Honda's Earth Dreams Tech Making Fuel Efficiency a Reality

By Stephan Edlestein

New technology will give Honda what it needs to compete with its rivals, and will power everything from the Accord sedan to the NSX supercar.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Honda revealed details about its new, more fuel-efficient powertrains. These new engines, collectively known as Earth Dreams, will power most Honda vehicles in the near future, including the next NSX sports car. “We aim to be number one in fuel economy in each sector within three years,” said Honda’s European CEO, Manabu Nishimae. “Through Earth Dreams Technology, Honda will continue to minimize our environmental footprint.”

Like Ford’s EcoBoost and Mazda’s Skyactiv, Earth Dreams is a brand name for engines upgraded with new technology. Honda will add VTC (Variable Timing Control), direct injection, and will build conventional gasoline-powered cars with Atkinson-cycle engines, even though that setup is usually found in hybrids. Adding direct injection, which shoots a precise amount of fuel into the combustion chamber, is an important step if Honda wants to compete with Ford and Mazda, let alone Hyundai and Kia.

Honda will also improve its diesel range under the Earth Dreams banner, reducing its engines’ displacement and weight to cut emissions and improve fuel economy. Honda will also replace its mild-hybrid IMA (Integrated Motor Assist), with a new system that features lithium-ion batteries and plug-in capabilities. Because IMA only allows drivers to use electric power for brief periods, Honda’s hybrids have never been able to compete with the Toyota Prius on fuel economy. The new system should remedy that.

To put its engines’ green power to the road, Honda will rely more on Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). Enthusiasts may not like the CVT’s eerily linear power delivery, but some kind of transmission upgrade was necessary. Honda offers a five-speed transmissions in the Accord, while most of the competition offers six.

The U.S. Will get its first Earth Dreams engine, a 2.4-liter inline-four, in the 2013 Accord. Europe will get a 1.6-liter diesel in the Civic. Honda says the diesel is the lightest of its kind and produces an extremely low 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Earth Dreams technology will also be incorporated into the new Honda/Acura NSX’s V6. That engine, combined with the NSX’s three electric motors, will provide “supercar acceleration and outstanding efficiency,” Honda says. The NSX will go on sale in Europe by 2015, badged as a Honda. There was no update on the car’s U.S. launch.

“The NSX is the ultimate top-line sports model,” Nishimae said, “could we develop a smaller one?” He noted the EV-STER, an electric roadster concept making its European debut at Geneva, as an example of how green powertrain technology could be applied to a small, fun-to-drive package. Such a car would make a great replacement for the S2000.

With Earth Dreams, Honda is making a concerted effort to upgrade its basic engines and transmissions, something it will need to do to remain competitive. By starting from the bottom, Honda hopes to see improvements across its entire lineup, everything from sedans to sports cars.

Source;
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/will-hondas-earth-dreams-engines-make-fuel-efficiency-more-than-a-dream/

The 2012 Honda Civic will be the first car to get the Earth Dreams 1.6 Liter i-DTEC turbo diesel engine

Again, not for us in North America....

Honda has a top priority Earth Dreams project that it has had running at its Japan research and development center for a while now. The project we’re talking about involves the development of a range of new generation turbodiesel engines that the Japanese automaker will use in its future products, as it seeks to improve market share in times when diesel engines cars are become more and more preferred by car buyers across the world for their high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

The first engine that Honda has spawned out of its Earth Dreams turbodiesel engine project will power the upcoming 2012 Honda Civic Sedan. This turbo diesel engine displaces 1.6 liters and comes in an inline four cylinder layout. The 1.6 Liter i-DTEC engine pumps out a peak power of 120 Bhp generated at a low 4,000 rpm while the peak torque of 300 Nm generated at 2,000 rpm talks the loudest, with it being a class leading figure considering the i-DTEC engine’s displacement.

This apart, the other big story surrounding the 1.6 Liter i-DTEC turbo diesel engine is the low carbon dioxide emission level, which at 95 grams/Km is outstanding. Also, the Honda i-DTEC engine is said to be the world’s lightest aluminium open deck 1.6-liter diesel engine due to the use of strong yet light weight materials in its construction. The 1.6 Liter i-DTEC engine will be manufactured at Honda’s UK plant at the end of 2012.

In due course of time, expect this very engine to arrive into India as Honda desperately needs a diesel engine in its portfolio to survive and thrive in the Indian car market, which has migrated to the more fuel efficient diesel engined cars due to the prices of the non-subsidized petrol rising even as diesel remains the overwhelmingly cheaper alternative due to the Indian government subsidizing it.

