Honda has announced an improved version of its VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) technology with the development of the 2.4-liter “Advanced VTEC engine,” which achieves high performance along with improved fuel economy and lower emissions. The new engine combines continuously variable valve lift and timing control with the continuously variable phase control of VTC (Variable Timing Control). Honda plans to release a production vehicle equipped with the new engine within three years.
This new system permits optimum control over intake valve lift and phase in response to driving conditions, achieving improved charging efficiency for a significant increase in torque at all engine speeds. Under low to medium load levels, the valves are set for low lift and early closure to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel economy.
In combination with optimized intake components, the technologys result in a 13 percent improvement in fuel economy. The new engine is also exceptionally clean, with exhaust emissions that meet both U.S. Environmental Protection Agency LEV2-ULEV regulations and Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport requirements for Low-Emission Vehicles, with emission levels 75% lower than those required by the 2005 standards (based on Honda calculations).
09/25, 10:01 AM
posted by:
Brendino
good for them…what are they going to put it in?
09/25, 11:15 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
See? This is the tech that needs to go in, for example, the Jeep Patriot. Right now it’s using some I-4 2.4 L Hyundai/Mitsubishi crap that’s better left to power lesser vehicles. Though, it doesn’t say how much torque this new engine produces, so that *might* be a problem.
09/25, 1:35 PM
posted by:
Veda
Expect to see this in the US Accord, Asian Odyssey, the CRV. The TSX will probably get the turbo in the RDX to keep up with BMW’s new turbo.
09/25, 3:01 PM
posted by:
blitzkrieg79
1c3d0g, actually the new World Engines developed by Mitsu/Hyundai/Chrysler are good little engines for small cars but once you put that engine inside an over 3000 pound vehicle then even the Honda engine wouldn’t be able to adequately power it and be as responsive. Besides, check out the torque numbers of the Honda engines and they are not that great where for example Mitsu engines are more balanced out offering about 1:1 HP to Torque ratio.
09/25, 5:51 PM
posted by:
InvisibleEcho
I wouldn’t be surprised to find out as the greener the VTECs get, the less torque they produce per displacement cc’s. In 2025, I bet the latest VTEC engine would produce nothing but a flowery scent out the tailpipe, and have just enough torque to move a radio flyer…
09/25, 8:06 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Yeah, you’re both probably right about that. Damn, that’s a shame ’cause I’m a huge torque fan.
I’ll take torque over horsepower any day.
09/25, 9:42 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Amazing, none of you read the line “…a significant increase in torque at all engine speeds”.
09/26, 7:34 AM
posted by:
Saud
Honda is making some seriously awesome engines now.
09/26, 8:58 PM
posted by:
InvisibleEcho
global_lightning, I’ll believe it when I see it. Just a little skeptical when I don’t see anything honda makes in the 4 cylinder range make more than 150lb/ft of torque. At any rpm. But if they do, yay for them.
09/27, 12:04 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
The engine this technology is built on, the K24, produces more than 160 ft·lb at around 3000 – 4000 RPM, depending on the model. The new turbocharged K23 delivers 260 ft·lb @ 4500 RPM.
Honda car engines are basically an extension of their motorcycle range. They love to REV! For daily driving, keeping them below 5000 RPM is adequate. If you need to go, drop the tranny one (or two) gears. What you get is an engine that delivers both outstanding fuel economy and/or performance, depending on how you drive it. All this with bulletproof reliabilty.
Now granted, this requires driver involvement that exceeds the patience or capability of some people raised on big lazy V8s that run out of breath at 5000 RPM, attached to a 3- or 4-speed slushbox. These are the people that have kept GM and Ford alive long after they should have gone bankrupt.
09/27, 5:24 PM
posted by:
SSTRFSTR
Who cares?
09/27, 11:35 PM
posted by:
Hyperion
Nothing new here. Yawn. Someone let me know whenever Honda starts building RWD Civics. Then I’ll care.