Honda Reveals Future Engine Line-up

Honda has revealed details of its new engine and transmission family, set to roll out across the brand's line-up over the next three years.

There are five powerplants in the new "Earth Dreams" programme, made up of three petrol four-cylinder units, a new small diesel and a single V6 engine to replace the current 3.7 litre engine.

Kicking off the petrol four-cylinder trio is a 1.5 litre unit delivering 95kW and 150Nm of torque. This engine will feature in a future update to the Jazz line-up, replacing the current 88kW/145Nm 1.5 litre unit. 

A 1.8 litre engine will follow, producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque. Expect this one to make its way into the Civic sedan, which currently features a 103kW/174Nm 1.8 litre engine. 

Leading the four-cylinder petrol trio will be a 2.4 litre engine delivering 135kW and 239Nm, with a debut likely to occur in the new Accord sedan. The current model features a 133kW/226Nm 2.4 litre engine.

The last of the four-cylinder engines will be a new 1.6 litre turbodiesel producing 88kW and 300Nm of torque. This new engine will join the updated 2.2 litre diesel, although only the larger unit is expected to make its way to Australia.

The flagship engine in the Earth Dreams line-up will be the new 3.5 litre V6 engine, producing 231kW and 360Nm of torque.

Expect the new V6 to replace the 3.7 litre engine driving the current Legend, which offers 226kW and 370Nm. 

Fuel consumption figures have not yet been released, although Honda says that all of the four-cylinder engines will feature direct injection and double overhead cams.  The V6 engine is expected to remain SOHC. 

Three new Continuously Variable Automatic transmissions will be introduced in the coming years, designed for use in medium, small and compact models.

Speaking at the Tokyo Motor Show this week, Honda R&D boss Hideki Wakamatsu said  that the company's new CVT will deliver a more consistent feel, leaving behind the 'rubber band' of most current CVTs.

He added that new optimised control software will reduce the hunting between engine revs and transmission ratios.

A new SH-AWD system is also in the works, utilising a pair of electric motors on the rear axle to help reduce fuel consumption.