Honda Debuts 'Variable Cylinder Management' V6 3.0-liter i-VTEC Engine
- New Powertrain Will be Featured in New Inspire Model -

Tokyo, June 18, 2003 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today introduced a new V6 engine featuring the latest version of its i-VTEC ('intelligent' VTEC) technology. Through new 'Variable Cylinder Management' technology, the V6 3.0-liter i-VTEC engine runs on all six cylinders during acceleration and when high output is required, yet employs only three cylinders during cruising and at low engine loads. The new engine thus combines the effortless performance of a 3.0-liter V6 engine, while offering superior fuel economy of 11.6 km/liter*1 --- comparable to that of a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine*2. This new powertrain will debut in the new Inspire model scheduled for release in Japan June 19, 2003.

In addition to its low fuel consumption, this V6 3.0-liter i-VTEC engine also significantly reduces exhaust emissions, helping the Inspire meet Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation requirements for Ultra-Low Emissions and 2010 fuel consumption standards, and making it eligible for preferential 'Green Tax' treatment. The new engine achieves this by combining high-density catalytic converters located directly below each cylinder head for further improved exhaust gas processing at low engine temperatures with exceptionally fine air / fuel ratio control.

The adoption of a variable intake system, over-sized intake valves, and low back-pressure catalytic converters further improve engine respiration efficiency, helping deliver class-leading performance, with maximum output of 184 kW (250 PS) and maximum torque of 296 N·m (30.2 kg·m)*3, all on unleaded regular gasoline.

*1 Inspire 10-15-mode fuel consumption, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation test values
*2 Vehicle in the same weight class as the Inspire: Accord Sedan 2.4 liter (10-15-mode fuel consumption of 12.0km / liter)
*3 Inspire model net figures



V6 3.0-liter i-VTEC engine



The 'Variable Cylinder Management' system analyzes throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine speed, and gearing to determine that the car is cruising, and then idles the intake and exhaust valves of the three cylinders in the rear cylinder bank. With zero valve lift, the cylinders are sealed, and no fuel is injected. Pumping losses are thus reduced by as much as 65% and low fuel consumption is realized.

When operating in 3-cylinder mode, engine vibration is reduced by extrapolating vibration from the change in crankshaft rotation speed and sending the information to the 'active control' engine mount, which compresses / extends an actuator in same-phase, same-period motion to dampen the engine mount. Similarly, a speaker creates an opposite phase sound or 'active noise control', to provide a canceling effect, for a quieter interior which leaves the driver unaware of changes in cylinder activation.

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Honda Adds Cylinder Deactivation to J30A V6

Tokyo … Honda Motor Co. Ltd today introduced a new V6 engine featuring the latest iteration of its i-VTEC technology. Through new 'Variable Cylinder Management' technology, the J30A 3.0-litre i-VTEC V6 runs on all six cylinders during acceleration and when high output is required, yet employs only three cylinders during cruising and at low engine loads. This new powertrain will debut in the new Inspire model based on the US-market Accord sedan and scheduled for release in Japan tomorrow.
In addition to its low fuel consumption, this V6 3.0-litre i-VTEC engine also significantly reduces exhaust emissions, helping the Inspire meet JMLIT requirements for Ultra-Low Emissions and 2010 fuel consumption standards, making it eligible for preferential 'Green Tax' treatment. Integrated exhaust manifolds allow high-density catalytic converters to be located directly below each cylinder head for improved exhaust gas processing at low engine temperatures, combining with exceptionally fine air/fuel ratio control to reduce emissions.

The adoption of a variable intake system, over-sized intake valves, and low back-pressure catalytic converters further improves engine respiration efficiency, helping deliver class-leading performance, with maximum output of 184 kW (247 hp) and maximum torque of 296 Nm (218 lb-ft), all on unleaded regular petrol.

The "Variable Cylinder Management" system analyses throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine speed, and gearing to determine that the car is cruising, and then idles the intake and exhaust valves of the three cylinders in the rear cylinder bank. With zero valve lift, the cylinders are sealed, and no fuel is injected. Pumping losses are thus reduced by as much as 65% and fuel comsumption is reduced. When operating in 3-cylinder mode, engine vibration is reduced by extrapolating vibration from the change in crankshaft rotation speed and sending the information to the "active control" engine mount, which compresses/extends an actuator in same-phase, same-period motion to dampen the engine mount. Similarly, a speaker creates an opposite phase sound or "active noise control", to provide a cancelling effect, for a quieter interior which leaves the driver unaware of changes in cylinder activation.

Equipped with this new technology, the new Inspire offers the fuel economy of a smaller engine, while retaining the power and performance available from a high-output V6. Honda compares the 11.6 km/l (27.3 mpg) fuel consumption of the new Inspire with that of the smaller Accord 2.4 (sold as the Acura TSX in the US) — 12.0 km/l (28.2 mpg). While such cylinder deactivation strategies are expected to improve fuel consumption by around 5%, comparisons to the corresponding US model Honda Accord (apparently without this new technology) show a negligible improvement (21/30 mpg city/hwy for the Accord 3.0 V6 and 22/31 mpg for the Acura TSX 2.4).