Car Of The Day: May 15, 2011

Today's car of the day is Hot Wheels' 2009 Honda S2000.

The Honda S2000 was a roadster manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda Motor Company. It was launched in April 1999 and was created to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. The car was first shown as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, following which it was launched in world markets in 1999. The S2000 is named for its engine displacement of 2 L, carrying on in the tradition of the S500, S600, and S800 roadsters of the 1960s. Several revisions were made throughout the car's lifetime, including changes to the engine, gearbox, suspension and interior and exterior. Officially two variants exist: the initial launch model was given the chassis code AP1, while the AP2 designation was given to vehicles produced from mid-2003 onwards. Though cosmetically similar, the AP2 incorporated significant changes to the drivetrain and suspension. Production of the S2000 ceased in June 2009.

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Honda S2000

With sales numbers like these, it's no wonder such a wonderful little roadster was scrapped.  The Miata apparently kicked it's rear bumper in the marketplace.  The Hot Wheels is a nicely done example of this car.

In the United States, the largest market for the S2000 worldwide, the suggested retail price of the base 2009 Honda S2000 was $34,995. The CR trim's base price was $36,995 with a $1,000 option to add air-conditioning and stereo.

In the United Kingdom, the 2009 model was offered in two trims, Roadster and GT. The GT trim featured a removable hard-top and an outside temperature gauge. On-the-road prices of these trims were £27,300 and £27,850, respectively.

After several years of steady production, sales of the roadster began falling dramatically starting in 2006, and the trend accelerated during the 2008 U.S. recession. In 2008, only 2,538 units were sold in the U.S. - a 74% decline from the 2002 sales peak. In November of that year, for the first time since its launch, fewer than 100 new S2000s were sold nationwide during a calendar month.