2009 Honda S2000 Review

2009 Honda S2000

Widely considered the quintessential roadster-style sports car, the S2000 is the performance icon for the Honda brand and combines uncompromising racetrack-ready performance with everyday usability. As a true sports car that can serve as a practical and fun daily driver and also feel equally at home on a racetrack, this concept is further evolved with a club racer-inspired S2000 CR trim, first offered in the 2008 model year.

The S2000 rewards driving enthusiasts with a potent 237 horsepower, 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and a precise, short throw 6-speed manual transmission, along with tenacious handling and a perfect 50/50 weight balance. The S2000 includes an electronic Drive-by-Wire (DBW) Throttle System™, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), Maintenance Minder™ system, standard headrest speakers, an outside temperature gauge and an engine start button. Air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system are standard equipment on the S2000, optional on the S2000 CR for weight savings.

2009 Honda S2000

"The Honda S2000 is a true performance vehicle that provides customers with an exciting experience behind the wheel," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Because the S2000 is a car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, it can easily satisfy daily driving needs without sacrificing track-worthy performance."

The S2000’s renowned high-revving, 2.2-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine remains the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance technology, delivering 237 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 6,800 rpm. Perfectly complimenting the engine’s output characteristics is a compact, longitudinally-mounted, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission that features a direct linkage for precise shifting and quick throws.

2009 Honda S2000

The S2000 comes equipped with a Drive-by-Wire throttle control system eliminating the need for a mechanical connection between the throttle pedal and the engine. This enables continuous electronic monitoring and adjustment of throttle pedal sensitivity to create an ideal match between throttle response and driving conditions. The system also manages the S2000’s cruise control function for greater precision.

Honda’s VSA makes the S2000 more stable and forgiving during street driving or in inclement weather conditions. Working in concert with the Drive-by-Wire system, VSA continuously monitors yaw rate, steering input, throttle input, and braking pressure to determine if the car is following the driver’s intended path, and can independently coordinate each of the disc brakes through the 4-channel anti-lock brake system, along with the throttle, to enhance vehicle stability. While this serves to effectively enhance driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering, the system can be disabled with the touch of a button when conditions warrant it. To help provide optimum stopping power, the braking system also features Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

2009 Honda S2000

The S2000’s rear-wheel-drive chassis and powertrain layout results in a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for perfect balance when cornering, while its hybrid monocoque body and "high X-bone frame" results in exceptional structural rigidity. Combined with a front and rear double wishbone suspension, precise electric power steering, and a torque-sensing limited slip differential, the end result is a complete, no compromise performance package for the enthusiast driver.

The S2000 has dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) for the driver and passenger, three-point seat belts with load limiters and automatic tensioning system, roll bar hoops and reinforced windshield posts. For pedestrian safety, the hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots are designed to collapse and help minimize the severity of a head injury to a pedestrian.

2009 Honda S2000

Standard features for the S2000 include a power retractable convertible top, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, leather trimmed seats and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with daytime running lights. An aluminum hardtop and XM® Satellite Radio are available as dealer installed options.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

No penny was spared on the outside of this Eclipse SE, as it pretty much got the royal treatment from Mitsubishi. The body was meticulously inspected for any defects or flaws and any findings were immediately rectified. The body panels were inspected for absolute perfection, so that the body lines line up smoothly. The exterior is draped in Kalapana Black paint, which is essentially just a very deep, non-metallic black paint. The paint is beautifully buffed to a smoothness not typically seen on an Eclipse.

The apparent theme of this final Eclipse was obviously an attempt to black it out, as there are only six pieces of chrome amongst the sea of black, two are the Mitsubishi emblems on the nose and tail, then there’s the “ECLIPSE” logo on the back end, the “GT V6” emblem, the upper lip on the rear spoiler, and the dual exhaust tips.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

We know that you are wondering why the "GT V6” emblem when this is an SE model. Well, the fact of the matter is that this car is really neither a GT nor an SE, as it is a hybrid combining the best from both models, but is titled as an SE due to the VIN. The engine happens to be from the GT, so it wears the appropriate badging.

