In July, we shared news about an intriguing patent filed by Honda, which seemed to indicate the development of a compact, convertible sports car. Many in the automotive media, including ourselves, optimistically speculated that this might signal the return of the S2000. Recently, with the launch of the demo for Gran Turismo Sport, along with several new entries to the Vision GT virtual concept car initiative, it appears there’s more to the story.
Unfortunately, it turns out that the patent for the “baby NSX” was actually intended for the Honda Sports Vision Gran Turismo— a car designed exclusively for the video game. Cue the sad trombone music.
Developed by Polyphony Digital, the Vision GT program invites automakers globally to create unique concept cars for the Gran Turismo racing series. This initiative has previously introduced vehicles like the McLaren Ultimate Vision GT, the Fittipaldi EF7 Vision GT, and even a special design for Bruce Wayne’s ride through Mercedes-AMG.
However, for those holding out hope for a new S2000, not all is lost. It’s not uncommon for a Vision GT concept to draw inspiration from a yet-to-be-released real-world vehicle. A prime example is the Bugatti Vision GT, revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, which closely resembled a race-ready Chiron. The actual Chiron made its debut publicly six months later in Geneva.
According to the in-game specifications of Gran Turismo Sport, the Honda Sports Vision GT is a lightweight, mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seater, weighing in at just 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds). It features a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating a robust 404 virtual horsepower. The game’s developers describe the Honda VGT as “a car that we believe is true to life machine that can be enjoyed by many.”
Could a revival of the S2000 be on the horizon? Only time will tell.
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