Tag Archives: Honda

Tuning

Honda S2000 BP25: Bulletproof Automotive’s Jaw-Dropping Tribute to a Legend

It’s hard to believe that the Honda S2000 first leapt onto our roads more than twenty-five years ago. Yet here we are, decades later, and the little Japanese roadster still occupies a sacred place in every petrolhead’s heart—a car that sparks dreams, tuning projects, and obsessive scrolls through classifieds. Few machines from that golden era have aged with such dignity, and even fewer inspire the level of devotion we see today. Enter the BP25 from Bulletproof Automotive, a project that takes the S2000 and transforms it into something truly, painfully desirable.

This is not just a modified S2000. This is a rolling testament to everything enthusiasts love about Japanese engineering: precision, high-rev thrills, and a little bit of madness. Conceived as a celebration of Bulletproof Automotive’s 25th anniversary, the BP25 combines the best of respected Japanese tuning houses with the latest high-performance wizardry, culminating in a car that stole the spotlight at SEMA.

Looks that demand attention

The BP25 immediately announces itself as a Spoon-inspired hardtop coupe—a dramatic shift from the classic soft-top roadster silhouette. It wears a Varis Dark Panther carbon fiber bodykit, complete with reworked bumpers, flared fenders, aggressive intakes, and a rear wing so substantial it could double as a small aircraft stabilizer. Lamborghini Balloon White paint, gold graphics, exposed carbon fiber, and subtle red accents make the styling pop, while racing-style carbon-magnesium mirrors and custom LED taillights complete the picture.

Even the wheels are a statement. 19-inch BP-RW Evolution forged rims, inspired by traditional Japanese hammered metal techniques, shroud massive Brembo Pista brakes behind their high-grip rubber. The stance, aided by a Top Secret coilover setup and a cocktail of parts from J’s Racing, Roberuta, Spoon, EVS, and Hardrace, is sharp enough to slice through asphalt just by looking at it.

Heart of a beast

The engine bay is where dreams collide with reality. Bulletproof has taken the original 2.0-liter four-cylinder and paired it with a Vortech supercharger, producing a staggering 588 hp at 9,300 rpm and a redline stretching to 10,000 rpm. That’s right: ten thousand. Power flows through a reinforced six-speed manual and limited-slip differential, with a titanium Amuse exhaust manifold feeding a 70mm Euro dual exhaust system that sounds as feral as it looks.

Inside the cockpit

Step inside, and the BP25 proves it’s not just about straight-line terror. A Mugen steering wheel, Recaro RS-G racing seats with harnesses, ARC titanium shifter, and a horn button borrowed from the legendary NSX-R give the cabin a purposeful, track-ready feel. Alcantara upholstery with red stitching and a roll bar remind you that this is a car meant to be driven hard, not just admired in a garage.

A fitting tribute

Ben Schaffer, founder of Bulletproof Automotive, calls the BP25 “a tribute to the spirit that first defined the S2000.” And he’s not wrong. Every detail—from the carbon fiber accents to the screaming high-rev engine—honours the original’s DNA while injecting enough modern flair to make even seasoned enthusiasts gape.

In a world obsessed with SUVs and EVs, the BP25 is a reminder of what driving should feel like: visceral, exhilarating, and just a touch ridiculous. If the original S2000 was a mischievous grin, the BP25 is a full-blown roar. And somehow, even after twenty-five years, the dream isn’t over—it’s just gotten louder.

Source: Bulletproof Automotive

News

Honda Powers Through Market Shifts with Electrified Momentum in October

American Honda isn’t letting the industry’s shifting sands slow it down. The automaker posted 111,095 U.S. sales in October, keeping its year-to-date (YTD) total up 3.6 percent compared to last year—thanks largely to a strong mix of refreshed models, red-hot crossovers, and record-setting hybrid demand.

Honda Brand: Million-Unit Milestone and Electrified Records

The Honda brand continues to be the engine behind the company’s momentum, logging 100,030 sales in October and pushing past the 1-million mark for the year—a milestone reached two months ahead of schedule.

That momentum is balanced across the lineup: cars, trucks, and hybrids all pulled their weight. Honda’s light trucks remained a juggernaut, notching a ninth straight month above 65,000 units, led by the CR-V (31,696 units) and the all-new Passport, which posted its best October ever at 4,717 units, up a staggering 85 percent year over year. TrailSport trims now account for over 80 percent of Passport sales, underscoring the market’s appetite for rugged styling and mild adventure cred.

