Tokyo, September 24, 1998 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of the Honda S2000 prototype, a new-generation convertible sports car.

The S2000 is the result of extensive, long-term development and is based on the SSM (Sports Study Model), one of the most talked-about display cars at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. Powered by a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) engine, the S2000 delivers both outstanding performance and low emissions, a combination which makes this two-seater 2.0 liter DOHC VTEC with an output of over 240 PS, an environment-friendly convertible sports car and a true next-generation automobile.

Honda President Yoshino had this to say: "In line with today's focus on safety and environment preservation, the S2000 is the latest addition to Honda's line of sports cars designed for pure driving pleasure, and shows the direction in which Honda's car design is headed for in the future."

Current plans call for further developmental testing to finalize the S2000 design before introducing the vehicle into world markets, starting with Japan as early as spring 1999.