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Question of the Week

From the S2000 to the Viper, these are the cars TG readers most want to return

Are you listening, manufacturers? The people have spoken

Published: 20 Dec 2024

This week’s question asked readers which car they most want to see make a comeback, and as ever, there were some fantastic suggestions. Let’s begin with the car which received the most backing, chiefly by Senzubeansoup. 

“The Honda S2000 without question. Cars, though undeniably more efficient, safe and reliable as they ever have been, are getting evermore complicated and clinical. A taut roadster which provides a tactile driving experience is a very endangered species nowadays.

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"And of the car manufacturers I trust to secure that sense of fun alongside compliance with all the modern safety and eco requirements, not to mention great reliability, Honda is one of them.”

MJCgt500 said: “Ford Fiesta anyone? Pop Koenigsegg’s ‘TFG’ engine in and we’re on to an easy winner.” Like the thought of that? Click here to read other suggestions for where our readers want to see CvK’s incredible three-pot engine.

Normalish is up next with one that’s sure to cause some divide: “I would love to see the TVR Tuscan return. The long bonnet, sultry lines and unfiltered driving experience really lend themselves to a modern world. Perhaps as a mid-sized SUV, though if it stands any chance of being taken seriously it would need something like the 112kWh battery from the Lotus Eletre to legitimise its sporting pretensions.” 

We can hear the pitchforks being readied, so here’s another suggestion from Bkwanab: “If we’re talking electric cars, I’d like an Esprit please. Even better, how about the Europa? The original one with flying buttress hind quarters. 

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“I’ve just begun a project to convert my S2, and my calculations and components should provide a reliable 150-mile range with the same weight distribution as when it left the factory. With an all up weight of around 660kg and modestly increased power and torque, I think it’ll be a great car for whipping around rural roads.”

One more EV before we return to old ways, perhaps. Andrew Robinson said: “Give me a small battery, lightweight design and soft-top roof, so long as it’s not as power mad as the MG Cyberster. Something like a Smart Roadster EV; the original was cheap and fun but ruined by a terrible gearbox, so it’s perfect for electrification.”

Kimbo also wants to see a remake of a modern classic, albeit a vastly different one: “The E46 M3 exactly as it was, without a turbo, but with a modern interpretation of the old dials. Other than that some present-day occupant crash protection and traction systems would be nice, but not if it makes the thing weigh significantly more. I just want an atmospheric straight-six, rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox in a pretty car that’s small and fast enough to enjoy on a typical back road.”

And last but not least we’ll leave you with Antoine Dufresne Fortin’s wish, which gets... straight to the point.

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