Let's see here. It started with just plain vanilla VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), or Honda's supposedly special breed of variable valve timing that would provide you with enough torque down-low, while upping the top horsepower when you hit the higher end of the RPM band. Honda fanboys have always enjoyed the thrill of the crossover, wherein the more aggressive lobes kick in and you get an extra jump of power. Then VTEC went to college, got a little more educated, and emerged out the other end as i-VTEC or "intelligent" VTEC. Now the Japanese automaker is taking the next step with A-VTEC or "advanced" VTEC. They originally announced this a few months ago, but now a few more details have surfaced as to what is so advanced about this new VTEC system.
As you may have already noticed, Acura -- Honda's luxury arm -- has taken on the tagline of "Advance" for not only a number of their concept vehicles, like the Advanced Sports Car and Advanced Sedan Concept, but also for their overall marketed campaign. And now they're taking that buzzword to the VTEC realm too. According to Autoblog, A-VTEC is expected to make its debut in the 2008 Honda Accord.
In short, we're expecting increased torque and power, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions. So, it's supposed to be more environmentally friendly, but at the same time, giving us that extra "umph" that drivers enjoy so much. What is interesting, though, is that the whole idea of the VTEC crossover may be going out the window. They say that "the setup is similar to BMW's Valvetronic system, by varying the lift and duration of the valves throughout the powerband, likely eliminating that abrupt, albeit entertaining, switch over to the hot lobes."
Look for both SOHC and DOHC apps in the near future.
