New Car Overview of the 2005 Honda S2000 Sports Car

Description: Sports Car
Base MSRP Range: $32,950
Invoice Price Range: $29,640
Where built: Japan

Honda's two-seat sports car, in classic roadster format with a front-mounted engine directing power to rear wheels, uses a rigid monocoque chassis, four-wheel double wishbone suspension, precise rack and pinion steering system, disc brakes with anti-lock controls and a race-type 6-speed gearbox.

Last year's version earned a high-tech 2.2-liter aluminum 4-cylinder engine worth 240-hp with revamped transmission gearing on the manual shifter -- all to extract more enthusiasm.

Also, body rigidity for S2000 was increased by reinforcing key points on the body and chassis. The platform -- a load-dispersing monocoque structure that Honda calls the X-Bone frame -- has a central tunnel which functions as the car's backbone, with X-type bracing to create an unyielding foundation of uncommon torsional strength and rigidity.

S2000 looks as aggressive as it acts with a sleek wedge-shaped shell. In the cockpit two form-fitting bucket seats flank the center spine. Standards include dual frontal air bags, air conditioning, power for windows and locks and mirrors, keyless entry system, cruise control, seats in perforated leather, and an audio kit with CD player.