Just like the exterior of the 2012 Eclipse, the interior is gorgeous too. Mitsubishi used the same care on the inside that it used on the outside in making this car unique while retaining the Eclipse’s natural beauty. All Eclipse SE models come standard with leather interior, so seeing the gorgeous black leather interior on this car is no shock. What is a shocker are the beautiful French seams on the leather seats and white thread to contrast the black cow’s hide.

You also get “Eclipse” labeled scuff plates, which remind you of what car you’re driving, just in case you forget. The steering wheel is your run-of-the-mill four-post Mitsubishi wheel and lacks any audio or HVAC controls to get in the way of driving enjoyment.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

Mitsubishi did a wonderful job on the Eclipse’s center stack, adding in the necessary technology without making it look like you are about to launch a space shuttle. In this center stack is a powerful 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate that features SiriusXM capabilities and Bluetooth hands-free capabilities. This audio system connects to a total of nine speakers, one of which is a 10-inch subwoofer that is easily visible in the hatch area. The 2012 Eclipse also features a rearview camera, which shows up on the information screen near the center of the dashboard.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

Overall, we like what Mitsubishi did with the interior of the 2012 Eclipse, though some people find it a little bland. When it comes to interiors, we actually prefer the simple to use and clutter-free look, not 200 different buttons to push and knobs to turn. The black interior with silver accents really fits nicely with the black exterior, but could lead to some rather heat soaked summer days.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

The engine is where this Eclipse SE really becomes unique. There were no SE models offered with the 3.8-liter V-6 engine, only the GT came with this engine. Well, to make this vehicle special, Mitsubishi scrapped its usual SE blueprints and dropped the 3.8-liter V-6 engine from the GT, which cranks out 265 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm, into the SE’s engine compartment. Short of an Eclipse SE with an engine swap, this is the only 2012 Eclipse SE with the 3.8-liter MiVEC engine.

Special care was taken during the assembly process of this car not to leave any tool marks on any of the engine components, making it look like this engine just appeared in the compartment without any human intervention. The valve covers are painted red to help set off the otherwise bland-looking engine compartment.

2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse SE

In odd fashion, Mitsubishi chose to link the 3.8-liter V-6 to the SE model’s four-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, which features a manual gear-selection mode. You would assume that given the fact that it has the GT engine, that this Eclipse would also inherit the GT’s five-speed automatic transmission, but for some reason Mitsubishi chose to leave the SE’s four-speed. This leads us to believe that this SE/GT hybrid still has the SE’s more aggressive 4.21-to-1 axle ratio. This would mean that this special edition is slightly quicker than its GT counterpart. If only Mitsubishi could marry this 4.21 axle ratio to the five-speed automatic, we would have a win-win situation!

There are no performance specs available for this final edition Eclipse, but we can reasonably deduce the specs using existing information. Given the GT has a 0 to 60 time of 6.47 seconds, we can reasonably assume that the taller gear ratio in the SE would allow this powerful V-6 to more effectively accelerate the Eclipse, dropping the 0 to 60 time to about 6.43 seconds. The GTs quarter-mile time is 14.99 seconds at 94.53 mph, but with the lower gear ratio we should see a slight decrease to 14.96 seconds at about 95 mph.

We definitely have to commend Mitsubishi for thinking outside of its blueprints and using a V-6 to power this special car.

2010 Lancia Stratos

2010 Lancia Stratos

Rendering a modern re-creation of a classic shape is something very few can get right. There has to be a balance of old elements, seamlessly amalgamated with contemporary aspects, that create a shape that pays homage to the old, while ushering in a new era of functional form. The then-radical Bertone design of the original Stratos, penned by Marcello Gandini was already ahead of its time, the challenge of re-design was always going to be a challenge. The brightest boys at Pininfarina were contested with the design brief from the Stoschek father and son duo, as well as Chris Hrabalek, to incorporate their influences and specific additions to the car. Michael has been quoted: "Because the design of the Lancia Stratos was characterized by the contrast between round and rectilinear elements, I wanted to see that tension to be carried over into the New Stratos as well."

