Honda's new hybrid engines merge efficiency with performance

Honda has announced it is developing two new four-cylinder hybrid engines operating on the Atkinson cycle. These engines will have a new front-drive unit and an integrated cooling system.

The automaker intends to incorporate these new hybrid engines into its next-generation midsize platform, which the company says will improve overall fuel efficiency by 10 percent.

Small displacements but big improvements
The new engines come in 1.5- and 2.0-liter variants, with the 1.5-liter version offering “significant improvement in fuel economy by expanding the range where engine RPM becomes highly efficient in balance with engine torque, by more than 40% compared to the current 1.5-liter engine for the e:HEV system.”

Like any good hybrid system, Honda’s focus is on maximizing fuel consumption by leveraging torque whenever possible and using battery assist at cruising speeds. It is also improving its EV Drive Mode and Hybrid Drive Mode to maximize combustion efficiency, power conversion, and engine efficiency.

The new engines are reportedly designed to achieve an air-fuel ratio that maintains the same power output in all driving situations. In other words, no matter what driving conditions you’re in, the direct injection system will maximize the air-fuel mixture, so you’re burning just enough gas to power the vehicle.

This mid-size platform also offers “new body rigidity management,” which should help reduce each vehicle's overall curb weight by up to 200 pounds, further reducing fuel consumption.

Honda also says its new platform will reduce manufacturing costs “significantly” as it shares components across small and midsize vehicles, with a “commonality ratio of more than 60% among all models”. By 2027, Honda wants to reduce the cost per vehicle by 50 percent compared to similar vehicles released in 2018.

The new S+ Shift system will handle the gearbox on your behalf
The automaker will also introduce a new S+ Shift system that handles engine RPM during acceleration and deceleration for better gear shifts while “enhancing engine sound quality” through the sound system. This system is similar to artificial EV sounds, except it supposedly adds better sounds to the four-cylinder engine. Honda plans to include the new S+ Shift platform on all new hybrids, starting with the 2025 Prelude.

Final thoughts
Honda’s new engines are more like iterative improvements on existing tech, but that's not a bad thing. Their offerings are just fine for a hybrid powertrain. What we’re most excited about is their eventual transition to E-AWD for all e:HEV vehicles made on this new platform.

E-AWD will be shared between hybrids and EVs in Honda’s lineup. They claim that will increase maximum driving force and lead to better acceleration off the line. The E-AWD system optimizes front-to-rear driving force by monitoring tire contact load, which Honda promises will deliver a great driving experience in all conditions.

Maybe the move to electrification won't make cars boring after all. Here's to hoping that's the case.