Honda has hinted that it could introduce a new S2000 if the company is confident it can sell enough of them to make a business case.

Speaking at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Takahiro Hachigo said: “Honda is quick to develop sporty cars if requests are there. I’ve already heard many voices expressing a desire for a new S2000.

“All over the world there are more and more voices expressing a desire to launch this. However, we need more time to evaluate,” Hachigo-san added. “Our first priority is to have an evolution of our current performance cars for the next generation, but if the sales people can give us a commitment to sales then it [S2000] might get the green light.”

The news comes after a set of patent renders submitted by Honda were discovered, hinting at a potential new sports car in line with our predictions. The patent iself pertains to the car's interior, not the exterior design.

Back in 2015 we reported that an S2000 replacement, dubbed the Baby NSX would feature a mid-mounted version of the Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Now, according to a source close to Honda, pressure to adhere to stringent emissions regulations has forced the company to downsize the engine to a 1.5-litre turbo which, with electric motor assistance, is expected to generate around 300bhp.