Geneva: Racing NSX-R and Honda S2000 Showcase Motorsports Potential

Press Release

Geneva: Racing NSX-R and Honda S2000 Showcase Motorsports Potential

Demonstrating the abilities of its sports cars in a motorsport environment, Honda in Europe recently entered race-prepared examples of the Honda NSX-R and Honda S2000 in the International ADAC 24 hours race at the Nuerburgring, Germany. Both models, with their pure sports car ethos, are natural contenders for motorsport participation. The 3.2 litre NSX-R represents a further evolution of the already potent NSX supercar, featuring painstaking weight reduction measures and a fully blueprinted and balanced engine for an increased power to weight ratio. And the Honda S2000 roadster is uncompromisingly sporty, its extraordinary, naturally-aspirated engine delivering a specific output of 120 bhp per litre capacity and its location well back within the chassis helping to provide optimal handling characteristics. Modifications to the cars entered were kept to a minimum, keeping them as close to production specification as possible. The NSX-R's engine and transmission were only slightly modified, but chassis, brakes, and some aerodynamic features were optimised. The NSX-R team comprising professional driver Markus Oestreich and sport auto magazine staff members Horst von Saurma, Marcus Schurig, and Jochen Uebler, together with the pit crew, made a supreme effort. Thanks to the reliability, performance, and long stints resulting from strong fuel economy, plus well organised pit stops, the highly motivated team climbed as high as seventh position during the race, clearly showing the car's impressive potential. Unfortunately, an accident followed by essential repairs thwarted Honda's hopes of finishing in a top position. The Honda S2000 complete with hardtop and engine delivering more than 250 hp captured a creditable 10th place overall, winning the 2.0 litre class in the process. On top of the promising performance of the cars, participation in the event clearly demonstrated the team spirit within Honda and reflected the motorsport ambitions of the brand, raising the possibility of further exciting races ahead.