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Honda has long been involved in the research and development of cars that run on compressed natural gas. Rich reserves of natural gas are already being tapped in many countries. And as an alternative to gasoline, natural gas has the added benefit of cleaner combustion. By utilizing its accumulated know-how and technologies, Honda has developed the Civic GX, a car that achieves one of the world's lowest levels of harmful emissions. The car's emission levels not only outperform Honda's LEV requirements, but they are 90% lower than the maximum levels allowed by California ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) standards! In addition, the Civic GX features a traveling range of 400km on a single tank of natural gas, a distance that compares favorably with gasoline-engine cars. This makes it a truly practical car that fulfills all the requirements of performance, quality, reliability and safety.
(The Civic GX is scheduled for launch in Japan and the U.S. in 1998.)
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Honda selected its VTEC-E engine design, which features an SOHC 4-valve configuration as well as a variable valve timing and lift mechanism, because it reduces exhaust emissions and boosts power output at the same time. The natural gas version of this engine achieves low-levels of harmful emissions even before the engine warms up, in addition to powerful, gasoline car-like performance thanks to a high compression ratio. The NGV makes use of advanced valve technologies accumulated through Honda's experience in racing Indycars, which run on methanol. |
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