The 1980s have been a good transition point for many, when the cult of the American Top 40 went global. One of the hallmarks of this era is the rise of awareness of how we, as consumers, kill the environment from the harmful gases produced by our hair sprays and our vehicles. I still remember being taught in elementary school about how humans and technology are the main source of pollution and how technology cannot survive on its own without its by-product. Currently, we can only look back and shrink at the moment when we care more about the size of our hair than about whether what we are doing harms the environment or not.
Luckily for us, in recent years, automakers have also taken the path of being aware of their environment. As more and more people show an interest in preserving the earth, the demand for companies that support Sustainable Development also increases. Among the giants of car manufacturing, Japanese automaker Honda leads the way with new innovations that don’t compromise on being friendly to nature. So far, the company has presented models equipped with green technology that comply with EURO 4 emission regulations.
Two of the most popular “green” engines released by Honda are the i-DSI engine and the i-VTEC engine.
The i-DSI engine
The name i-DSI stands for Intelligent Sequential Dual Power On. This Honda engine has obtained an “Excellence in Low Emissions” certificate from the Japanese Ministry of Transportation. The i-DSI is known and appreciated by many for its lightweight, compact, high-performance engine that boasts high horsepower and ample torque regardless of RPM level. The efficient combustion of this engine at any rpm translates into cleaner exhaust gas emissions.
The i-VTEC engine
Taking its name from its ability to change the valve and timing on its intake and exhaust sides, the VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Elevation Control) engine is praised by many not only for its performance, but also for being a pioneer among other valve mechanisms. The i-VTEC engine can be found in Honda models such as the Civic (for its 1.8 SOHC and 2.0 DOHC models), the Accord (for its 2.4 and 3.0 V6 models), and the CRV. This engine boasts fuel efficiency while delivering optimal performance, burning less fuel and producing fewer pollutants. When many enthusiasts thought that there is no way the VTEC can improve, Honda has produced its smarter twin with the i-VTEC, producing a more planet-friendly and world-compatible system.
I feel that as more automakers jump on the wagon of taking care of our mother earth, we are not only given a good choice of which vehicles to buy, but also the opportunity to work for a worthwhile cause. In fact, technology should be harnessed as a means to enhance function without compromising the ecosystem. Technology that blends seamlessly with lifestyle without posing any threat to the environment is definitely a vision worth striving for.
