Tokyo, September 6, 1999 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the development of its next-generation 2-liter, in-line 4-cylinder VTEC engines. Designed to set a new benchmark for internal combustion engines for the 21st century, these high-performance, light and compact power-plants generate fuel-economy and exhaust gas emissions at levels at least 50% cleaner than required by the new emissions standards slated for introduction in Japan in October 2000.

Honda plans to build the new engines at the newly planned Sayama engine assembly line of Saitama factory, a facility scheduled to be in operation in the latter half of next year. This new 2-liter series of engines is just the beginning; Honda is also planning the development of next-generation engines of varying displacement capacities in order to renew its entire engine lineup by the year 2005. At the same time, the company is promoting further research into direct injection engines and diesel engine technologies.

Research in various areas of engine development is motivated by the following strict objectives regarding air pollution and global warming:

• By the year 2002, Honda aims to achieve exhaust gas emission levels at least 50% less than those set by the government for the year 2000 for all its vehicles sold in Japan.

• By the year 2005, the company also plans to surpass the government's 2010 fuel-consumption targets in all vehicle weight categories.

Next-Generation 2-liter In-Line 4-Cylinder Engine

Advantages of Honda's next-generation in-line 4-cylinder VTEC engines

• Approximately 20% or greater improvement in fuel efficiency compared with conventional 2-liter lean-burn gasoline engines.

• Exhaust gas emissions of at least 50% less than the government-mandated standards in Japan for the year 2000.

• World-class low-to-mid-range torque and maximum power output.

• Substantial noise reduction.

• Reduction in engine weight by approximately 10% compared with current 2-liter engines.

• Approximately 10% more compact design than current 2-liter engines.

• Streamlined design employing modularization.

Main Technologies

• A highly advanced valve timing and lift system that represents a further advance in Honda's VTEC system.

• New "clean-burn" combustion system for reduced emissions (less CO2) and improved fuel-efficiency.

• High-efficiency NOx-absorbing catalytic converter for cleaner exhaust gas and an extended lean-burn operating range.

• Rear exhaust system and a low heat mass e-type dual exhaust manifold system for quicker reaction of the catalytic converter.