Honda shows off new motors

Fewer emissions, more power and economy

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 26 September 2006 / Loading comments

Honda's been showing off some of its new engine technologies, including a diesel which it says gives no more emissions than a petrol-fuelled motor.

This employs a NOX catalytic converter -- called "revolutionary" by Honda" -- that enables a reduction in NOX emissions sufficient to meet stringent US EPA Tier II Bin 5 emissions requirements (based on Honda calculations). Expect to see it on under bonnets within three years.

Honda said it's further improved its valve timing and lift electronic control system with the Advanced VTEC engine, which "provides high performance along with outstanding fuel economy and lower emissions". It combines continuously variable valve lift and timing control with the continuously variable phase control of VTC (Variable Timing Control) to achieve a world-leading level of performance and a 13 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency, according to Honda. It's due to hit the streets within three years.

Fuel cells

Honda's also held a demonstration drive of the next-generation FCX Concept fuel cell vehicle, an earlier version of which was shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. The FCX Concept now features a new, compact, high-efficiency fuel cell stack. The company it expects limited marketing of a new vehicle based on this concept model is to begin in 2008 in Japan and the US.