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Summary
The 2011 Honda Odyssey comes standard with a 248-horsepower V-6 engine, a 5-speed automatic transmission on Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L, and a new 6-speed automatic transmission on the Odyssey Touring. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® powerplant with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) builds on technologies that have been developed and refined on previous Honda vehicles. With its 60-degree V-angle, the Odyssey's V-6 engine is inherently very smooth and has compact overall dimensions that allow for efficient packaging within the vehicle.
Compared to the 2010 model, the 2011 Odyssey engine gains VCM on the Odyssey LX and EX models, and all models gain refinements to increase power (such as a two-stage intake manifold), and to reduce internal friction (engine block honing and lightweight oil). The 2011 Odyssey engine develops four additional horsepower and five additional lb-ft. of torque (10 additional lb-ft. of torque relative to the previous-generation Odyssey LX and EX).
Powertrain Highlights
- 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with VCM
- 248-horsepower @ 5700 RPM, 250 lb-ft. of torque at 4800 RPM
- Available 6-speed automatic transmission
EPA City/highway fuel economy of up to19/28 miles per gallon (Odyssey Touring)
- Emissions: ULEV-2 (CARB) / Tier 2, Bin 5 (Federal)
New Features
- 6-speed automatic transmission (available)
- 2-stage intake manifold
- Cold air intake system
Engine Architecture
The engine is an advanced 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve, 60-degree, V-6, aluminum-block-and-head design that is compact, lightweight and powerful. The i-VTEC valvetrain and high-efficiency intake manifold optimize cylinder-filling efficiency across a wide range of engine speeds. Low-restriction intake and exhaust systems, a 10.5:1 compression ratio and roller-type rocker arms further aid efficiency and power delivery across a broad RPM range.
The Odyssey's V-6 has a die-cast lightweight aluminum-alloy block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Made with a centrifugal spin casting process, the thin-wall liners are high in strength and low in porosity. The block incorporates a deep-skirt design with four bolts per bearing cap for rigid crankshaft support and minimized noise and vibration. The block is heat-treated for greater strength. The bearing caps are sintered. A forged-steel crankshaft is used for maximum strength, rigidity and durability with minimum weight. Instead of heavier nuts and bolts, connecting rod caps are secured in place with smaller, high-tensile-strength fasteners that screw directly into the connecting rod. Short-skirt, cast-aluminum, flat-top pistons are notched for valve clearance and fitted with full-floating piston pins.
New for 2011, the piston skirt features a patterned coating process that improves oil retention to further reduce friction. Other friction-reduction measures include such important details as more elaborate, high-precision surfacing of the cylinder walls (plateau honing).
i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
To help improve the fuel efficiency of the engine, it incorporates the latest generation of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). The Odyssey's VCM system can operate on three, four or all six cylinders, and is standard on all models.
During startup, acceleration or when climbing hills - any time high power output is required - the engine operates on all six cylinders. During moderate-speed cruising and at low engine loads, the system operates just one bank of three cylinders. For moderate acceleration, higher-speed cruising and mild hills, the engine operates on four cylinders.
With three operating modes, the VCM system can finely tailor the working displacement of the engine to match the driving requirements from moment to moment. Since the system automatically closes both the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are not used, pumping losses associated with intake and exhaust are eliminated and fuel efficiency increases. The VCM system combines maximum performance and maximum fuel efficiency - two characteristics that do not typically coexist in conventional engines.
VCM deactivates specific cylinders by using the VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to close the intake and exhaust valves while simultaneously the Powertrain Control Module cuts fuel to those cylinders. When operating on three cylinders, the rear cylinder bank is shut down. When running on four cylinders, the left and center cylinders of the front bank operate, and the right and center cylinders of the rear bank operate.
The spark plugs continue to fire in inactive cylinders to minimize plug temperature loss and prevent fouling induced from incomplete combustion during cylinder re-activation. The system is electronically controlled, and uses special integrated spool valves that do double duty as rocker-shaft holders in the cylinder heads. Based on commands from the system's electronic control unit, the spool valves selectively direct oil pressure to the rocker arms for specific cylinders. This oil pressure in turn drives synchronizing pistons that connect and disconnect the rocker arms.
