VTEC gains boost

Honda have stuck fast to their VTEC engine technology - claiming it will last the test of time....well it hasn't. New emissions laws and increased pressure from other performance hatchbacks have landed Honda in hot water - they've made the decision to throttle back VTEC and throw in boost!

Three new Honda engines have been announced, a 1litre 3 cylinder, as well as 1.5litre and 2.0litre 4 cylinder lumps. All turbocharged. 

The idea is that the VTEC technology will now be put to use in making the engines economical at low revs, whilst the turbochargers develop the power higher up the rev range - herolding the potential end of screaming Civic Type R's at 9,000rpm. 

It was the only obvious choice for the Japanese auto-maker, with their latest Type R producing a gob-load less power than its rival hatchbacks, not to mention the unforgivably low torque figures - a side effect of using VTEC to gain power at high RPM. We know Honda can make awesome engines and utilize incredible engine technologies, hopefully now they'll prove this whilst producing similar HP/Torque figures as their rivals. 

Words: Andy Pilcher             Images: Honda UK