Honda to Re-Tool Suzuka Production Line

Well-for the sake of warding off the crickets that like to gather in this forum, I will write about another passion of mine-cars. A.C is supposed to be the resident sports writer and me writing about sport bikes would be greek to many of you that grace this site. Plus, I sold my Honda RR last month to make room for my new toy; which brings me to this article.

In a recent press conference, Honda spokesman Reiji Tanaka announced the end of S2000 production. The S2000 which made its debut in 2000 was intended to be in production for only 2 years. But with its popularity and great demand-Honda decided to make minor "improvements" to the original design which has continually evolved into the current 2006 models. In 2007, the S2000 will be replaced with the Honda AGX; a 2+2 coupe boasting a 3.0L V6 that registers 320 bHP @ 7500 rpms. It will sport 18" wheels with 255 tires in the front and super wide 285 tires in the rear. The AGX is being created to target a different market with its $43K to $50K price tag; a much more elite crowd than its predecessor.
What does this mean to current S2000 owners and enthusiasts? It is a mixed bag really; I myself, have been wondering when Honda would pull the plug on the S2000 line. I would like to see the S2000 one day be a classic or rare car. I like to think that my AP1 S2000 has the makings for one. Its Grand Prix White, red interior, pure and untouched by the "comforts" that wealthy old folks demanded. The 2001 model has seats that seem to have been ripped out of an F1 car, theres little to no elbow room, head room is limited, leg room is limited, it has the stiffest suspension out of all model years that can bruise kidneys and houses the Honda F20 motor (no longer offered in the S2000) that absolutely screams all the way to its 9000 rpm redline! The newer generation S2000s have been equipped with the F22, a larger displacement powerplant with a much more conservative rpm band. The AP1 doesn't even come with a clock. My generation of automobile enthusiasts certainly need a classic to call our own-afterall, all the prestige belongs to the muscle cars of the 50s and 60s. And what better than a classic that bears the Honda moniker.
So looking on to 2007-I can add the tag line "they don't make them anymore" to my stories; kinda has a nice ring to it. I like to fantasize that the Honda brain-trust looks out for my interests.