If any normal 6-cylinder engine runs with one or two cylinders missing, it sounds
and feels very sick indeed, with a major loss of smoothness and pulling power.
This under-bonnet photo belies the complexity of the engineering underneath those plastic cowls. In fact, it looks similar to the previous 3-litre engine which had a simpler VTEC system and no cylinder deactivation.
This under-bonnet photo belies the complexity of the engineering underneath those plastic cowls. In fact, it looks similar to the previous 3-litre engine which had a simpler VTEC system and no cylinder deactivation.
So how does the Honda Accord manage to run with one, two or
even with three cylinders out – without loss of smoothness and power?
Not only does the engine manage to run smoothly in these three
modes, the changes between modes while driving are imperceptible to the majority
of drivers.
Honda is not the only car manufacturer to have an engine with
variable cylinder modes. Chrysler has its Multi-Displacement System (MDS),
Mercedes-Benz has its Active Cylinder Control and General Motors has Active Fuel
Management.
But in contrast to Honda, these systems are less complex and
apply to V8s rather than a V6.
