HONDA S2000 PRICED AT $32,000!

Torrance, Calif., Sept. 17 - Honda's highly anticipated S2000 roadster has been priced at $32,000 (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price), American Honda Motor, Co., Inc., announced today.

The S2000, which goes on sale today, was developed to celebrate Honda's 50th anniversary and to reflect the company's racing spirit. Its 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine boasts more horsepower per liter than any normally aspirated production car currently available. It is also the first car in its class to earn a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) rating.

The S2000 traces its outstanding handling characteristics to 50/50 weight distribution, a racing inspired in-wheel suspension and a highly rigid body structure. The S2000 is also equipped with a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, electric power steering, four-wheel power disc brakes and anti-lock brakes.

Standard equipment includes an electrically powered soft top, leather-trimmed interior, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player, cruise control, the Immobilizer theft-deterrent system and power window and door locks.

In a recent CAR AND DRIVER Magazine comparison test with the BMW M Roadster, Mercedes Benz SLK and Porsche Boxster--all priced in excess of $40,000--CAR AND DRIVER selected the S2000 as its top pick, calling it "a purist's sports car, and an extraordinary performance buy."