2012 Honda Civic Si Gets a 2.4-liter Engine

Japanese manufacturer Honda displayed two concepts (the Si Coupe and a 4-door sedan) of its highly successful Civic model at this year's Detroit Auto Show. While the car we saw on stage was technically called a concept, the production version is expected to look mostly the same.

According to Temple of VTEC, the next generation Civic Si already looks like a great offering, as it will come with a nearly-identical powerplant to the one currently offered in the much larger Acura TSX.

No official power rating has yet been revealed, but the engine, known internally as the K24, makes 201 horsepower in the TSX. Knowing how Honda develops their engines, expect the Civic Si to have between 200 and 210 hp. That isn’t much better than the 197 hp developed by the current Si’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but the new unit will generate a greater torque. The 2012 model should have about 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque, some 21 percent more than the current car’s 139 lb-ft (188 Nm).

Temple of VTEC also believes the non-Si Civic coupes will carry over the same efficient 1.8-liter powertrain that was launched on the 8th generation model. Rumors have been circulating that the new generation will also get turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, while the current 1.3l i-VTEC hybrid looks like a viable option.

The next generation Civic’s engine range will benefit from advanced Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) technologies. While power and torque are still important for future sales success, expect fuel consumption and emissions to partially define the car’s personality.