What is the highest redline on the S2000?
The redline on the Honda S2000 is 9,000 rpm.
Overview of the 9,000 rpm limit
The S2000 uses Honda's high-revving F20C 2.0L inline-four, engineered to operate safely up to 9,000 rpm. The engine management system enforces a rev limiter at that point, allowing a broad power band and aggressive high-end performance. This 9,000 rpm limit is consistent across the main factory variants, including AP1 (the original US/JDM specification) and AP2 (the 2004–2009 update), as well as special editions like the S2000 Club Racer (CR). There are no factory releases that raise the redline above 9,000 rpm.
Variants and their redline
Below is a concise look at the main S2000 variants to confirm the redline value remains the same across models.
- AP1 (early US/JDM spec, 1999–2003): redline 9,000 rpm
- AP2 (2004–2009 US spec): redline 9,000 rpm
- S2000 CR (Club Racer, 2007–2008/2009): redline 9,000 rpm
- Other markets (European, Australian, and Japanese variants): redline 9,000 rpm
Conclusion: All factory variants of the S2000 share the same redline of 9,000 rpm; Honda did not publish a higher redline for any production version.
Driving implications and engine behavior
Because peak power and responsiveness come from the engine’s upper RPM range, drivers are encouraged to rev toward the 9,000 rpm mark when pursuing maximum performance. VTEC typically engages in the upper portion of the rev band, providing a noticeable surge in power as the tach climbs past roughly 6,000 rpm. Sustaining engine speed near the redline requires quality maintenance—regular oil changes with the correct viscosity, proper cooling, and timely service—to preserve reliability in this high-revving setup.
In everyday driving, the S2000 remains smooth and predictable at lower RPMs, but enthusiasts often choose to lift into the upper RPM range to exploit the full high-rev potential that made the car famous.
Summary
The Honda S2000’s highest redline is 9,000 rpm across its main variants, reflecting Honda’s design choice to deliver a high-revving, performance-focused roadster. This characteristic defines the car’s character and remains a defining feature for S2000 owners and fans.
What is the S2000 RS * R Formula D?
The Honda S2000 RS*R Formula D is a tuned drift car based on Honda's S2000, and modified for the Formula D drifting series for Team RS*R.
What is the redline on a Honda S2000?
The Honda S2000's redline varies by model year, with the early AP1 models (1999–2003) revving to 9,000 RPM and the later AP2 models (2004–2009) having a slightly lower redline of 8,000 RPM. The reduction in redline for the AP2 was due to an increase in engine displacement from 2.0L to 2.2L, which required a longer piston stroke.
You can watch this video to see the Honda S2000 hitting its redline: 52sHighBeamsYouTube · Jun 17, 2022
- AP1 (1999–2003): The initial models featured a 2.0L engine with a 9,000 RPM redline.
- AP2 (2004–2009): The engine was updated to a 2.2L, resulting in a redline of 8,000 RPM.
- S2000 CR: The track-focused CR model, sold in 2008 and 2009, also has an 8,000 RPM redline.
What rpm does VTEC kick in S2000?
5700-6200 rpm
When does VTEC engage? VTEC requires oil pressure and ECU logic to engage and seems to engage anywhere from 5700-6200 rpm on all S2000.
How high can a Honda S2000 rev?
9,000rpm
Honda S2000 – 9,000rpm
Later iterations would lower the rev limit substantially, but still, the early S2000 honoured its S800 predecessor magnificently.
