The Honda S2000 uses a high-revving 2.0-liter inline-four known as the F20C, paired with Honda’s i-VTEC system. In most markets it produced about 237 horsepower, with the Japanese market version rated higher around 250 PS.
Launched in 1999 and produced through 2009, the S2000’s powerplant was built to excel at high RPMs, delivering strong top-end performance and contributing to the model’s reputation for precise handling and a thrilling exhaust note. The F20C is celebrated for its compact, light design and ability to sustain power well into the upper rev range, defining the car’s character.
Engine specifications
Key technical details for the S2000's engine across markets are summarized in the list below.
- Engine code: F20C
- Displacement: 1,998 cc (2.0 L)
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Valvetrain: DOHC with i-VTEC
- Redline: 9,000 rpm
- Power output: US-spec around 237 hp; Japan-spec up to ~250 PS (about 246 hp)
- Peak torque: roughly 153–162 lb-ft (208–220 Nm), depending on market
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
These figures illustrate why the F20C is celebrated as one of Honda’s most iconic high-revving engines.
Market variations
Honda tuned S2000 engines differently by market and model year, resulting in slight variations in output. Early AP1 cars typically offered about 237–240 hp, while some Japanese-market versions approached 250 PS. Despite these differences, all variants shared the same basic architecture and a 9,000 rpm redline that defined the car’s performance profile.
Summary
The Honda S2000 is powered by the F20C 2.0-liter inline-4 with i-VTEC, delivering high-revving performance and a distinctive top-end howl. Its lightweight design, 6-speed manual, and peak-rev capability cemented its place as a standout road-going sportscar of its era.