The VCM system monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, automatic-transmission gear selection and other factors to determine the correct cylinder activation scheme for the operating conditions. In addition, the system determines whether engine oil pressure is suitable for VCM switching and whether catalytic-converter temperature will remain in the proper range. To smooth the transition between activating or deactivating cylinders, the system adjusts ignition timing, drive-by-wire throttle position and turns the torque converter lock-up on and off. As a result, the transition between three-, four-, and six-cylinder operation is virtually unnoticeable to the driver.
Dual-Stage Intake Manifold
The 2011 Odyssey engine's intake uses a dual-stage magnesium intake manifold that is designed to deliver excellent airflow to the cylinders across the full range of engine operating speeds. The induction system significantly boosts torque across the engine's full operating range. Internal passages and two butterfly valves within the intake manifold are operated by the powertrain control module to provide two distinct modes of operation by changing plenum volume and intake airflow routing.
At lower rpm these valves are closed to reduce the volume of the plenum and effectively increase the length of inlet passages for maximum resonance effect and to amplify pressure waves within each half of the intake manifold at lower rpm ranges. The amplified pressure waves significantly increase cylinder filling and torque production throughout the lower part of the engine's rpm band.
As the benefits of the resonance effect lessen with rising engine speed, the butterfly valves open at 4300 RPM to interconnect the two halves of the plenum, increasing its overall volume. An electric motor, commanded by the powertrain control module, controls the butterfly valves. The inertia of the mass of air rushing down each intake passage helps draw in more charge than each cylinder would normally ingest. The inertia effect greatly enhances cylinder filling and the torque produced by the engine at higher rpm.
High-Mounted Fresh Air Intake
The Odyssey has a high-mounted fresh air intake system that reduces air intake temperatures to help improve low-end torque.
Overrunning Alternator Decoupler (OAD)
The accessory belt that drives the alternator, power steering pump and A/C compressor uses a self-tensioning mechanism designed to dampen acceleration and deceleration loads. The Overrunning Alternator Decoupler (OAD) helps absorb dynamic variations in belt tension, contributing to a more stable operation. Nominal belt tension can thus be reduced by approximately 50 percent, helping reduce engine friction losses for improved fuel efficiency.
High-Flow Exhaust System
A low-restriction, high-flow exhaust system is crucial to efficient power and torque production. The Odyssey features a high efficiency system that incorporates several key elements that work in concert with the engine's uniquely designed cylinder heads to help boost performance, reduce tailpipe emissions and trim weight.
Major system components include two close-coupled catalytic converters, a secondary underfloor catalytic converter, a centrally positioned, high-flow resonator and a silencer. The close-coupled catalytic converters mount directly to the cylinder head to reduce light-off time, thereby allowing the catalyst to begin cleansing the exhaust as soon possible. The catalysts, muffling element, and piping are all sized for high flow and low restriction. High-chromium stainless steel is used throughout the exhaust system for excellent durability.
Linear air-fuel and oxygen sensors installed in each of the close-coupled catalytic converters make possible precise control of the air-fuel ratio. These sensors and the precisely controlled high-atomizing multi-hole fuel injectors help achieve almost complete combustion, for cleaner emissions. The result is compliance with the California Air Resource Board's ULEV standards as well as Federal Tier 2-Bin 5 emission requirements.
Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The ACM system is used to minimize the effects of engine vibration as the VCM system switches cylinders on and off. Sensors alert the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to direct two ACM actuators - one positioned at the front and on at the rear of the engine - to move to cancel engine vibration. Inside the interior of the Odyssey, the ANC system works in cooperation with the ACM system to further reduce any sound relating to the function of the VCM system. (Please see the Interior tab for more information.)
The 2011 Honda Odyssey comes standard with a 248-horsepower V-6 engine, a 5-speed automatic transmission on Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L, and a new 6-speed automatic transmission on the Odyssey Touring. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® powerplant with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) builds on technologies that have been developed and refined on previous Honda vehicles. With its 60-degree V-angle, the Odyssey's V-6 engine is inherently very smooth and has compact overall dimensions that allow for efficient packaging within the vehicle.
Compared to the 2010 model, the 2011 Odyssey engine gains VCM on the Odyssey LX and EX models, and all models gain refinements to increase power (such as a two-stage intake manifold), and to reduce internal friction (engine block honing and lightweight oil). The 2011 Odyssey engine develops four additional horsepower and five additional lb-ft. of torque (10 additional lb-ft. of torque relative to the previous-generation Odyssey LX and EX).
