Is the Honda S2000 turbocharged?

The short answer: No — the Honda S2000 was designed as a naturally aspirated sports car, and Honda never released a factory turbo variant. Aftermarket turbo kits exist, but the car left the factory without a turbocharger.

Produced from 1999 to 2009, the S2000 is renowned for its high-revving inline-four, light chassis, and a driver-focused, rear-wheel-drive experience. This article examines the factory powertrain, the status of turbocharging on the model, and what owners should know if they’re considering forced induction on this platform.

Factory powertrain: what the S2000 delivers from the factory

Key characteristics that define the S2000’s original engineering, and why it is celebrated as an NA performance car.

• Engine design: F20C 2.0-liter inline-four with i-VTEC, engineered for high-rev performance and a dynamic powerband, with a redline typically around the upper end of the rev range depending on variant.


• Power output: About 240 horsepower in the early US-spec AP1 models, with AP2 models using a 2.2-liter F22C1 delivering roughly 237 horsepower.


• Drivetrain: Front-mid mounted engine with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission; some models offered a limited-slip differential.


• Character: A linear, ceiling-friendly power delivery that rewards revs and nimble handling, contributing to its reputation as a true driver’s car.

These elements together created an acclaimed balance of lightweight handling and high-rev excitement, factors that define the S2000’s enduring appeal as a naturally aspirated sports car.

Was there ever a factory turbo S2000?

Distinguishing between the factory configuration and aftermarket paths helps clarify the turbo question for potential buyers and fans.

• Factory option status: Honda did not release a turbocharged S2000 variant during its production run; both AP1 and AP2 remained naturally aspirated.


• Aftermarket ecosystem: A robust market exists for turbocharging the S2000, with a range of kits and supporting components offered by various tuners and brands.


• Supporting modifications: Effective turbo builds typically require upgrades to fuel delivery, cooling, exhaust, and engine management to manage boost safely and reliably.


• Warranty and risk: Introducing forced induction can affect warranty coverage and long-term reliability; professional tuning and proper maintenance are crucial.

In practice, enthusiasts can pursue turbocharging through aftermarket routes, but there is no official Honda turbo S2000 from the factory, and outcomes depend heavily on the quality of the build and tune.

Performance potential and reliability considerations

Exploring what happens when S2000s are boosted, and what buyers should keep in mind.

• Engine management: A proper boost setup requires a capable engine-management solution to map fueling and ignition for safe operation under boost.


• Power range: With suitable supporting hardware, turbo S2000 builds commonly reach roughly 350–450 horsepower on pump gas; higher figures require substantial internal upgrades and advanced tuning.


• Reliability considerations: Boost adds stress to pistons, connecting rods, crank, and bearings; effective cooling, lubrication, and high-quality parts are essential to maintain reliability.


• Cost and complexity: A reliable turbo build is a significant investment, often comparable to or exceeding other performance upgrades when you factor in labor, tuning, and maintenance.

For many owners, a carefully planned turbo project means treating the car as a dedicated project rather than a casual bolt-on, with attention paid to heat management, fuel delivery, and long-term durability.

Guidance for current S2000 owners and potential buyers

Practical considerations for someone weighing turbocharging or evaluating an S2000 purchase with performance goals in mind.

• Define your goals: Decide whether you want street usability or track-focused performance, which influences boost targets and required supporting mods.


• Budget realistically: Factor parts, installation, tuning, ongoing maintenance, and potential engine-internal upgrades into the total cost of a turbo build.


• Assess reliability risks: While a well-executed setup can be reliable, pushing stock components beyond their design limits increases the likelihood of failures without proper upgrades.

Ultimately, buyers should weigh the allure of boost against the car’s original NA character, cost of a robust Turbo build, and the impact on daily drivability and long-term ownership.

Summary

The Honda S2000 remains a celebrated naturally aspirated sports car, with no factory turbo variant ever released. While the aftermarket offers a path to boost, these builds demand careful planning, skilled tuning, and substantial investment in supporting systems and internals to maintain reliability and drivability. For purists, the stock NA formula is its own reward; for enthusiasts chasing additional power, turbocharging is possible but comes with trade-offs that should be understood beforehand.

Why is the S2000 so special?

The Honda S2000 is special because of its high-revving, powerful four-cylinder engine, which can reach 9,000 RPM, its exceptional handling due to a rigid chassis and 50/50 weight distribution, and its pure, driver-focused experience with a manual transmission and no traction control in earlier models. It also offers an open-air roadster experience and is known for its reliability and quality engineering.
 
This video discusses the Honda S2000's high-revving engine and driving experience: 59sJDM TorqueYouTube · Nov 22, 2025
Engine and performance

• High-revving engine: The original 2.0-liter F20C engine is celebrated for its ability to rev up to 9,000 RPM, a characteristic typically found in much more expensive exotic cars. 
• Exceptional specific output: It achieved an impressive 124 horsepower per liter without a turbocharger, a world record for a naturally aspirated production car engine at the time. 
• Unique sound: The engine's high-RPM howl is a defining feature that enthusiasts love. 

You can watch this video to learn about the Honda S2000's engine layout and balance: 57sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Apr 4, 2024
Handling and chassis

• Rigid chassis: The S2000 was built with an X-bone frame, which gave it incredible structural rigidity for its time. 
• Balanced weight distribution: It features a front-mid-engine layout and a rear-wheel-drive system, resulting in a near-perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance. 
• Precise handling: This balance, combined with its lightweight construction, provides sharp, predictable handling that makes the driver feel connected to the road. 

This video explains the features and importance of the Honda S2000: 1mFlyinGatoYouTube · Oct 9, 2023
Driver experience

• Driver-focused cockpit: The minimalist design puts the focus on the driving experience, with a prominent tachometer reaching 9,000 RPM. 
• Pure driving: Early models lacked traction control and other modern driver aids, offering a pure, unadulterated connection between the driver, the engine, and the road. 
• Convertible experience: The open-top roadster design provides an engaging, sensory experience similar to a motorcycle, allowing you to feel, smell, and hear your surroundings. 

This video reviews the Honda S2000 and emphasizes its unique driving characteristics: 50sShooting BrakeYouTube · Nov 4, 2025
Legacy and quality

• Reliability: Despite its performance-oriented nature, the S2000 is known for its legendary Honda reliability when properly maintained. 
• Symbol of an era: It is part of a generation of legendary Japanese performance cars, embodying an era of over-engineered and enthusiast-focused vehicles that are unlikely to be made again due to modern regulations. 
• Exotic origins: It was built in the same factory as the NSX, giving it a touch of exotic car pedigree that was unmatched by more affordable competitors at the time. 

What kind of engine does an S2000 have?

The F20C and F22C1 were inline-4 engines produced by Honda for use in the Honda S2000. They are one of the few Honda 4-cylinder automobile engines that are designed to sit longitudinally for rear wheel drive.

What Honda has a turbocharged engine?

Today the latest versions of the 1.5-liter Turbo are found under the hoods of Civic, CR-V and Accord models. To minimize weight, the engine block is die-cast aluminum.

Is the Honda S2000 naturally aspirated?

The S2000's crown jewel, however, is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine pumping out an incredible 240 horsepower at 8300 rpm and revving to an 8900-rpm redline.