Honda’s 1975 Patent 3878826 explains how to build an engine with a third manifold. The CVCC engine in the first Honda Civic had a second intake manifold.
U.S. Patent number 6907859 explains how to use the third manifold, not as a second intake manifold, but as a return manifold. In this way, the engine can deliver 50% more miles per gallon.
The patent was granted to National Fuelsaver Corp. of Boston.
Honda first rolled out a concept on the way to production version of this car in 1991. In 1993 it went to the Honda racing teams for experiential expansion.
The first street models are due this coming fall.
The third-gen CR-V cute ‘ute is set for a fall launch, coinciding with Acura’s new RDX on the same Civic-based architecture.
The RDX will get Honda’s first U.S.-market turbo, but the CR-V continues with the 2.4-liter four, but with a power increase to 170 horses.
The CR-V will, however, see distinctive body panels from the upmarket RDX. It is shorter, lower, and wider than the current model. In a nice improvement, the spare tire moves from the rear hatch to inside.