Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Green, Tech, Acura, Honda
More details about Honda's A-VTEC system
When Honda released information about the development of its Advanced VTEC (A-VTEC) system in September, we were looking forward to seeing how the new system would be employed in the next generation of Acuras and Hondas. The system will increase torque, power and fuel economy, all while oozing fewer emissions into the atmosphere. Good stuff, all of it.
Not much has been released since, but the variable valve timing obsessed folks over that the Temple of VTEC (TOV) came across a new patent filed by Honda entitled the "Variable valve actuation device." The setup is similar to BMW's Valvetronic system, by varying the lift and duration of the valves throughout the powerband, likely eliminating that abrupt, albeit entertaining, switch over to the hot lobes. It can be employed in both SOHC and DOHC applications and will likely find a home in the 2008 model Accord.
More power, more torque, less emissions, plus the option of a lightweight SOHC engine? Bring it.
[Source: TOV via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Big jim 4:38PM (2/17/2007)
just what we need another VTEC
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Rahul 4:56PM (2/17/2007)
BMW had this feature like over 5 years ago. It's about time somebody copied them.
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chris 5:14PM (2/17/2007)
Just like everyone copied Honda in the first place Rahul? Someone has to come up with this stuff first, otherwise the industry wouldn't move forward.
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Jason 5:26PM (2/17/2007)
Another example of innovation from Honda. Pound for pound they're the best car company in the world.
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cheezwiz 6:08PM (2/17/2007)
#1: I know you're being facetious, but but you're right. With the market demanding more horsepower, it's nice to see more innovation that allows for power while achieving low emissions and high gas mileage, another VTEC is a good thing.
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paul34 6:24PM (2/17/2007)
>> the system will increase torque
:start Honda torque jokes:
... I'm just kidding, Honda fanboys please don't kill me
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NoNameDenton 6:42PM (2/17/2007)
Gee, Honda has more torque, I better hop on over an put my name on the waiting list for a car with this engine (Not in a million years) I would much rather go with the Chevy Malibu that was shown, or a new Fusion or something made closer to America
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Riker 7:16PM (2/17/2007)
"...varying the lift and duration of the valves throughout the powerband..."
I thought that's what i-vtec did already? Time to brush up on my generic automotive knowledge...
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Jack 7:21PM (2/17/2007)
2. BMW had this feature like over 5 years ago. It's about time somebody copied them.
Posted at 4:56PM on Feb 17th 2007 by Rahul
BMW made their changes to the variable valve timing technology. Now it's time for Honda to advance the technology to another level. These developments take time, but you can almost guarantee that Honda will make their changes count. BMW makes great cars, but Honda does engines like no other.
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jj 7:40PM (2/17/2007)
Keep trolling, haters.
Once again Honda will release something great and all other consumer-level engine makers will be chasing them for 5 years. Yes, even BMW.
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Massimo 7:43PM (2/17/2007)
#7 What's this guy blithering about? Honda has a plant in Ohio and Alliston, Ontario. Is that close enough to the good ol' USA for ya? Incredible. There is always some shmuck that turns an interesting "automotive" post into an east vs west thing...
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Daniel 7:44PM (2/17/2007)
Riker, i-VTEC kicks in at the higher RPM range. I believe my Civic kicks in at 4000 RPM...
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Damon Lavrinc 7:48PM (2/17/2007)
Riker:
The i-VTEC system only added continuously variable camshaft phasing on the intake cam. So, the lift and duration are still limited to high and low RPM situations, vs. this new system (and BMW's Valvetronic) that will make changes throughout the powerband, depending on load.
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naggs 7:50PM (2/17/2007)
"8. "...varying the lift and duration of the valves throughout the powerband..."
I thought that's what i-vtec did already? Time to brush up on my generic automotive knowledge..."
the old system had 2 profiles, and switched over for high rpm.
the new system can vary timing lift and duration while only having 1 profile. normally, engines pull much more air than they will burn and let the throttle block most of that air. with this system, you can go without a throttle and just let the engine pull in the air it needs. imagine if you could only breathe really hard and to limit the amount of air by blocking your mouth with your hand. its much more efficient to just let the engine pull only the air it needs.
i dont know exactally how honda's new system works but most of them work by moving the cam lower (for more lift and duration) or moving it away (for less lift and duration). BMWs system uses tiny little cogs attached to the rocker arms. these allow the computer to decide how much duration and lift is right for the current conditions. very trick but a little complex and expensive. hopefully hondas system will be simpler and cheaper and trickle down to its lower models.
it would be nice if honda made a 2.0 sohc. lightweight with 160 hp 140 tq, dual cam engines carry a suprising amount of weight that is relativly high up. often, the dohc isnt worth the weight.
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shimman 7:59PM (2/17/2007)
#10 by jj,
like honda isn't chasing bmw; the honda's bench mark for their car has been bmw 3 series for long time.
anyway, i hope that a-vtec is a continuously variable valve timing AND lift system; however, i think it is continuously variable timing & 2 stage lift system unlike bmw
another thing honda needs is a direct injector for petro engines...and variable intake manifolder (at least two stage) my honda lengend 2006 really needs a power plant upgrade.
honda has been changed since late 90s; they had their own characteristics of edgeness especially type-r/s variants, but now, their power plants are far more civilized & good, but it lost the edgeness that true honda fans craving.
yes, let's bring on something that will put a smile on my face
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shimman 7:59PM (2/17/2007)
btw, anyone has a link to the actual patent document?
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shimman 8:02PM (2/17/2007)
anyone like to guess the max power output for 2008 honda accord's i4 engine?
i think it will be 2.4l i4 a-vtec (at least for high end model) with 175hp & 170lb-ft
will they carry over the 5speed auto to 08 model?
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jj 8:03PM (2/17/2007)
#15 shinman -
"like honda isn't chasing bmw; the honda's bench mark for their car has been bmw 3 series for long time."
You're trying to be clever, but you're absolutely right - Honda has not ever made a car that competes with a 3-series in any way, ever.
You're thinking of the Lexus IS, and yes, it does come up short. Not really relevant to this conversation, though.
Thanks for playing.
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Stoneman 8:43PM (2/17/2007)
Hyundai is making great in-roads in engines and designs. Honda, while the established king of quality, has to work even harder to ensure they maintain their market share.
Stoneman
http://www.Stonemanautoreview.com
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NoNameDenton 8:52PM (2/17/2007)
#11, They may be built in America, but still a Japanese company, or is that hard to comprhehend, if anyone is blithering on, it is you
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