I just got my January 2003 issue of Automotive Engineering international. If you love engines try to get a copy. 20 pages of great text, full three view engine cutaways, graphs, specs, etc. I have tried to follow tightly the development of high specific power as premiered in the Honda marque, now its coming to my beloved Detroit Iron, or more correctly now Detroit Aluminum.

Some examples:

DaimlerChrysler 5.5 L turbocharged M285 V12, turbocharged M271 4 cyl with direct cylinder fuel injection and 18% fuel savings.

GM V12 750HP and 450ft/lb torque out of the box, a Global V6 with continuously variable cam phasing on each of 4 camshafts, nice deep skirt aluminum block with closed deck cast in place cast liners, Motronic ME9 fuel injection, 10.2:1 compression ratio, 4 valves per cylinder, central spark plug, coil on plug ignition, Individual cylinder knock control!

Ford, 3 valve, compact combustion chambers with central spark plug, variable cams.

It goes on and on........ This is going to be the new "golden age" of motoring!

Turbos!, 4 valve V-8s!, and combustion chamber design that shows they finally "know" some combustion dynamics! variable cam phasing, individual cylinder knock detection, WooooHooooo.... and its all stock! Thanks for paving the way Honda! ... looks like you better keep an eye in the mirror for what's coming up behind ya!

Regards,
BigMoose