Honda Automotive Gasoline Engine Series Part VI

Honda engines can be categorized into four major groups: automotive, motorcycle, commercial power, and aviation engines. This article focuses exclusively on Honda’s automotive engines. The primary classification for Honda automotive engines is the number of cylinders. Each engine is designated by a system that uses a letter to represent the cylinder configuration, followed by two digits for displacement and a suffix for version type. For example, the L15B7 VTC turbo engine in the 10th-generation Civic is designated as follows: "L" denotes the four-cylinder L-series, "15" indicates a 1.5-liter displacement, "B" represents the sub-series, and "7" signifies an updated version.

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C-Series Engine Origins

The C-Series engines debuted in 1985. This development was driven by Honda’s need to upgrade its engines and its collaboration with Rover, marking a strategic international move. Co-developed with British Leyland, the C-Series was Honda’s first V-shaped engine for mass-market passenger cars. However, it wasn’t Honda’s first V6, as the brand had already developed the RA163E V6 turbocharged engine for F1 racing in the early 1980s. It's highly likely that lessons from F1 were applied to the C-Series, as Honda’s extensive racing experience since the 1960s shaped its engineering approach.

C-Series Generations and Highlights

First Generation

The early models included the C20A, C20A Turbo, C25A, and C27A. The standout was the C20A Turbo, introduced in 1988. It featured innovative technologies such as variable intake manifolds, water-cooled intercoolers, and turbochargers, producing 190 HP and 241 Nm of torque—significantly more than its naturally aspirated counterpart. This engine powered the Japan-exclusive Legend (KA5) and coincided with Honda’s F1 dominance in 1988, making it a memorable entry for enthusiasts.

High-End vs. Standard Variants

The C-Series V6 engines were split into high-end and standard variants:

High-End: C30A and C32B, powering the NSX sports car (NA1 and NA2, respectively).

Standard: C20A, C25A, C27A, C32A, and C35A, designed for luxury sedans like the Legend, TL, and Acura RL.

Key Models and Features

C20A, C25A, and C27A

C25A: Debuted on the Rover 825.

C20A: Featured in the Japanese-market Legend.

C27A: Introduced in 1988 for export markets, boasting a larger displacement and variable intake manifold systems.

C30A and C32B

C30A: Honda’s second engine with a full DOHC VTEC system. Exclusively used in the NSX (NA1) starting in 1991, it also featured Variable Volume Induction System (VVIS) technology, titanium connecting rods, and direct ignition. Manual transmission variants produced 270 HP.

C32B: An upgraded version of the C30A, introduced in 1997 with an enlarged bore (93 mm vs. 90 mm). It featured Fiber Reinforced Metal (FRM) technology for lightweight and high-strength construction, delivering 290 HP and 304 Nm of torque.

Legacy of the C-Series

The C-Series powered Honda’s top-tier models, including the Accord, Legend, Rover 800, TL, and NSX, during its 20-year production run from 1985 to 2005. It remains a cornerstone in Honda's engine history, succeeded by the J-Series engines. Stay tuned for more insights in the next installment!

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[Knowledge Section] Honda Automotive Gasoline Engine Series Part VI: V6 C-Series

Original: Honda Magazine | Japanese Car Enthusiast Magazine | November 19, 2023

Honda’s C-Series V6 engines were groundbreaking innovations developed in collaboration with British Leyland, introduced in 1985. These engines powered Honda’s flagship vehicles, including the NSX, Legend, and TL.

C-Series Engine Highlights

First Generation (1985-1988): C20A, C20A Turbo, C25A, C27A

High-End Models (1991-2005): C30A (NSX NA1), C32B (NSX NA2)

Standard Models: C20A, C25A, C27A, C32A, C35A

Notable Features

Innovative Design: 90° V6 layout for lower height and smoother operation.

Advanced Technology: DOHC VTEC, titanium connecting rods, VVIS, FRM cylinder construction.

Impressive Performance: Output ranging from 190 to 290 HP, used in high-performance and luxury vehicles.

The C-Series engines symbolize Honda’s engineering prowess, blending F1 racing expertise with consumer vehicle needs. While production ended in 2005, its legacy lives on through successors like the J-Series.