Upsizing engines the way forward?

Rumours are circulating that the next line of performance Civics, known as SI in the states, will use the 2.4 litre K24 i-VTEC engine, as used in the Accord Euro.

No doubting it’s a good unit, keeping the upsized and heavier new model Euro (just) competitive for performance and economy in the segment. It would also boost much needed torque, while offering similar levels of power as the existing 197bhp/148kw 2 litre unit currently used in Civic Si’s (US coupe and sedan) and the Type-R available here.

What it won’t do is keep Honda’s reputation for manic, screaming VTEC induced (smiles &) power surges. No doubt the personality of the car will change to something more relaxed in its performance delivery. While the torque is most welcome, does it have to come at the expense of high revs?

While there has always been a compromise inherent in all engines between usable torque, economy, top end power & revs, Honda in the past has engineered clever solutions to such dilemmas. This is how VTEC, and subsequently i-VTEC came about – to reduce the comprises comapared to other manufacturers had to make.

Simply upsizing the engine just doesn’t seem to be the Honda way. It particularly contrasts with rivals that are downsizing. Examples are the the Holden (Chev) Cruze that will get a 1.4 turbo soon (already available state side), the VW 1.4 Twin Charge engine in the Golf 118TSI, and a rumoured 3 cyl engine for the Focus. While these engines are not the highest performance models of their ranges, it is strange to think their Honda rival may be available with a 2.4 “big block” in a similar sized car.

Read more from the US based Temple of VTEC