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Automobile July 7, 2000 |
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| Honda to Launch S2000 Type V Equipped with the World's First Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGS) System. |
Tokyo, July 7, 2000 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that it will launch the S2000
type V, a new version of the S2000, Honda's two-seater convertible sports car. The type V
will be equipped with a variable gear ratio steering (VGS) system, the first in automotive
history, and will go on sale throughout Japan through Honda's Verno dealership network from
July 14, 2000.
The S2000 has established a new standard in the market by combining driving pleasure and
excellent handling with a high level of environmentally friendly performance. It has been officially
approved as an "excellent low-emission vehicle" and achieves exhaust emissions some 50%
cleaner than those required by the Japanese Ministry of Transport's 2000 emission standards.
The VGS system, which will debut in the S2000 type V, varies the steering gear ratio
continuously according to vehicle speed and steering angle to provide a heightened "joy of
maneuvering." The adoption of this variable ratio system ensures ideal handling performance
through a broad range of driving conditions. Agile and exhilarating performance is especially
noticeable on winding roads, since the front end of the vehicle turns sharply in precise response
to driver steering input. While cruising at high speeds on expressways, the VGS offers a
smooth and progressive ratio setup without excessive sensitivity, providing the driver with the
relaxed and reliable driving feel of conventional steering systems. Astonishingly, the lock-to-
lock ratio* is almost halved to 1.4 turns for better maneuverability in the low speed ranges.
| *Maximum turning of steering wheel |
| Photo : S2000 type V (with optional equipment) |
Major Features of the type V:
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The world's first variable gear ratio steering (VGS) system |
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Specially developed chassis (including damper units, stabilizer and limited slip differential exclusively designed for the model) in order to best complement the VGS |
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Exclusive "type V" steering wheel |
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VGS badge (on rear) |
Additional Changes to the S2000 Series:
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New body color: Midnight Pearl for all trim levels |
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Optional red-colored leather seats for all body colors |
Domestic Monthly Sales Target: 350 units (series total) (applicable in Japan only)
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (excluding sales tax, units: x 1000 yen): (applicable in Japan only)
| Tokyo |
Nagoya |
Osaka |
Fukuoka |
Sendai |
Sapporo |
Okinawa |
| 3,380 |
3,391 |
3,396 |
3,407 |
3,384 |
3,421 |
3,461 |
| 3,560 |
3,571 |
3,576 |
3,587 |
3,564 |
3,601 |
3,461 |
Factory-installed factory options: (applicable in Japan only)
| BBS aluminum alloy wheel (four wheels): |
200,000 |
| Leather seats (red or black): |
100,000 |
| Honda DVD Navigation System: |
220,000 |
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