Honda have confirmed the inevitable – VTEC Turbo engines will see production this year.
Honda had announced earlier that they would introduced forced induction to their engine line soon, and the time has come. The first recipient of the blower will be their 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor. The 2.0 VTEC Turbo will push out 280 PS and in the region of 350 Nm of torque in its higher state of tune, where it will rev to up to 7,000 RPM. A lower 200-PS/300-Nm version can also be expected for other models.
VTEC, short for Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, continues using variable timing for the valvetrain to improve response across the rev-range, but now, will have the added advantage of boost further enhancing power output.
The Civic will be the first to get the new engine, with the Type-R getting the full 280-PS version. With all the downsizing globally, we can even expect a 1.2-litre or 1.5-litre four-pot VTEC Turbo in the future. The addition of electric propulsion also is a distinct possibility in the future.
Honda have re-entered the pinnable of motor-racing – Formula 1 – with McLaren. Their new power unit, comprising the 1.5-litre turbocharged V6 with an energy recovery system (ERS) makes an estimated 600 PS, with the ERS adding 160 PS, to compensate for the downsized engines which have been run since last year. Without a doubt, observations from their racing programme will filter down to their road car programme.
Story: Jim Gorde
