Honda Civic Si Powertrain: 2.0-Liter / 6MT - 2.0-liter i-VTEC DOHC 4-Cylinder Engine with Variable Timing Control (VTC)
- 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- Helical-Type Limited Slip Differential
High revving power, quick shifting precision and tenacious grip describe the Civic Si powertrain. The 16-valve 2.0-liter engine uses Honda's i-VTEC "intelligent" valve control system that combines Variable Timing Control (VTC) to continuously adjust camshaft phase with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) that adjusts valve lift, timing and duration. Combining these two systems results in impressive horsepower and high torque with good fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. Honda Civic Si utilizes VTEC and VTC for both intake and exhaust valve control to produce 197 horsepower (11) at 7800 rpm and 139 lb-ft. of torque (11) at 6200 rpm. The air intake system and the exhaust system are tuned to provide a deep sound and resonance, adding a level of performance feedback more commonly found on racecars. Further refinement is found in the drive-by-wire throttle body for smooth acceleration response and a chain driven balancer unit in the oil pan minimizes engine vibration.
Honda Civic Si is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. Designed to be exceptionally compact and lightweight, this 6-speed has also been engineered to shift with extremely short and precise throws. A final drive ratio of 4.76:1 promotes aggressive acceleration while a tall 6th gear provides for relaxed highway cruising. The short-throw clutch has an innovative torsion mechanism that considerably reduces noise. Multiple synchronizers are utilized, and 5th and 6th gears feature single carbon synchronizers for a direct shift feel.
Most vehicles have open differentials that send power to usually just one wheel in a corner, resulting in wheel spin and less potential for applying throttle and acquiring faster acceleration. The helical type limited slip differential (LSD) in the Civic Si improves acceleration and cornering performance by insuring that both front wheels receive an optimum level of torque at all times. In a straight line, both wheels are better utilized to put the engine's power to the ground with minimal wheel spin. During hard cornering, the LSD transmits more torque toward the outside wheel to bias more power to the tire with the most grip and facilitates the outside wheel's longer travel distance relative to the inner wheel. Primary benefits include the ability to accelerate harder exiting corners and enhances the vehicle's responsiveness to throttle inputs in corners.
(11) Horsepower and torque calculations reflect new SAE J1349 procedures revised August, 2004.
Honda Civic Hybrid Powertrain: 1.3-Liter/ IMA / CVT- 1.3-liter i-VTEC Engine with Variable Cylinder Management and i-DSI
- Fourth Generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Cooperative Regenerative Braking System
Honda was the first vehicle manufacturer to offer a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain in North America with the introduction of the Honda Insight in December 1999. Improved versions of the IMA system have appeared in the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid and the 2005 Accord Hybrid. Adding to its long history of advanced green technologies, Honda's fourth generation hybrid powertrain in the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid offers improved power, efficiency and capabilities. Horsepower increases by 18 percent and combined fuel economy increases by about 5 percent, versus a similarly equipped 2005 Civic Hybrid.
Honda's industry leading reputation for extracting power and fuel economy from its gasoline engines explains its unique approach to electric hybridization. First, Honda can build a small engine with exceptionally high power output and high efficiency as the foundation for the hybrid powertrain..
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