What kind of motor is in a Honda S2000?

The S2000 is powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated inline-four with Honda’s i-VTEC system. In the original AP1 models it uses a 2.0-liter F20C engine, while the facelifted AP2 models switch to a 2.2-liter F22C1 engine. Both are famous for their eager performance and redline reach.

Engine generations and core specifications

Below are the primary engines used in the S2000 across its two main generations, including how they were rated when new.

AP1 (1999–2003): 2.0-liter F20C

Key specifications for the AP1 S2000's 2.0L engine:

• Engine code and displacement: F20C, 2.0 L inline-4


• Valvetrain: DOHC, i-VTEC


• Power: 240 hp (SAE net) at about 7,800–8,000 rpm


• Torque: 153 lb-ft (0–7,000 rpm range; strong mid-to-upper revs)


• Redline: 9,000 rpm


• Configuration: Naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive

The AP1’s F20C was lauded for its exceptionally high-revving nature, delivering a pure, road‑hugging character that defined the S2000’s appeal.

AP2 (2004–2009): 2.2-liter F22C1

Key specifications for the AP2 S2000's 2.2L engine:

• Engine code and displacement: F22C1, 2.2 L inline-4


• Valvetrain: DOHC, i-VTEC


• Power: 237 hp (SAE net) at about 7,800 rpm


• Torque: 162 lb-ft (roughly 6,000–6,500 rpm)


• Redline: 9,000 rpm


• Configuration: Naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive

The AP2 kept the high-rev personality, adding a touch more low- to mid-range torque with the larger displacement while preserving the characteristic VTEC‑enhanced top end.

What these engines share and how they perform

Across both generations, the S2000’s motor family is defined by two core traits: high-revving performance and a purity of connection to the road. Both engines employ Honda’s i-VTEC, which optimizes valve timing for broad power delivery without turbocharging or supercharging.

• High-revving nature: both engines are engineered to deliver peak power in the upper RPM range, contributing to the S2000’s sporty, engaging feel.


• Natural aspiration: neither engine uses forced induction, relying on displacement, compression, and valvetrain configuration for performance.


• Five- to six-speed manual lineage: paired with a precise manual gearbox that enhances the driver’s connection to the engine’s power band.

In practice, owners describe the AP1 as the more feverishly peak-revving option, while the AP2 offers a little more mid-range flexibility thanks to the larger displacement, without compromising the signature rev-happy character.

Technical highlights and market context

The S2000’s powerplants were engineered to deliver linear, high-rev performance rather than overwhelming low-end torque. This approach made the car exceptionally responsive in corners and appealing to driving enthusiasts who value engine character as part of the driving experience. The F20C/F22C1 family also contributed to Honda’s reputation for reliable, widely shimmed, and serviceable performance engines, with routine maintenance designed around keeping the revs climbing to the redline.

Summary

The Honda S2000 is powered by a pair of high-revving, naturally aspirated inline-four engines with i-VTEC: the 2.0-liter F20C in the AP1 and the 2.2-liter F22C1 in the AP2. Both emphasize chassis balance and driver engagement, delivering strong power at high RPMs without forced induction and helping the S2000 maintain legendary status among enthusiasts.

Why is the S2000 so special?

The Honda S2000 is special because of its high-revving, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower per liter, its driver-focused, balanced chassis with a front-mid engine layout, and its commitment to a pure, analog driving experience. It features a 9,000 rpm redline, a world-class manual transmission, and a rigid convertible body, all of which create an engaging and focused sports car that values driver experience over modern electronic aids.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Honda S2000's engine and driving experience: 57sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Apr 4, 2024
High-performance, naturally aspirated engine 

• Extreme redline: The F20C engine is famous for its 9,000 rpm redline, a feature typically reserved for much more expensive supercars. 
• High specific output: It achieves an impressive 120 horsepower per liter without forced induction, a testament to Honda's engineering prowess. 
• VTEC technology: The engine utilizes Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system, which enhances both low-end and high-end performance. 

Driver-focused chassis and handling 

• Near 50/50 weight distribution: The front-mid engine layout places the engine further back in the chassis, resulting in a near-perfect weight balance and a mid-engine feel, as noted in this YouTube video and on Reddit. 
• Exceptional handling: It features a double-wishbone suspension on all four corners and a rigid chassis, providing sharp, precise, and predictable handling. 
• Roadster-specific design: The S2000 was designed from the ground up as a convertible, with a highly rigid body structure that eliminates the need for a fixed roof. 

This video explains how the Honda S2000's chassis and design contribute to its handling: 50sShooting BrakeYouTube · Nov 4, 2025
Pure and engaging driving experience 

• Manual-only transmission: The S2000 was only available with a manual transmission, making every drive an engaging and involving experience. The manual gearbox is often described as one of the best ever made. 
• Analog focus: It lacks modern driver aids like automatic rev-matching or excessive electronic intervention, preferring to provide direct feedback and rewarding skilled inputs from the driver. 
• Driver-oriented interior: The cabin features a race-inspired digital instrument cluster, with the tachometer front and center, and a design that focuses on the driver's experience. 

How much horsepower does a Honda S2000 have?

The Honda S2000 has 240 horsepower from its 2.0-liter engine in early models (AP1), and a slightly modified 2.2-liter engine (F22C1) in later models (AP2) that also produced 240 horsepower in the US market, although some sources cite 237 horsepower for the 2.2L engine with a torque increase. The earlier 2.0L engine (F20C) was known for making 240 hp at 8,300 rpm, while the later 2.2L version made its power at a slightly lower 7,800 rpm.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Honda S2000's high-revving engine and performance: 1mJDM TorqueYouTube · Nov 22, 2025

• 2.0-liter engine (1999-2003): Produces 240 hp at 8,300 rpm and 153 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. This engine was known for its high-revving nature. 
• 2.2-liter engine (2004-2009): Produces 240 hp (some sources state 237 hp) at 7,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. The shift to the 2.2L engine provided more torque at lower RPMs for a broader powerband. 

What engine does the S2000 have?

The Honda S2000's engine varies by model year and market, but its engines are high-revving, 2.0-liter or 2.2-liter inline-4 cylinder engines with DOHC VTEC. The original 2.0-liter (F20C) produced 240 hp at 8300 rpm, while the later 2.2-liter (F22C1) offered 237 hp at 7800 rpm, with both designed for high performance.
 

• 2.0-liter (F20C): Found in earlier models, this engine produced 240 horsepower at 8300 rpm and 153 lb-ft of torque at 7500 rpm. 
• 2.2-liter (F22C1): Introduced in 2004 for the North American market, this engine produced 237 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 6800 rpm. 
• Common Features: Both engines are naturally aspirated, all-aluminum inline-4s with dual overhead cams and Honda's VTEC system. 
• Transmission: The S2000 came exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. 

Is the S2000 4 or 6 cylinder?

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.