Source;

http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/2012-honda-civic-1-6-liter-i-dtec-turbo-diesel-engine-geneva-motor-show-56785/

Honda President Commits to “Distinctive” and “Sporty” Vehicles

After having taken quite a beating with reviews of the new Civic, Honda has been on the offensive, promising updates while announcing its new “Earth Dreams Technology” plan to reestablish itself as a fuel economy leader. With the debut of the EV-STER electric sports car concept and confirmation that a new NSX is on the horizon, company president Takanobu Ito is now going a step further, while explaining the faults of the past.

In an interview with the The Nikkei, he explains Honda’s old product planning method. “We divided the world into six regions, and Honda’s regional operations were each responsible for their respective regions. Whenever we planned a product for the global market, our thinking was that we needed to listen to each regional supervisor.”

The result, says Ito, was a lowest-common-denominator approach to building a car, watering down all the characteristics of a vehicle to the greatest mass-market appeal. The problem admits Ito is that, “When you harmonize all the different opinions, you end up with a safe, boring car.”
Under the old method of doing business, the vehicle development team was essentially taking the designed-by-committee idea and building a car around it.

Ito says that since he took over in April of last year, changed the system. “I had three corporate officers each supervise luxury, midsize and small vehicles,” he said. “Putting more authority in their hands, I asked them to create more competitive autos and to speed up coordination with product planning and regional operations. I set up a structure that would allow them to take the lead in realizing the wishes of the development team. The fruits of these moves will begin to appear in the market next fiscal year.”

Exactly what those fruits are, says Ito, will be cars that are environmentally friendly and safe, but also ones that are “highly distinctive”. Honda, after all, has a long history of unique vehicles from the NSX, S2000, CRX and del Sol. But perhaps most importantly, he says, “This strategy will be represented by our effort to make vehicles more sporty.”

The first true example of this plan will be evident when Honda unveils the next-generation NSX at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/01/honda-president-commits-to-distinctive-and-sporty-vehicles.html

Honda Commited to fuel economy

by John Leblanc

MOTEGI, JAPAN — Honda, like most of its rival Japanese automakers, has been taking it on the chin of late when it comes to its perceived lack of engineering and product innovation.

With up-to-date features like direct-injected and turbocharged engines and multi-gear or continuously variable (CVT) transmissions more than likely found in rivals from Germany, America or Korea, many customers perceive that Japanese automakers have lost their engineering mojo, or have forgotten how to innovate, after years of being at the top of the sales charts.

The day before it rolled out three concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show that showcased what we may be driving in 2020, Honda unveiled a slew of state-of-the-art technologies at the Twin Ring Motegi Super Speedway that will appear in new cars as early as next year.

The message was clear to the attending media: Honda is back in the business of innovation, and aims to be a leader in fuel economy.

“The first task, when I started as president, was to get ahead of (the competition), particularly in the area of hybrid batteries and fuel cells,” said Honda Motor CEO Takanobu Ito, who’s been with the company since 1978 and took over the top job in 2009.

Ito also said that Honda wants to have "the No. 1 fuel economy in each (vehicle) category within the next three years."

To get there, and under the marketing banner of “Earth Dreams,” the automaker is rolling out a family of new hybrid and gas engines, CVTs, and all-wheel-drive systems, all slated to appear in new models as early as next year.

On the hybrid front, Honda’s new 2013 midsize Accord (due late next year) will receive a plug-in electric hybrid version of the company’s new “two-mode” gas-electric system.

When mated with a four-cylinder engine, Honda is claiming equal power to the existing Toyota Camry Hybrid (200 hp), but better fuel economy than the Toyota’s 4.7L/100 km combined rating.

Technically, Honda’s new two-mode hybrid uses a twin-cam profile. However, instead of using the automaker’s traditional VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) profile for more power, the hybrid version shifts between an Atkinson cycle (for leaner fuel burning), and the traditional Otto cycle (for more power , depending on the torque load on the engine).

Honda says the system can also be combined with a V6, driven in electric-only mode for up 24 km, electric-and-gas for accelerating, or gas-only for highway cruising.

Once a leader, Honda is catching up to the competition by adding direct-injection and double overhead cams to its mainstream gas engines.

Dubbed “i-VTEC, the new engines promise more power and “at least” a 10 per cent fuel economy advantage over the outgoing powerplants.

For example, the 2013 Accord will get a new i-VTEC 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 181 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque (all preliminary ratings), up 4 hp and 16 lb.-ft., respectively, from the existing Accord four.

As well, a new 1.8L i-VTEC, with 148 hp and 133 lb.-ft. (gains of 8 hp and 5 lb.-ft.) may end up in the refreshed 2013 compact Civic, while a new 1.5 i-VTEC with 127 hp and 111 lb.-ft. (10 hp and 5 lb.-ft.) could find a home in the subcompact Fit.