2010 Lancia Stratos

With alcantara bucket seats and six point harnesses, the interior of the New Stratos can never be mistaken for anything other than a supercar. If you still have your doubts, have a look at the special helmet compartments in the doors for both passenger and driver which will certainly put to bed any doubts you may have had. It’s all business - but in a good way. By that we mean it isn’t minimal like say, a Lotus, but has signatures that stir the blood. There are strong inklings of Ferrari throughout, like the steering wheel with integrated shiftlights, center console, and switchgear – but we aren’t complaining. The driver’s view is a thing of beauty and taking center stage is the Ferrari-based dials that have a unique sinister appeal – think F430 meets Knight Rider and you’ll know what we’re talking about. The large rev counter reads optimistically to 10,000RPM, flanked by a speedometer and obligatory gauges.

2010 Lancia Stratos

The goal for the development of the Lancia Stratos HF’s successor was to maintain the essence of the original, meaning the mid-engine sports car had to have a short wheelbase, low weight, and superior agility and handling. Like we mentioned earlier, the New Stratos shares a lot in common with the Ferrari F430 Scuderia and the performance is no different. Actually it is. Because the entire car is made from carbon fiber and is smaller than the Ferrari, it’s faster! Almost all of the borrowed Scuderia components have been modified and, as necessary, customized to their new intents. The F430 chassis is made form space-age aluminum, and was shortened by 20cm and welded to a roll cage made of FIA-certified, 40mm-thick steel. This significantly increased rigidity, and when combined with the 50:50 weight distribution, provides the basis for the vehicle’s extraordinary handling characteristics.

2010 Lancia Stratos

The 4.3L V8 engine, which draws its intake air from the roof spoiler’s side openings, has been equipped with a new intelligent computer and a high-performance exhaust system, with custom headers and sports cat. The 6-speed transmission received a once over that included a new differential, and the modified control electronics allow for extremely fast gear changes at less than 60 milliseconds. New electronic damper calibration, adjustable via the steering wheel, ensures that the ride is soft on dodgy roads and firm when you visit the track. The 19” center locking wheels expose the carbon-ceramic Brembo braking system, which is comprised of 6-piston calipers at the front, and 4 pots at the rear. Finally, the steering has been converted to an electro-hydraulic setup – something that has been criticized in the past for lessening feedback, and has paddle shifters from the Ferrari 430 GT2 racecar for company. Even the battery hasn’t escaped the dieting – the lithium unit weighs just 4.2kg. Despite the 55kg steel roll cage and the 28kg air conditioning unit – which was a necessary addition, the New Stratos still weighs about 80kg less than the Ferrari. We can expect a 0-60 time of around 3.4 seconds and a top speed of close to 200mph! This will be coupled to the sound of the racing Ferrari V8 which can best be described as a group of Italian tenors being electrocuted. This is automotive nirvana at its absolute finest!

2010 Lancia Stratos

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

Calibration modifications include advancing the ignition timing as well as re-mapping of the electronic throttle settings to provide quicker throttle response for better off-line and mid-range acceleration. Increased throttle response will be met with a sharper roar from the Ford Racing-inspired exhaust system.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, upgraded from the standard GT500’s 3.31:1. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter is 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.

Ford SVT, Ford Racing and Team Shelby worked together to develop the KR’s suspension tuning. Based on initial work by Ford Racing and the team at Shelby, often at Shelby’s own facility on the grounds of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ford SVT chassis engineers will apply fine tuning techniques to prepare it for the streets.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

“The production Shelby GT500 was maximized to deliver the perfect balance between ride and handling,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief nameplate engineer, Ford SVT. “In that same ride versus handling continuum, the KR will lean heavier towards all-out handling while still making it drivable on the street.”

Chassis engineers worked closely with the engine department in a holistic approach to the development of the KR, tuning the suspension to best optimize the engine enhancements.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

“We aren’t fixing our attention on one or two attributes, but working on the vehicle as a whole,” stated Gary Patterson, vice president of operations for Shelby Automobiles. “The throttle response, power delivery, exhaust note, and handling should all gel together to deliver a total driving experience.”

