​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, VTECtechnologies 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, VMCsystems 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 5ATs, 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 Download Fact Sheet (Word Document) Publicity materials relating to this press release are available at http://hondanews.info/en/ (The site is intended exclusively for the use of journalists.)