Anybody else see the latest issue of Motor Trend? There is a blurb in there that says Honda is rumored to be testing an aluminum block V8 in the Ridgeline, in the 4.2-4.4 liter range, with VTEC and cylinder shutoff, to debut in the Acura RL first, then the Ridgeline. But not until 2010 for the RL and 2011 for the Ridgeline. WTF.

Anyways, interesting news, maybe getting into the truck market is just what honda needed to finally wake up and smell the coffee?

btw I tried to search but search just sat there and did nothing for awhile. hope this is not a repost.

 

Honda has dabbled in V-8s before. It just never went into production.

 

They should look into pushrod designs. I hear they are very economical and fuel efficient.


Smaller displacement engines with multi-valve technologies have proven very popular, as well. FI is always a welcome addition to the party.

 

hey those are my two favorite modern motors!!!!

honda has to make a high revving torque-less wonder for all of their fans. i dont say that condescendingly, I say it with honesty. No honda fan would by a 7,000rpm V8, you guys want 9 grand at least, right?

 

I hear Honda is developing a 2.4L V8 that'll rev to around 20K. Of course it might be hard to find that one for purchase

 

that looks like 2 integra typeR motors fused together...

 

Amazing what you can do with super glue, eh?

But seriously, Honda doesn't need a high-revving engine for the trucks, they need a torque producing monster.

 

I remember that engine. Rahal-Hogan Racing started testing it in the early 90's with little success. They later gave up on it and the engines provided Target Ganassi Racing the '96, '97', '98 and 1999 Cart Championship wins. That was a big mistake on Rahal's part if you ask me, being impatient cost him a lot. That engine and the Reynard chassis was unbeatable for four years.

I wonder why they never put a lighter street version in to production? Maybe becuase the Japanese consumers are not interested in a V8???

 

^
That engine pictured was cast iron, very heavy, and did not produce enough power.

The next engine was aluminum, lighter, and made the power needed for those wins.

Don't forget those engines are made to be 2.65L. The deck height and bores are made for a 2.65L displacement. Any extra deck height or space between bores means extra weight AND extra space.

That's why there's no commercial version.

 

A lot of people here criticize Honda for not making a V8, saying stuff like "they already make V8s and turbos, why don't they sell them?" Of course, most V8s in the market are torquey V8s, not high revving, small displacement engines.

As for the Motor Trend's blurb, I think that's BS. There's no way of knwoing whether that is true or not. Heck, even when HONDA announces something that's more than 3 years in the future, it may not be true!