The GT500KR will feature unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all designed specifically for the KR, to deliver the precision handling package.

SSC Ultimate Aero XT

SSC Ultimate Aero XT

The company formerly known as Shelby Super Cars, now known as SSC, has already released the replacement for its extreme supercar, the Ultimate Aero. This replacement car is dubbed the Tuatara. You didn’t think that SSC would let its one-multiple-world-record-holding supercar just ride away into the sunset, did you?

If you did, you’re mistaken, as SSC has just announced a special edition model of the Ultimate Aero, dubbed the Ultimate Aero XT, which boasts a power plant never before seen in an Ultimate Aero and styling to match the might behind the seats.

SSC Ultimate Aero XT

There is not too much information given on the interior styling, but we can assume that it is pretty much the same styling as the base model Ultimate Aero, but from the pictures it looks like the colors are coded to match the exterior, though this is not confirmed by SSC.

As for amenities, you get A/C, power windows, power mirrors, tilt steering, 7.5-inch LCD screen, a 10-speaker premium stereo system with a CD and DVD player. You also get a full-time rear-view camera and a navigation system.

SSC Ultimate Aero XT

No to what this car can really do... It sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.65 seconds and hits 322 km/h (200 mph) in just 15.65 seconds, which is a new wold record. It also screams to 100 mph in 11.25 seconds. This monster has a projected top speed of 273 mph, though it has only been tested up to just over 250 mph.. ha, “only 250.” With the extra ponies, it may be even a little higher.

2012 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1

2012 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1

Now that Ferrari has officially unveiled the F12 Berlinetta, the world has sort of forgotten about the 599 GTB Fiorano, but Kahn Design hasn’t. They created a very cool tuning package based on the "old" GTB.

2012 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1

Their Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 is painted in a nero daytona couture partnered with the a complete aerodynamic package. This package includes new front and rear sections, ceramic brakes, wing shields, an upgraded F1 gearbox, and yellow brake calipers. The tuner also added a new set of 9×21" front and 12×22" Monza forged wheels that can be finished in any color the customer chooses.

2012 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1

As usual, the interior is also highly customizable with a plethora of updates the tuner has at its disposal. They have also thrown in a new set of nero Daytona leather electric sports seats to tie in the exterior.

2012 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1

If you are interested, this Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 can be yours for £88.875, about $140,000 at the current exchange rates.

2012 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

After many spy shots and a series of teaser images, the new generation Lexus LS finally made its official debut in San Francisco. For the 2013 model year, the LS will be offered in four trim levels: LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL Hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F-Sport.

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

As expected, the new generation Lexus LS has received a new exterior design language that has already been featured on the GS sedan. The F-Sport version, however, will get a more aggressive exterior look, combined with improved driving dynamics and a sportier interior. It has received the usual F-Sport elements, including an enhanced three-dimensional mesh grille, larger cooling openings, a black grille surround, 19" forged wheels, sports seats, and different aluminum trims for the interior. Lexus will also be offering an exclusive Ultra White exterior paint for the new LS 460 F-Sport.

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport

2012 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Project M47

2012 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Project M47

While Chevrolet is working on the new generation Corvette C7, Inspired AutoSport is beefing up the current generation C6 and calling it the Project M47. The new model has received a series of huge transformations, like updating the power plant, the chassis, and, of course, the look of the car, to further prove just how amazing the Corvette really is..

2012 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Project M47

Inspired Auto Sport started off by painting the sports car with a high gloss black finish to add some sheen to the factory wide body kit from the Corvette Grand Sport. The vehicle also received a new front bumper, and new front and rear fenders. It is placed on a new set of 20" PUR Wheels wrapped in massive stream roller size 345/25/20 tires for the rear. The wheels are also painted in high gloss black finish to match the new gloss black paint job on the car.

2012 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Project M47

After adding many extensive engine bolt-ons, suspension tweaks, and a full race exhaust from front to back, Inspired AutoSport provided the Corvette with an even more intimidating stance than the American icon already had.