Elsewhere in the lineup, the HR-V (11,129), Pilot (9,845), Ridgeline (4,086), and Odyssey (5,448) each delivered solid results despite tight inventory in parts of the country.

Passenger cars are showing surprising resilience, too. The Civic continues to dominate the compact segment with 17,907 units sold, over a third of which were hybrids. Meanwhile, the Accord—fresh from its latest redesign—sold 14,396 units, with 44 percent hybrid mix.

Altogether, Honda’s electrified lineup hit an all-time October record, with 30,471 units sold, accounting for 30.5 percent of brand volume. Not bad for a company still ramping up its EV strategy.

Acura: New Energy, Familiar Precision

On the premium side, Acura posted 11,065 sales in October, up 2 percent for the month and 2.2 percent YTD, surpassing 110,000 units so far in 2025.

The newcomer ADX—Acura’s gateway crossover—was the month’s breakout performer with a record 2,721 units sold, quickly grabbing a segment-leading share in the crowded premium compact SUV segment. Combined sales of ADX and Integra hit 4,600 units, proving Acura’s entry-level lineup is hitting its mark.

SUVs continue to be Acura’s bread and butter, with MDX and RDX combining for 5,784 sales—their best since May—bringing total SUV deliveries to 8,530 units for the month. Sedan sales topped 2,500, anchored by the Integra’s 1,879 units, its strongest showing since April.

Context: A Balanced Strategy Amid Market Headwinds

While many automakers have leaned heavily into trucks or cut sedans entirely, Honda’s diversified portfolio continues to pay dividends. Through October, American Honda’s truck sales are up 7.5 percent YTD, while car sales are down 4.8 percent—a manageable dip given broader market contraction in the sedan space.

That mix—along with the surging popularity of Honda’s hybrid models—has helped the automaker sustain growth even as consumer sentiment wavers and competition in the crossover segment intensifies.

Honda’s October results highlight a brand hitting a rare equilibrium: balancing efficiency and adventure, volume and variety. With hybrids setting records and new models like the Passport TrailSport and Acura ADX finding their footing, Honda enters the final stretch of 2025 with steady momentum—and a clear signal that its pragmatic path to electrification is resonating with buyers.

Source: Honda America

News

Honda Under NHTSA Investigation for Seatbelt and Airbag Issues Affecting Over Half a Million Vehicles

While much of the safety spotlight has been fixed on Tesla lately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is widening its gaze—and this time, Honda’s in the frame. The agency has opened two separate investigations covering a combined 583,000 vehicles, including the family-hauling Honda Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivan.

The issues under review might sound like the stuff of small-print recalls, but they could have big implications for passenger safety—especially for families who depend on Honda’s reputation for reliability.

Seatbelt Confusion in the Pilot

The first probe targets the 2023–2024 Honda Pilot, and it centers on the SUV’s seatbelt reminder system. According to NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), the Pilot may incorrectly indicate that second- and third-row passengers are buckled up—or, worse, that they’re not.

That’s not just an annoyance for safety-conscious parents—it’s potentially dangerous. The third row in the Pilot isn’t exactly in the driver’s line of sight, so confirming that everyone’s properly strapped in already requires a bit of trust (or a lot of neck craning). With an inaccurate seatbelt warning system, a driver could be left constantly second-guessing whether the back seats are secure, or distractedly checking the display while on the move.

Only six official complaints have been logged so far, but given the nature of the issue, even a small number has prompted regulators to take a closer look.

Unwanted Airbag Deployments in the Odyssey

Then there’s the 2018–2022 Honda Odyssey, which has its own more dramatic concern. NHTSA has received 19 complaints alleging that the minivan’s side curtain and rear airbags can deploy when the vehicle hits a pothole or a harsh bump—no crash required.

As anyone who’s ever experienced an airbag deployment can attest, it’s not a gentle affair. The blast is loud, violent, and could easily cause injury—or at least startle the driver enough to cause a real collision afterward. One complaint has already triggered an early warning report tied to injury or death, though details remain unclear.

No Recall—Yet

To be clear, neither the Pilot nor the Odyssey has been recalled at this stage. But between 142,572 Pilots and 441,002 Odysseys potentially affected, Honda owners should keep an ear out for official updates.

The hope is that these problems turn out to be isolated incidents. But if NHTSA’s investigation points to a broader flaw, Honda will likely need to issue a recall and fix the systems quickly—before an incorrect seatbelt warning or an overzealous airbag turns an ordinary drive into something far more serious.

Source: NHTSA