Guest Article:
Honda’s innovative automotive developments have helped to transform and mould the car industry into what it is today. Looking at the last forty years of their innovations, the new Honda Civic 2012 is a combination of years of advancements and creations, culminating in a fantastic vehicle that delivers high levels of performance alongside environmental benefits.
The new Honda Civic is an adaptation of their current range designed to offer drivers more innovative and intuitive functions. Recognising the need to deliver strong environmental results without impairing performance or driver satisfaction, the vehicle is the perfect representation of the Honda brand.
Honda’s timeline
Honda’s history is characterised by groundbreaking technologies and innovative designs: the popularity of their vehicles has continued in recent history, making them one of the main competitors in the current market.
Notable points of interest along their historical timeline are as follows:
• 1963: the date of the release of its first road car, the S500, this year marked the beginning of Honda’s career as innovative providers of commercial motorised vehicles.
•1972: the first Honda Civic generation was introduced in this year, making it one of the company’s most successful and long-lasting ranges. This version of the popular vehicle led the automotive world away from catalytic converters through the development of their innovative CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine.
•1988: this was the year that Honda released another innovative technology that revolutionised the automotive industry. This time it was the turn of the VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control) system. An innovative development that allowed drivers to shift between two camshaft profiles, this technology has been used in subsequent Honda Civic ranges, including the latest for 2012.
•2012: with this date just on the horizon, the new Honda Civic will be brought to consumers with a number of innovative technologies that are the company’s latest developments. The engines will get the latest i-VTEC systems, offering even higher levels of performance in a range that is already recognised for its high quality, power and efficiency.
Future development
Of course, with such a colourful and expansive history demonstrating a commitment to innovation and development, the Honda brand is unlikely to stop there. Future models will herald developments and advancements in the automotive field, with new technologies and focuses being taken.
Throughout their four decade history, Honda has shown a continual dedication to environmentally friendly vehicles and technologies, making their cars the front runners for this area of development. As one of their man focuses, Honda have continued to pre-empt decisions and global campaigns by continuing to produce economical and environmentally friendly vehicles.
The vast majority of their developments have been intended to combine environmental benefits with high levels of performance – something that has become a characterising feature for the brand.
Examples of how this has been achieved are as follows:
•CVCC engine: the engine of the 1972 Honda Civic was designed to rid American drivers of catalytic convertors whilst remaining in compliance with tough Federal laws over exhaust emissions. The technology was therefore designed to give the best possible levels of emissions whilst ensuring that the driving experience was not negatively impaired.
•VTEC system: this system, which is still in use in Honda Civics, provides maximum levels of performance and driveability. The new i-VTEC systems further this intention by helping engines to achieve the results of larger units whilst having the fuel efficiency of much smaller engines. In fact, the new generation 1.8 i-VTEC engine is said to have the fuel efficiency of a 1.4 litre engine with the power and performance of a 2 litre.