2012 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Project M47

2012 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Project M47

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

Normally, we like to cover tuning projects that add a significant amount of updates for some of the more popular vehicles on the market today. However, in the case of the Lamborghini Aventador by ADV.1 Wheels, we couldn’t help but bring out the images associated with this project. It’s not every day you see a bull frolicking with an elephant, but ADV.1 Wheels and their Indian partner, Racetech Automotive, made it happen.

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

The only modification this Aventador has received is a very cool of set of new ADV.1 Wheels, but it doesn’t need much with its new 6.5-liter V12 engine with an AWD layout that produces 700 HP 8,250 rpm and 509 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm, it doesn’t need much else. This engine will be able to get from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds while blasting off a top speed of 217 mph. With a total weight of 1,575 kilograms (3,472 lb), it delivers a power to weight ratio of 2.25 Kg/hp.

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

The Aventador’s orange paint scheme looks amazing next to that imposing elephant, but next time, we’d like to see a lion stretched out next to the supercar, or maybe even a race between the Aventador and the fastest animal out there. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

In an effort to be bigger and badder in the tuning world, some tuners go the way of updating a vehicle that has already been graced with tuning hands once before. Last year, FAB Design unveiled a sleek Terso package based on the McLaren MP4-12C and this year, Japanese tuner, Office-K, has taken a crack at the Terso package to further update its look. Looking at the vehicle before and after Office-K got to work is like checking out the angel before it heads to the dark side. Both cars are exquisite, but the after model has a lot more edge.

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

The obvious starting point for the Office-K package is the black paint finish for the exterior, as well as the addition of a new rear spoiler, a new front spoiler fitted below the front windscreen, and a new exhaust system with three end pipes. The interior has also been updated with black leather and red accents. The tuner then added crocodile leather on the doors, foot-wells, central armrest, seats, and headliners. There is also a new carbon fiber trim that make the sports coupe look even cooler. The final piece is a new set of three-part forged wheels.

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

The McLaren MP4-12C Terso by Fab Design was hooked up with an engine upgrade that netted the V8 680 HP. This boost in power left it with a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 3 seconds to go with a top speed of 213 mph. As of right now, we are unaware of any other changes to the McLaren’s engine from Office-K, but the previous engine upgrade is certainly enough for just about any MP4-12C owner.

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

McLaren MP4-12C FAB Design

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has only been in production for a couple of years, and it has already been superseded by what is, in essence, its successor: the SLS AMG GT. The Mercedes SLS AMG GT was officially launched just hours ago, officially killing off the SLS AMG. The brand new SLS AMG GT has replaced all standard SLS models, despite the changes only being minor.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

If we haven’t already made it clear, then here it is again: the SLS AMG is officially dead, and the car now wears a new name plate as the ‘GT,’ rather than the GT being a special variant of the standard car. We’re not sure why Mercedes decided to replace the standard car with the new GT, but it’s clear that the German brand wanted to update the SLS and perhaps decided to slightly modify the name to help differentiate the new car from the old one.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Let’s jump straight into the details, shall we? Well, to begin with the new SLS AMG GT features the same 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine as the former SLS AMG, however, it’s been uprated. With an additional 20 horsepower, this brings the final figure up to 583HP thus giving it more than the Ferrari 458 Italia, one of the car’s biggest competitors.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Despite this small horsepower increase, torque has remained the same at 479 lb-ft, as has the stunning seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. After all, why mess with a good thing, such as the gearbox? Further technical changes have been implemented for the GT, including a reworked suspension which is said to be more aggressive and stiffer than all previous models.

In turn the new car can shoot to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, down from 3.7 in the last 2012 SLS AMG model, although that small drop is so insignificant it’s almost not worth mentioning.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Minor upgrades have also been performed on the interior with the addition of the new Designo styling package being the largest change, while the vast list of optional extras from the SLS AMG can also be optioned on the new GT.

The Mercedes SLS AMG GT may not roll off the tongue as nicely as just SLS AMG, but it’s something we’ll have to get used to.