Shying away from CVTs in the past, Honda is now working on three new units — one for mid-sized cars such as the Accord, and two for smaller vehicles such as the Civic and Fit — that will become the base automatic transmissions for all four-cylinder engines.

While competitor CVTs have a "rubber band" feeling similar to a slipping clutch under acceleration, the Honda system I drove at Motegi, in an Acura TSX test mule with the new i-VTEC 2.4, felt more like a traditional torque converter automatic, free of the high-pitch whine usually associated with CVTs.

Honda says the new i-VTEC’s engine control software has been remapped so there is less “hunting” for revs during hard acceleration.

Honda’s premium Acura brand will also see immediate benefits from the automaker’s recommitment to new tech.

“We are not satisfied with the brand’s current positioning. We want to make it more unique and sporty. We want to make it into a ‘high-end’ brand,” said Ito.

The midsize Acura TL sports sedan will receive a new 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6, now with 310 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque — 30 more horsepower and 11 more lb.-ft. than the current car’s base six.

More interestingly, Honda also had on hand an Accord engineering test mule that encompassed many of the new technologies that may end up in the oft-rumoured Acura NSX replacement.
Called Electric Super Handling-All-Wheel-Drive, and in the prototype we drove, a new i-VTEC 3.5-litre V6 was mated to an also-new seven-speed dual-clutch auto box with an integrated hybrid-electric motor that also uses the energy from regenerative braking to provide the power boost. All four wheels are independently powered, depending on the car’s cornering and traction needs.

When pressed, Honda engineers told us the hybrid powertrain was rated “well above 300 hp.”
But by the way the car shot forward from rest, my seat-of-the-pants were telling me that that number could be closer to 400 hp.

Speculation in the Motegi paddock was that a new concept car, in the spirit of the Acura NSX super car, would encompass all of the Accord Electric SH-AWD test mule’s new hardware, and is set to appear at next January’s Detroit auto show.

When asked about such a car, Ito replied, “I don’t know. Stay tuned!”

Source;
http://www.wheels.ca/article/801538

Honda Announces Revolutionary Next-generation "Earth Dreams Technology" -New plan calls for top-of-industry fuel efficiency in every vehicle class wit

TOKYO, Japan, November 30, 2011 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology for automobiles called "Earth Dreams Technology."

"Earth Dreams Technology" is a next generation set of technological advancements which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, using as its base advanced environmental technologies to pursue the joy of driving unique to Honda. It is a series of measures in which efficiency of internal combustion components including engine, and transmission, as well as electric-powered motor technology, is further improved.

Through its implementation first in the mini-vehicle N BOX and gradually onto other vehicle models, Honda aims to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category within three years, while simultaneously setting a timeline of 2020 to reduce by 30% CO2 emissions for all products sold worldwide, relative to emission figures for 2000.

Inspiration of the "Earth Dreams Technology" name:
"Earth Dreams Technology" is an expression for a set of technologies which takes into account both our need to protect the environment and our desire to provide a joy of driving.

Key features of "Earth Dreams Technology"
1. A gasoline engine which realizes top level driving performance and fuel efficiency.
2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body*1, top-of-class*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*1.
5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
6. A Compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs.

Summary of key features
1. Gasoline engine which achieves top-of-industry driving performance and fuel efficiency
・By enhancing Honda's original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) technology to thoroughly improve thermal efficiency and minimize friction, a combination of high output and fuel efficiency was achieved. Further, a new engine series employing a new structure for higher expandability was developed.
・By gradually renewing the engine starting with the mini-vehicle N BOX, Honda aims to utilize this technology to achieve top-of-industry output and fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within three years.
・A wide range of engine classes including the 660cc, 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L, and 3.5L classes will feature the technology.

[660cc class engine]
・Employs DOHC and VTC (Variable Timing Control) to improve intake efficiency. Further, the compact combustion chamber realizes high thermal efficiency.
・By shortening the bore pitch compared to the present engine models and reducing the thickness of the cylinder block and camshaft, engine weight is reduced by 15%*2 and fuel efficiency is improved by 10%*2.

[1.3 to 1.5L class engine]
・Employs VTC, direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base.
・Extensive friction reduction measures are implemented.

[1.8 to 2.0L class engine]
・Employs direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. Further, implementation of VTC and high-capacity EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) to both the intake and exhaust ports realizes significantly reduced friction.
・For the 2.0L class hybrid vehicle engines, use of an electric water pump eliminates the need for a belt in the auxiliary device and contributes to a reduction in friction. The VTC system allows fuel-efficient driving in various driving styles.

