Honda unleashes new motor

Honda's 2.4 litre double overhead camshaft engine is not exactly new -- it powers thousands of the company's popular Accord sedans around the world -- but now it is set to power thousands of boats as well.

Unveiled at the recent Miami Boast Show as the BF115, the new motor will go on sale around the world in the third quarter of this year.

While based on the popular Accord motor, the BF115 incorporates a range of exclusive Honda-developed technologies that will help it produce what the company claims to be incredible power and superior fuel efficiency.

The BF115 features Honda's Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) air/fuel ratio linked ignition timing control technology and a high performance gearcase to deliver the instant grunt needed to get boats onto the plane quicker than ever.

Honda says fuel consumption has been reduced by 20 per cent over the previous model with the adoption of a new lean burn control system. Known as ECOmo (economy controlled motor) the system is activated when the engine is in mid-range cruising RPM and the throttle is steady.

The BF115 is compatible with the NMEA 2000 system that allows information including RPM, fuel consumption, cruising distance and alerts to be displayed on a range of compatible marine electronic displays.

Australian buyers will get a sneak preview of the new engine at the major boat shows around the country this year.