Honda at Engine Expo 2002
As the worlds largest engine manufacturer, with an annual production of 12.2 million units, it is only appropriate that Honda will be exhibiting at Engine Expo 2002, to be held at
But while production volumes are impressive enough, it is the diversity of its product range, and the consistently advanced technology, that makes Honda unique among world manufacturers. Both aspects will be reflected in the products on display which together demonstrate Hondas ability to bring innovative thinking across all markets to resolve the conflicting demands of high output, low emissions and good fuel economy.
The strength of Hondas diversity is displayed by the fact that on the stand will be an example of the latest Formula 1 engine, as well as the worlds lightest 4-stroke handheld engine.
Such is the success of Hondas approach that last year the company produced 2.6 million car engines, 5.6 million motorcycle engines and 4.0 million engines for power equipment applications.
Hondas strategy has also been endorsed in the Engine of the Year awards held during past Expos: five out of 12 awards in 2000, including Engine of the Year for the 1.0 litre IMA unit of the Insight; three out of 12 awards in 2001; while this year the company is confident its tally will be improved still further.
The exhibits
Honda takes its environmental responsibility seriously and on display will be the new Civic Hybrid car as well as the second generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system that powers it. The roomy five-passenger model is capable of achieving a 40 per cent increase in fuel economy compared to a conventional Civic 4 door thanks to the use of an i-DSI intelligent Dual & Sequential Ignition petrol engine in combination with an ultra-thin DC brushless motor sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. This delivers the world's highest output density for an electric motor, achieving 30 per cent more torque than that used in the Insight.
The similar i-DSI engine used to power the new Honda Jazz will also be on display. Dual & Sequential Ignition (i-DSI) engines are the latest members of Hondas new i-Series family and achieve exceptional fuel economy within a highly compact package.
Rapid, intensive combustion is a key element of the design and the provision of a pair of spark plugs per cylinder, and a high-swirl, highly compact combustion chamber resulting from the narrow valve angle (30°) and SOHC single pivot head are key elements in achieving this.
i-DSI technology is complemented by the i-VTEC series of engines used in the Stream, new CR-V and Civic Type-R, and an example from the latter is among the exhibits. The i-VTEC design cleverly combines the highly renowned VTEC system which varies the timing and amount of lift of the valves with VTC or Variable Timing Control to deliver exceptional fuel economy, cleaner emissions and reduced weight with high output and outstanding torque characteristics in all speed ranges.
Underlying Hondas breadth of expertise is an example of the companys Formula 1 engine in RA001E guise. The normally aspirated, 3.0 litre V10 features four pneumatic valves per cylinder, an aluminium block, is capable of revving to in excess of 17,000 rpm and has a power output of over 800 bhp.
Motorcycles
Representing the world of Honda motorcycles is the V4 VTEC engine used in the latest VFR750F. Borrowing from the companys car engine expertise, the VTEC system is designed to deliver a stronger surge of low-to-mid-range torque coupled with the added benefits of lower noise and emissions. However, at higher engine speeds, operation switches from 2- to 4-valve operation to take advantage of this configurations high-revving capability, for excellent all-round flexibility.
Honda has already successfully taken to the tracks in this seasons World Grand Prix Series with the new RC211V, and show visitors will be able to see both the bike and its brand-new 990 cc V5 four-stroke engine. Honda engineers selected this configuration on the basis that it achieves the optimum concentration of mass and minimum frontal area of the machine.
Marine
The companys latest marine outboard engines employ four-stroke technology to deliver environmentally friendly performance that exceeds the worlds strictest emissions regulations established for 2008 by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in the
Power equipment
Honda continues to push the boundaries of development in the power equipment market, exemplified by the GX25 engine on display. This is the worlds lightest 4-stroke handheld engine and it is also 360 degree-inclinable, making it ideal for applications such as brush-cutters.
Finally, the GX160K1 general purpose engine is a newly developed 4 kW engine that is ideal for powering a wide range of construction and other work equipment, including cement mixers, power rammers and portable generators. It uses a unique Honda side-cam OHC layout to offer the high reliability, high durability, and light weight demanded by many types of work equipment, while also ensuring clean-running performance that clears the worlds strictest emissions regulations.
List of Exhibits
Cars |
Civic Hybrid IMA |
|
Jazz i-DSI |
|
Civic Type-R i-VTEC
|
Honda Racing |
RA001E
|
Motorcycles |
VFR750F V4 VTEC |
|
RC211V V5 4-stroke
|
Marine |
BF 225
|
Power Equipment |
GX160K1 |
|
GX25 |