Honda developing turbo-charged petrol engine

Honda is looking to provide its CR-Z hybrid sports car with an all-new petrol engine. The turbo-charged, 4-cylinder engine will be offered in selected market � like the UK, U.S, Japan and Germany � as part of plans to expand the compact coup�s appeal.

The CR-Z is currently available with a 1.5 litre 112bhp i-VTEC petrol engine, mated to a 14bhp electric motor. The 1.6 turbo engine is currently undergoing development at Honda�s Tochigi R&D centre.

The new petrol engine will be used in the Jazz/Fit, Accord, and forthcoming Civic as part of a downsizing program at Honda. With forced induction and Honda�s patented i-VTEC fully variable camshaft timing system, it is intended to provide the performance of a 2.0 litre engine from a capacity of just 1.6 litres.

Sources in Japan suggest the 1.6 turbo will arrive with two power outputs; a 160bhp and a 200bhp, the latter possibly used in the CR-Z Type R, due for release late next year.

Sales of the CR-Z coup� are slowing in Japan.