Most of Honda’s show cars for this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon are fairly typical – a gussied-up Kei car here, a tricked-out N-ONE there, and so one. One, however, stands out from the crowd of decked-out microcars, and for good reason: it’s an S2000.
Meet the new S2000 Modulo Climax. We’re not exactly sure how Honda arrived at that particular name (and we’re not sure we want to know), but Honda has used the Modulo name on several ranges of body kits and exterior dress-up accessories – and this particular S2000 sports both.
Undoubtedly, the new front clip is the biggest change from a stock S2000 roadster. The new nose is longer than before, giving way to a hexagonal grille opening that’s bisected by a large chrome crossbar, which sweeps into the corners of the fascia. A new tonneau cover provides enclosed fairings for the rollbar hoops, while a pair of canard-like winglets are placed on the corners of the rear decklid. The rear bumper fascia is revised to incorporate two large air outlets, while the diffuser is whittled away to make room for two large exhaust tips. Modulo also appears to have contributed a set of chromed 10-spoke alloy wheels, although Honda makes no mention of their size or construction.
Interior amendments aren’t quite as extensive as those applied to the S2000’s exterior. The stock seats are replaced by new leather-clad, Modulo-branded bucket seats, which boast inserts and contrast stitching color keyed to the car’s exterior paint. The shift boot and steering wheel are privy to similar stitching, as are the floor mats, which appear to be made from a woven, mesh-like material that resembles carbon fiber.
What can we make of this? Some Honda faithful are proclaiming the S2000 Modulo Climax as the second coming of the S2000 – or, for that matter, a good hint at what the company’s forthcoming sports roadster will look like. An interesting theory, perhaps, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Although the S2000 Modulo Climax is but a concept at this point in time, Honda says the car simply previews a new range of accessories it has in store for its discontinued roadster.
Is it unusual for an automaker to offer these sorts of parts three years after a vehicle was dropped from the lineup? Perhaps, but it’s not unprecedented – in fact, Modulo recently offered a range of add-ons for the Beat and NSX, which ended production in 1996 and 2005, respectively.
But what say you? Does Honda’s new range of Modulo parts only improve upon the S2000’s looks, or do they make it look a little like a Daihatsu Storia? Send your thoughts in the comments section below.