Fifteen years after the Honda S2000 rolled off production lines, enthusiasts still crave its exhilarating driving experience. Bulletproof Automotive, a California tuning powerhouse, has taken this iconic sports car and cranked it up to 11— literally. Their stunning creation, dubbed the BP25, celebrates their 25th anniversary with a radical revamp that prioritizes heart-stopping performance above all else.
The heart of this beast is a freshly built 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from Honda’s crate motor lineup. This isn’t your average mill, though. It’s been supercharged by Vortech’s V2-Si unit, unleashing over 580 horsepower at an astonishing 9,300 rpm before screaming all the way to a mind-bending 10,000 rpm redline. To keep up with this relentless power surge, Bulletproof has outfitted it with premium components like:
- Amuse Titanium Exhaust System: A free-flowing exhaust from manifold to tailpipe designed to maximize horsepower gains and produce a throaty soundtrack.
- High-Performance Fuel System: Featuring Injector Dynamics injectors capable of delivering the precise fuel quantities needed to sustain this level of output.
- Science of Speed Racing Heat Exchanger: Maintaining optimal engine temperatures under extreme performance conditions is crucial, and this high-efficiency heat exchanger helps ensure reliable operation.
This potent package is channeled through Honda’s tried-and-true AP2 six-speed manual transmission, paired with a short shifter for lightning-fast gear changes and an ACT lightweight flywheel to minimize rotational inertia for quicker acceleration. Finally, the power reaches the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential from ASM and Drexler, ensuring maximum traction during hard launches and corner exits.
But raw power isn’t everything. Bulletproof has also meticulously fine-tuned the S2000’s handling capabilities with an array of upgrades:
- Top Secret Super Dampers Coilover Kit: Precision adjustable coilovers for dialing in ride height and damping to suit various driving styles and track conditions.
- J’s Racing, Spoon, and EVS Components: An assortment of performance-enhancing parts strategically placed throughout the suspension to sharpen responsiveness and cornering prowess.
The BP25 doesn’t just sound and perform ferociously; it also looks the part. The car wears a widebody kit from Varis known as the Dark Panther, crafted entirely from lightweight carbon fiber. This aggressive bodywork features vents, a prominent hood scoop, a menacing rear wing, and even a bespoke lightweight trunk lid to shave off precious ounces for increased agility. The paint job is a special Lamborghini Balloon White—a nod to Bulletproof’s first car build, the Concept One.
The 19-inch BP-RW Evolution wheels echo a Japanese artisanal technique called Tsuchime with their hammered metal aesthetic. They are wrapped in sticky Toyo Tires Proxes R888R tires sized generously at 295/30ZR19 to grip tarmac tenaciously. Behind these forged masterpieces reside massive Brembo Pista brakes: six-piston calipers clamping onto rotors up front and four-piston units at the rear, ready to scrub off speed with ease.
Stepping inside reveals a track-ready cockpit meticulously assembled by Bulletproof. RS-G Limited Edition Super Start seats offer both comfort and support during spirited drives. A Mugen roll bar and steering wheel provide extra safety and driving feedback, while Willians FIA racing harnesses ensure occupants remain securely in place under hard acceleration and braking. The cabin is swathed in black Alcantara across the dashboard, door cards, and headliner, exuding a luxurious yet motorsport-inspired vibe.
The BP25 made its world premiere at SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where it served as Bulletproof Automotive’s celebration of two decades and a half of pushing automotive boundaries. While this particular S2000 is unlikely to be replicated exactly, it stands as a testament to the brand’s ingenuity and the enduring appeal of Honda’s legendary roadster.