[2.4L class engine]
・Based on the DOHC and VTEC technologies, it employs VTC and direct injection technology and implements extensive friction reduction measures.
・Standalone engine features 5%*2 improvements in fuel efficiency and output as well as a 10%*2 improvement in maximum torque compared to the previous engine.

[3.5L class engine]
・Employs new valve train mechanisms and direct injection technology in the SOHC, VTEC, VMC systems to improve by over 10%*2 of fuel efficiency and 5%*2 of output, relative to the present standalone engine model.

2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body*1, top-of-class*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
・Through optimizing engine rigidity and combustion pressure, an aluminum open deck for the cylinder block was enabled in this top-of-industry lightweight*1 1.6L class diesel engine.
・By downsizing from the present 2.2L engine and extensively reducing mechanical friction in each section, a friction level equivalent to present gasoline engine models was achieved.
・Optimized thermal management system thanks to improvements in the cooling system reduces CO2 output by over 15%*2.
・Employment of a compact, high-efficiency turbocharger and weight reduction in the reciprocating sliding section realizes a sporty and nimble ride.

3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
・Three CVT structures for mini, compact, and mid-size vehicle classes are newly developed to be adopted for a variety of engine models.
・Reinforced belt is used to realize a structure for which a wide ratio range can be set.
・Implementation of analysis technology over the contact behavior between the belt and pulley, and a high-precision hydraulic control system allows for continual optimization of hydraulic pressure to the pulley under a variety of driving conditions, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
・Use of an electronic oil pump to realize an idle stop system with high response contributes significantly to improved usability and fuel efficiency.
・"G-Design Shift", a new coordinated control system for shift transmission, throttle, and hydraulic control responds quickly to driver demands and realizes an exhilarating, sporty drive with superior acceleration.
・In the mini-vehicle class, a control mechanism and innovations in axle placement to reduce the engine size lengthwise, while a reduction in parts by simplifying the transmission casing structure helps realize a lightweight and compact body.
・For the compact and mid-size classes, in addition to the reductions in size and weight, transmission efficiency was greatly improved by expanding the ratio range to achieve fuel efficiency improvements of 5%*2 and 10%*2 compared to the conventional CVT and comparable

5 ATs, respectively.

4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*1.
・A two-motor hybrid system featuring top-of-industry efficiency*1 enhancing driving performance and reduced CO2 emissions has been newly developed.
・Special lithium-ion battery and charger is employed to enable mounting on plug-in hybrid vehicles.
・Mid-sized vehicles equipped with this system are scheduled to begin production, starting with the plug-in hybrid model in 2012 and the hybrid model in 2013.
・Three driving modes allowing for top-of-industry efficiency*1 for various driving environments were developed; an "EV driving mode" for urban environments, a "hybrid driving mode" using electricity generated by the motor, and a "engine-connected driving mode" where the engine and tires are mechanically connected during high-speed cruising.
・Combination with a high-output 120kW motor allows for superior environmental performance and driving enjoyment.

5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
・A new hybrid system, electric SH-AWD, was developed for large-sized vehicles. By combining a 3.5L, V6 engine with this hybrid system, acceleration equivalent to V8 engines, as well as fuel efficiency equal or superior to in-line 4-cylinder engines were realized.
・An electric 4WD system with independent 20kW+ motors on both sides for the rear wheels combines a 7-speed dual clutch transmission system with a built-in 30kW+ high-efficiency motor with the engine.
・By mounting a high-performance lithium-ion battery and optimally controlling the front and rear motors, a new hybrid system with high fuel efficiency and output was realized.
・By mounting two independent motors in the rear and employing a newly developed bilateral torque adjustable control system, incredibly tight cornering just like driving "on-the-rail" is realized. With this mechanism, Honda strives to provide a stable ride for various driving environments.

6. A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs.
・Thanks to the high efficiency coaxial motor, low-friction gearbox and electric servo brake system, the system realizes the highest electrical consumption capability in the world*1, meeting the required AC consumption rate of 29kWh/100mile(116MPGe) as set forth by the United States.
・A traveling distance of 123 miles*3 (LA-4mode: unadjusted) or 210km*3 (JC08 mode) was achieved thanks to the mounting of a high capacity lithium-ion battery.
・When using the 240V U.S. electric source, a full charge takes less than 3 hours. (From the time a low-charge signal is lit till full charge)
・By offering three driving modes (SPORT, NORMAL, ECON), the driver can freely select from a number of options to meet the needs of various driving styles such as power-saving or sporty drive.

*1 Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)
*2 Compared to Honda products
*3 Honda calculations

Source;

http://www.hondanews.info/news/en/auto/4111130aeng