Honda launched the S2000 in Japan in April 1999. The original Japanese 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine had a 9,000-rpm limit, and Honda specified a 50:50 weight distribution. That engine figure does not apply to every later version or market.

It belongs here for making engine character central to an open-top sports car. We give it a narrower appeal than the MX-5’s lightweight philosophy, but a more individual road-car argument than the Evolution VI. If a high-revving engine is your priority, seventh will seem too low.

Source: Honda · Photo: OWS Photography · CC BY 4.0. Resized/recompressed; image retains source license.