What is the rpm of the S2000 redline?
The S2000 redlines at 9,000 RPM.
The high-revving nature of the car comes from its F20C 2.0-liter engine, which is designed to deliver peak performance in the upper end of the rev range. A rev limiter at 9,000 rpm protects the engine, while VTEC operates in the upper rev range to boost airflow and lift as you approach the top end. This combination is a defining feature of the S2000’s driving character.
Understanding the redline and how it affects driving
Key facts about the S2000’s redline and how drivers typically use the upper end of the tachometer.
- Redline and rev limiter: 9,000 rpm, which serves as the upper cutoff to protect the engine from over-rev damage.
- Engine architecture: F20C 2.0-liter inline-four, renowned for its high-revving nature and lightweight, race-inspired design.
- VTEC behavior: VTEC engages in the upper range, encouraging continued acceleration as you approach the redline.
- Market consistency: Both AP1 (2000–2003) and AP2 (2004–2009) S2000s share the same basic redline specification across most markets.
In practice, drivers typically shift through the gears to stay productive in the upper portion of the rev range, taking advantage of the engine’s responsiveness and the VTEC boost as they near 9,000 rpm.
Notes on variants and historical context
While there are minor differences in tuning between model years, the core redline of 9,000 rpm remained a constant hallmark of the S2000 throughout its production run, contributing to its reputation as a pure, high-revving roadster.
Summary
The Honda S2000's redline is 9,000 RPM, a defining feature of its high-revving F20C engine. With VTEC activating in the upper rev range and a protective rev limiter, the car is engineered to deliver peak performance at the top end of the tachometer, a characteristic that continues todefine its enthusiast appeal.
What is the rpm limit on the S2000?
The Honda S2000 has different RPM limits depending on the model year: the early AP1 models (2000-2003) have a 9,000 RPM redline, while the later AP2 models (2004-2009) have an 8,000 RPM redline. The lower redline on the AP2 is due to a longer stroke in the engine to increase torque at lower RPMs.
You can watch this video to see what hitting 9,000 RPM in an S2000 feels like: 53sHighBeamsYouTube · Jun 18, 2022
- AP1 (2000-2003): The 2.0-liter engine has a 9,000 RPM redline.
- AP2 (2004-2009): The 2.2-liter engine has a lower 8,000 RPM redline, though it produces more torque at a lower RPM.
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 18, 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 is the highest rpm on the S2000?
The maximum RPM for the Honda S2000 is 9,000 RPM for the earlier AP1 models, which had a 2.0L engine. Later AP2 models with a larger 2.2L engine have a reduced redline of 8,000 RPM. The 9,000 RPM redline in the early models was a notable feature for its high-revving nature.
You can watch this video to learn more about the S2000's high-revving engine: 59sGoodwood Road & RacingYouTube · Aug 7, 2023
- AP1 (2.0L engine): 9,000 RPM redline.
- AP2 (2.2L engine): 8,000 RPM redline.
What is the rpm of the Honda S2000?
The Honda S2000's RPMs differ by model year, with the early AP1 models reaching a 9,000 RPM redline, while later AP2 models are limited to 8,000 RPM. The high-revving nature of the engine is a defining characteristic of the S2000, especially the AP1, which was designed for high-RPM performance and is known for needing to be revved to achieve its full power.
This video explains the Honda S2000's engine characteristics: 1mGoodwood Road & RacingYouTube · Aug 7, 2023
AP1 (1999-2003)
- Redline: 9,000 RPM
- Engine: F20C (2.0L)
- Characteristics: Designed for high-RPM power, with a rev-happy nature and the VTEC engagement at 6,000 RPM. It feels less powerful at lower RPMs but comes alive when revved high.
This video shows the Honda S2000 AP1 at high RPMs: 59sTedwardYouTube · May 21, 2024
AP2 (2004-2009)
- Redline: 8,000 RPM
- Engine: F22C1 (2.2L)
- Characteristics: The engine displacement increased due to a longer stroke, which led to the lower redline being a necessary adjustment for the pistons' travel.
This video discusses the RPMs and performance of different Honda S2000 models: 43sBallade SportsYouTube · Nov 22, 2022
