Honda S2000 20th Anniversary Prototype teased

A heavily updated Honda S2000 will be revealed at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon this January, despite the fact the Japanese roadster has been out of production for 10 years.

Revealed in a single teaser pic, the so-called Honda S2000 20th Anniversary Prototype wears a redesigned front bumper, new darkened headlights and gloss-black wheels and door mirrors.

Perhaps more significantly, the reborn roadster -- which was originally produced between 1999 and 2009 -- receives a comprehensive new chassis tune, courtesy of updated suspension, while inside there's said to be an improved audio system.

Sadly, there's no suggestion that Honda will reintroduce production of the S2000, even in limited-edition form. Instead, it's thought Honda plans to offer the new S2000 upgrades as dealer-fit parts for existing owners.

The Honda S2000 was famous for its F20C four-cylinder VTEC engine that pushed out as much as 184kW -- which at the time was the highest specific output of any normally aspirated engine.

The little 2.0-litre also thrived on revs, revving to a stratospheric 9000rpm -- something even contemporary Ferraris were incapable of -- although torque output was a weak point.

The S2000's 220Nm peak torque was also dished up at a heady 6800rpm, reflecting its frenetic nature and how hard it needed to be worked to deliver its best.

As well as the refreshed S2000, Hondaphiles will also be delighted to hear that the car-maker will also reveal a factory-modified EK9 Civic Type R at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

There's no word on what precisely Honda has been up to with the special Civic Type R, based on the sixth-generation hatch made between 1997-2006, but a rendering of the 'Civic Cyber Night Japan Cruiser' suggests a new bumper and wheels will be on the menu.

More teases are expected in the lead up to the unveiling of both cars next month at the Tokyo Auto Salon.