Honda unveils five new engines including a new 1.6 L diesel engine
Honda, the Japanese auto giant, has unveiled five new engines at the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show. The new array of engines from Honda will be the future of it’s cars and will be phased in over the next three years. Among the new engines showcased, two points of utmost importance are that firstly, Honda has now officially joined the direct injection brigade with the introduction of its ‘Earth Dreams Technology‘
With the introduction of the ‘Earth Dreams Technology’, Honda joins the likes of Ford, General Motors and Mazda all of whom have been pioneers of advancement in the field of direct injection technology. The entire range of new engines by the Japanese automaker promises to be “top-of-the-industry” in terms of fuel economy in every class within three years.
The range of engines starts as small as 660cc, then goes on to include 1.3-liters, 1.5-liters, 1.8-liters, 2.0-liters, 2.4-liters and 3.5-liters. The specific technology and approach used to deliver optimal power and efficiency varies by engine, in some cases, such as the 1.3- and 1.5-liter engines which use a combination of direct injection, the Atkinson cycle, DOHC structure and VTEC.
First up the line to gain from direct injection technology will be three of Honda’s engines which will result in a five percent increase in fuel economy along with a power increase of around ten percent. The three engines which will be gaining this technology are the 1.8-liter i-VTEC, 2.4-liter i-VTEC and the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6.
Honda on the diesel front will be downsizing its current 2.2 liter to a 1.6 liter unit which should match output by means of a high-efficiency turbocharger and reduced friction in the mechanics. This new diesel plant will first go on sale with the new Civic as early as 2013 which will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
In addition to the new family of EDT engines, Honda is also working on three CVT transmissions, two for its smallest offerings and one for mid-sized vehicles. Also being developed is an electric SH-AWD hybrid system which mounts two electric motors on the rear axle that serve to improve fuel-economy while delivering AWD comfort and handling.
Power Output Specification of Honda’s new engines :
- A 3.5-liter V6 with 310 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.
- A 2.4-liter inline-four with 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.
- A 1.8-liter inline-four with 148 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque.
- A 1.5-liter inline-four with 127 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque.
- A 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine that has similar power to the current 2.2-liter diesel.
