The Honda S2000 is a sports car that has a loyal fan base among car enthusiasts. The car was produced from 1999 to 2009, and it was known for its sleek design, agile handling, and impressive performance. But what made the Honda S2000 truly special was its engine: the F20C.
The F20C was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that powered the Honda S2000 from 1999 to 2004 in most markets, and from 1999 to 2009 in Japan. The engine was the highest-revving and most powerful naturally aspirated engine for a mass-produced car until 2010, when it was surpassed by the Ferrari 458’s engine. The F20C produced 124 horsepower per liter and had a 9,000 rpm redline, which was unheard of for a production engine at the time.
The F20C was a masterpiece of engineering that pushed the boundaries of what a naturally aspirated engine could do. The engine had an aluminum block, forged pistons and crankshaft, fiber-reinforced metal cylinder liners, and a VTEC valvetrain that switched to high-lift mode at 5,850 rpm. The engine was designed by Honda engineer Shigeru Uehara, who also worked on the NSX and the Integra Type R.
The F20C engine was the heart and soul of the Honda S2000, a car that still has a cult following among enthusiasts. The engine was not only powerful, but also smooth, responsive, and reliable. It was a joy to drive and hear, as one of the articles stated: “The F20C engine was one of the last great naturally aspirated engines, before turbocharging and hybridization became the norm”.
The F20C engine won several awards, including the International Engine of the Year in 2000 and 2001, and the Best 1.8 to 2.0 Liter Engine from 2000 to 2004. The engine was also praised by many car journalists and experts, such as this quote from another article: “The F20C engine was a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess and passion for performance”.
The F20C engine was later replaced by the F22C1 engine, which was introduced in 2004 for the US market and had more torque and displacement, but a lower redline. The F22C1 engine was also a great engine, but it did not have the same magic as the F20C engine.
The Honda S2000 F20C engine is a legend in the automotive world, and it is still relevant today. The engine is a rare example of a naturally aspirated engine that can compete with turbocharged and supercharged engines in terms of power and efficiency. The engine is also a symbol of Honda’s innovation and dedication to creating high-performance engines that are fun to drive. The F20C engine is a reminder of the golden era of Honda, and it is still admired by many car lovers.
Relevant articles:
– Here’s What Made The Honda S2000 F20C Engine So Special, SlashGear, April 25, 2023
– How the Honda S2000 F20C Engine Became a Legend, MotorTrend, November 10, 2023
– The Honda S2000 F20C Engine: A Retrospective Review, Car and Driver, November 9, 2023
– Why the Honda S2000 F20C Engine is Still Relevant Today, Road & Track, November 8, 2023