2003 SE is amazing) And you can get a stripped Miata for about $17,000.

ateixeira

Look at Miata transaction prices, though. Most are $18-25k. That's well below the starting price for an S2000. Fitzmall.com has one for $17,832 new.

I like the idea of the S1000, as long as it's a 4 cylinder, not 3, and light enough. The CRX Si is sorely missed, IMO, nothing since has been able to take its place in enthusiasts' hearts.

I'm not worried about Escalades because I avoid congestion and stick to 2 lanes. I doubt you'd be any better off in an S2000 to be honest, you're road kill either way.

So one vote in favor, yes, definitely bring the S1000. Keep a cap on prices and build it in the spirit of the CRX Si (light, spunky, affordable, and fun), not the del Sol.

-juice

varmint

Just found this today. Someone hosted the original article at this site.

http://www.honda-club-ems-jade.de/Honda%20News/S1000/s1000.html

Been a while since this thread was started... Since then, Honda has stated that they will not be following Toyota in creating a youth-oriented brand name like Scion. I have also not seen any other publication or concept car that resembles the S1K.

That said, I stick by my original assessment. The S1K, or something like it, could become the next el-cheapo performance icon and a tuner's delight. Clearly, Ford and Dodge have latched onto the hot-hatch market that the Civic Si once dominated. Subaru and Mitsubishi have become lords of the not-quite-cheap performance arena. The S1K would provide something fresh for the cheapest end of the spectrum.

ateixeira

Hey, that looks like someone stole my Miata ('93 Crystal White) and slapped TVR Griffith headlights on it. Kinda cute, actually.

Miatas have gained weight over the years. Early ones were 2200 lbs, now they hit 2400+ lbs loaded up. The MR2 weighs 2195 lbs, and that article says the Honda would weigh in at about 2000 lbs.

If so, the 120hp would be perfectly fine. My Miata has just 116hp and weighs 10% more, and it's no slouch.

Well under $20k sounds good. They could do it, how much does a 1.0l engine cost to make? The Civic Si is selling slowly, so let it replace that model in the Honda lineup, for about the same price even.

Build it! :-)

-juice

muffin_man

I'd trade my Si for one.

varmint

Even the Insight weighs 1850lbs with an alloy chassis. I'm thinking that keeping the weight down will drive the cost up. Either the $20K or 2,000 lbs mark will be broken.

ateixeira

That 1 litre engine has to be very light weight. They'll have to give it some crash protection, though, so it'll have to be close to a ton.

Insight has the batteries that add a lot of the weight. I bet minus those it's a featherweight.

-juice