After decades of producing impressive naturally-aspirated engines, Honda may finally be accepting that they're approaching the threshold of what's possible in volumetric efficiency without boost.
Today they announced three all-new powerplants that will have both turbocharging and fanboy's favorite variable cam timing acronym — VTEC.
While the Acura RDX holds "first factory turbo VTEC" honors, the new trio of Earth Dreams Technology motors will be much smaller and include a 2.0 liter performance variant for the new Civic Type-R.
The two-liter four-cylinder direct injection turbo engine for the CTR is purported to pack around 275 horsepower. Plus, of course, a red valve cover.
Following the Type-R release we can expect 1.0-liter 3-cylinder and 1.5 liter 4-cylinder VTEC turbo engines that will focus on efficiency. Honda says the engines will use an entirely new structure and yield what they're officially calling "class leading output and environmental performance."
While most may rightfully associate "Type-R" with "not coming to the US," the smaller VTEC turbos are confirmed as global models. Here's to hoping that includes us!
Image: Honda UK