Honda City, Civic and Accord to feature Earth Dreams Engine

Automobiles, Other Cars & Accessories David Peter

Honda has made a name for themselves producing reliable petrol engines, and they’ve attracted a loyal following for their solid (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) motors. Their most recent technology is aimed at balancing high fuel-efficiency with low emissions – in the romantically named Earth Dreams engines.

Honda announced at the Geneva Motor Show last year that it would be rolling out these engines for most of their vehicles, including the NSX sports car. The range features a long list of innovations, of which the most notable ones perhaps are direct injection and VTC (Variable Timing Control), through which Honda plans to “continue to minimize our environmental footprint.”

Earth Dreams Engine in Honda cars

Some other specifications (from carblogindia) include:

•   High-tumble port
•   Low-tension piston rings
•   Patterned piston coating
•   Mass EGR
•   2-stage relief oil pump
•   Lightweight engine block construction
•   Start-Stop system

This engine will be used to power the latest  Honda City and Jazz cars models. Direct injection delivers slightly more power than the current 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, and the new 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engines produce max power of 127 BHP and peak torque of 154 Nm. The CVT transmission replaces manual gearboxes in the hope of maximizing fuel economy and reducing emissions.

For the diesel range under Earth Dreams, Honda aims to reduce engine displacement and weight with the purpose of cutting emissions and improving fuel economy. According to reports, Honda will replace the current mild-hybrid Integrated Motor Assist with a new system that uses lithium-ion batteries and plug-in power. This should allow Honda’s new cars to better compete with the big green players like Toyota.

USA buyers will be able to purchase the first Earth Dreams engine in the 2013 Accord, while Europe will get the 1.6-liter diesel Civic. By upgrading the entire line-up, Honda seems to be making an organised effort to remain competitive in a marketplace that’s rapidly adapting to environmentally friendly mobility.