Honda chose a pre-Paris Motor Show event to unveil its S2000 sportscar prototype. Based on the Sports Study Model (SSM) shown at Tokyo in 1995, it is a two-seater with a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV), 2.0-L, twin overhead camshaft, four-cylinder engine positioned behind the front axle and driving the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox. Output is quoted at "over 180 kW (240 hp)."

Honda's S2000 Prototype.

Honda gave no figures at Paris but said the body has a level of rigidity "usually associated with closed-body configurations."  Overall length is 4115 mm (13.50 ft), width is 1750 mm (5.74 ft), height is 1285 mm (4.22 ft), and it has a 2400-mm (7.87-ft) wheelbase. Further development work is scheduled, but the car is expected to be on sale in Japan next spring before being offered progressively in world markets.