The 2001 Honda S2000 is powered by Honda's 2.0-liter F20C inline-four with i-VTEC, delivering about 240 horsepower and revving to around 9,000 rpm.
Engine specifications
Below are the essential technical specs for the F20C engine used in the 2001 S2000.
- Engine code: F20C
- Displacement: 2.0 L (1997 cc)
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Valvetrain: DOHC with i-VTEC (variable valve timing and lift)
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Redline: Approximately 9,000 rpm
- Power: About 240 hp (SAE net) at high engine speeds
- Torque: About 153 lb-ft (208 Nm) at mid-to-high rpm
Together, these characteristics made the F20C one of the most rev-happy engines of its era, contributing to the S2000’s reputation for high-rev driving excitement and a distinctive, peaky power delivery.
Engineering significance and driving character
The F20C’s design emphasized high-revving performance and a direct, engaging throttle response. Its compact, lightweight architecture helped maintain balanced weight distribution and allowed the S2000 to feel agile and communicative on winding roads and on track, rewarding accurate gear selection and rhythm over merely low-end torque.
Notable engineering features
- High-revving nature with a 9,000 rpm redline
- i-VTEC variable valve timing and lift for strong top-end performance
- Lightweight, compact inline-4 architecture that aided handling
- Distinctive power band designed for engaging, driver-focused dynamics
These elements combined to define the S2000’s characterized driving experience: lively at high revs, precise in steering feel, and responsive in cornering scenarios.
Market variants and legacy
Across markets, the engine configuration remained consistent, with minor differences in tuning and emissions certifications. The 2001 S2000 retained the F20C engine that set a benchmark for high-revving, lightweight performance in a roadster format.
Summary
In short, the 2001 Honda S2000 is powered by the F20C 2.0-liter inline-4 with i-VTEC, delivering about 240 horsepower and a 9,000 rpm redline. Its high-revving character and precise, driver-focused design helped define a legendary era of accessible, performance-oriented roadsters.