High revs and a lack of low-down punch were only two of the major drawbacks to the original S2000, the other being that its handling epitomized the double-edged sword adage. Razor-sharp in most cases, the outgoing S2000 was known to be unpredictable at its limit, prone to enthusiastic oversteer. Several changes have been made in order to stabilize the nature of the car when driven hard. Firstly, its footprint has been widened to stop the rear end from breaking loose when pushed. Featuring split five-star seventeen inch alloy wheels, the 2004 model is shod with 215/45 front tires and 245/45s in the rear. Stiffened cross-members, joints and bulkheads increase torsional rigidity, while the steering rack ratio has been increase slightly to reduce high-speed nervousness. The electric-assist steering has been reprogrammed as well - all changes that improve the drivability of the new S2000.

The outgoing S2000 was known to be unpredictable at its limit, prone to enthusiastic oversteer, but its not a problem for the 2004 model. (Photo: Honda)

Actual suspension hardware modifications have been executed as well, with a recalibration of the double wishbone layout. To keep the front end keen and direct, the springs have been stiffened by 6.7 percent, but to counter any troublesome rear-end tail wagging the rearmost springs have been softened by 10 percent. A thinner rear anti-sway bar, plus the softer back end make for a car that's slightly more forgiving in the corners, giving the driver the ability to correct mistakes before things get out of hand.

While the changes won't make the updated S2000 faster, to the average driver it will feel safer and more confidence inspiring. (Photo: Honda)

These changes may not make the new S2000 any faster around a racetrack when in the hands of a professional driver, however, as a sports car used in the civilized world it is said to feel safer. According to Honda there's no question that the average buyer will be more confident driving it quickly. If in any case an impassioned right foot still manages to coax it beyond adhesion, the revised S2000 features upgraded brakes incorporating an ABS system that features yaw control logic.