Nicknamed “The Torqueless Wonder,” Honda’s S2000 earned its keep on the racing circuit thanks in part to its short wheelbase and compact size, but the motor has always been the focus of criticism. Though well-nested behind the front axle and flush against the firewall, Honda’s F20C and F22C have always been short on grunt – torque, specifically – and for many this has been a major handicap. Thankfully, some of the sharper minds at Japan’s tuning shop Top Fuel have augmented the four-cylinder motor to put out a very respectable amount of power.

With substantial chassis reinforcements and a V-mounted intercooler, it’s obvious that rigidity and weight distribution were very important in this build.

Top Fuel has been turbocharging Hondas for several decades now, and this particular S2000 has received the full time attack treatment. Huge amounts of power from the 2.2-liter engine in conjunction with lots of aerodynamic grip and a sequential gearbox ensure the car is capable of setting some good lap times, assuming the driver has a deft, precise touch.

For that reason, the Top Fuel team has employed renowned drifter and GT300 ace Nobuteru Taniguchi for the purposes of setting a very quick lap at Fuji Speedway. Despite his smooth driving style, Nobuteru has his hands full putting all of that power to the ground, and the full force of the motor can be seen at 2:56, when even tracing a smooth line at high speed, the tires lay long black streaks on the asphalt. Torqueless wonder? Not anymore.