Honda finally got it right with the “Ultimate Edition S2000″ just as they officially announce that it’s all over for their famous two seat roadster with a high revving, naturally aspirated, V-TEC motor. The first generation, with the chassis code “AP1″ was produced from late 1999 to the end of 2003 and gained notoriety in the sport compact world for its stiff suspension, high output motor, and a chassis that did not compromise stiffness for an open top driving experience.  Nothing was really able to stand up to the S2000 at the time of its release; its major competitors either had much less power (the Mazda Miata) or were in a much higher price range (BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster). Perhaps that’s why it went so long without any major changes, but in today’s sports car market it has become outclassed. There’s really nothing that the car does well anymore: the E92 M3 engine can match its redline and just about every sports car can outrun it on a track. 

Midway through its production run, Honda “improved” the S2000 with the AP2 version that featured a more compliant suspension design, a slightly larger motor, and improved exterior looks. Despite the fact that the AP2 has proven to be faster around most tracks and driving conditions, most enthusiast bases love whining about how the AP1 was better because of its more raw driving experience.

Besides the main complaints against the new motor with 1000 less revs to work with, all other improvements for the AP2 chassis were generally lauded for making the S2k a better all around car; no longer would the convertible top tear itself to shreds, various suspension issues were fixed, and the headlights/bumper covers looked much better.

So now, they have finally listened to the fans and released an “Ultimate” version of the S2000 which will be an AP2 in every sense except that it will be powered by the F20C with a 9000 redline. The only other differences for this special edition are the OEM hardtop and the red leather interior. Oh yeah, and you can only get it in one color: Grand Prix White, which is Honda’s signature color that also was the only choice for other special editions such as the NSX-R.