Tran’s S2000 Didn’t have a $100K Under the Hood

In the current automotive timeline, “The Fast and the Furious” stands as an undisputed classic within the enthusiast community. Attend any race track or car show, and it’s likely that a significant portion of the crowd can effortlessly pull various quotes from the film out of their back pocket.

As one of the most revered movies in the racing genre, “The Fast and the Furious” inevitably featured an array of cool cars. The impact of the original film was so profound that the very cars that played starring roles became sought-after and more valuable in real-life markets.

Iconic movie cars grace posters, but supporting vehicles also make a lasting impact in memory. The Honda S2000 driven by the character Johnny Tran. The car gained notoriety during its first race sequence when Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) leaned over to friend, Jesse (Chad Lindberg) and uttered the unforgettable line, “I bet you he has more than 100 grand under the hood of that car.”

Audiences, captivated by the notion of a high-performance hot rod with a six-figure investment, may have been intrigued. However, those well-versed in the automotive performance community likely questioned the validity of such a claim.

In a revealing ride-along with Craig Lieberman, the technical advisor for the film, he sheds light on the Honda S2000, and its inclusion in the movie, and dispels the notion that it indeed harbored a $100,000 worth of performance parts under the hood.

Lieberman provides fascinating insights into the creation of the car, revealing that Johnny Tran’s character was initially considered to drive a Mustang. Yet, thanks to RJ Nevara, another cast member who provided the S2000 that indeed featured bolt-on modifications.

This behind-the-scenes revelation adds another layer of intrigue to the iconic movie, highlighting the intricate decisions and collaborations that shaped the automotive legacy of “The Fast and the Furious.”