Abstract

Honda has upgraded the Civic GX, which has been in production since 1998, with a newly developed CNG engine for the 2001 model. Based on the gasoline engine in the 2001 model Civic, this CNG engine was given larger displacement and an improved air intake system for better torque at low to medium speeds. A layout that integrates the air intake system and the CNG regulator was adopted to make the power plant more compact. The new Civic GX is the world’s first vehicle to be qualified as an AT P-ZEV by the CARB. In order to satisfy the AT P-ZEV requirements, the vehicle was given the capability for quick light-off of the catalyst from a cold start, high-precision air-fuel ratio control, and reduced exhaust emissions. It has certified for Japan ULEV status. This model also achieved a 7% improvement in city driving fuel economy over the 1998 model by changing the transmission that is paired with the CNG engine from a 4AT to a CVT.

References

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Author (organization or company)

• Takushi TODA（Tochigi R&D Center）
• Masato MATSUKI（Tochigi R&D Center）
• Tadanobu OHMORI（Tochigi R&D Center）
• Yuji YAMAMOTO（Tochigi R&D Center）

Publication Information

Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.14 No.1 (49 - 56)

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Citation Information