Right before the big auto show in Tokyo, Honda opened up their R&D facility in Japan to major dealers across the U.S. and Canada so they could get a taste for the innovations they're set to deliver over the next couple of years. What did they find? Well, those lucky enough to pay a visit to the R&D Center and the adjacent Twin-Ring Motegi racetrack got to see an entirely new (and efficient) family of four- and six-cylinder engines, new transmissions, a new all-wheel-drive system, new hybrids, and one sleek sedan powered by a fuel cell.

Innovations include new engines that run on the fuel-saving Atkinson Cycle without compromising any power or torque. There will be four new four-cylinder engines ranging from 1.0 to 2.4-liters, and a one will be a 3.5-liter V6. Also at the R&D Center? A Civic powered by what one reviewer is calling "a potent little 1.6-liter turbo diesel."¹ Honda also unveiled three new continuously variable transmissions (CVT) for small and mid-sized cars that were engineered to feel more like traditional automatic transmissions. All of these, plus some others we haven't mentioned here, will debut under the "Earth Dreams" banner, as stand-alone or hybrid systems in the next couple of years.

Also at the Motegi ring? Well, there was a highly efficient two-motor hybrid system that allows a full-size family car to operate without a transmission. And lastly, an Accord-like sedan equipped with a 310-hp, 265-lb-ft torque, V6 engine with two electric motors powering the rear wheels.

Rumor has it that we'll see these innovations in future Honda Civic and Honda Accord production models, and in the forthcoming Super Sport NSX.

Be sure to stay tuned with us, Tameron Honda, for the latest Honda news and updates. Or come down and see us at 1675 Montgomery Hwy Birmingham, AL 35216 to take a spin an any of the fuel-efficient and reliable new Honda vehicles in our showroom.

Source:¹http://thechronicleherald.ca/wheelsnews/39887-first-drive-honda-hosts-rd-centre