Powertrain Highlights
- 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with VCM
- 248-horsepower @ 5700 RPM, 250 lb-ft. of torque at 4800 RPM
- Available 6-speed automatic transmission
EPA City/highway fuel economy of up to19/28 miles per gallon (Odyssey Touring)
- Emissions: ULEV-2 (CARB) / Tier 2, Bin 5 (Federal)
New Features
- 6-speed automatic transmission (available)
- 2-stage intake manifold
- Cold air intake system
Engine Architecture
The engine is an advanced 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve, 60-degree, V-6, aluminum-block-and-head design that is compact, lightweight and powerful. The i-VTEC valvetrain and high-efficiency intake manifold optimize cylinder-filling efficiency across a wide range of engine speeds. Low-restriction intake and exhaust systems, a 10.5:1 compression ratio and roller-type rocker arms further aid efficiency and power delivery across a broad RPM range.
The Odyssey's V-6 has a die-cast lightweight aluminum-alloy block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Made with a centrifugal spin casting process, the thin-wall liners are high in strength and low in porosity. The block incorporates a deep-skirt design with four bolts per bearing cap for rigid crankshaft support and minimized noise and vibration. The block is heat-treated for greater strength. The bearing caps are sintered. A forged-steel crankshaft is used for maximum strength, rigidity and durability with minimum weight. Instead of heavier nuts and bolts, connecting rod caps are secured in place with smaller, high-tensile-strength fasteners that screw directly into the connecting rod. Short-skirt, cast-aluminum, flat-top pistons are notched for valve clearance and fitted with full-floating piston pins.
New for 2011, the piston skirt features a patterned coating process that improves oil retention to further reduce friction. Other friction-reduction measures include such important details as more elaborate, high-precision surfacing of the cylinder walls (plateau honing).
i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
To help improve the fuel efficiency of the engine, it incorporates the latest generation of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). The Odyssey's VCM system can operate on three, four or all six cylinders, and is standard on all models.
During startup, acceleration or when climbing hills - any time high power output is required - the engine operates on all six cylinders. During moderate-speed cruising and at low engine loads, the system operates just one bank of three cylinders. For moderate acceleration, higher-speed cruising and mild hills, the engine operates on four cylinders.
With three operating modes, the VCM system can finely tailor the working displacement of the engine to match the driving requirements from moment to moment. Since the system automatically closes both the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are not used, pumping losses associated with intake and exhaust are eliminated and fuel efficiency increases. The VCM system combines maximum performance and maximum fuel efficiency - two characteristics that do not typically coexist in conventional engines.
VCM deactivates specific cylinders by using the VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to close the intake and exhaust valves while simultaneously the Powertrain Control Module cuts fuel to those cylinders. When operating on three cylinders, the rear cylinder bank is shut down. When running on four cylinders, the left and center cylinders of the front bank operate, and the right and center cylinders of the rear bank operate.
The spark plugs continue to fire in inactive cylinders to minimize plug temperature loss and prevent fouling induced from incomplete combustion during cylinder re-activation. The system is electronically controlled, and uses special integrated spool valves that do double duty as rocker-shaft holders in the cylinder heads. Based on commands from the system's electronic control unit, the spool valves selectively direct oil pressure to the rocker arms for specific cylinders. This oil pressure in turn drives synchronizing pistons that connect and disconnect the rocker arms.
The VCM system monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, automatic-transmission gear selection and other factors to determine the correct cylinder activation scheme for the operating conditions. In addition, the system determines whether engine oil pressure is suitable for VCM switching and whether catalytic-converter temperature will remain in the proper range. To smooth the transition between activating or deactivating cylinders, the system adjusts ignition timing, drive-by-wire throttle position and turns the torque converter lock-up on and off. As a result, the transition between three-, four-, and six-cylinder operation is virtually unnoticeable to the driver.
Dual-Stage Intake Manifold
The 2011 Odyssey engine's intake uses a dual-stage magnesium intake manifold that is designed to deliver excellent airflow to the cylinders across the full range of engine operating speeds. The induction system significantly boosts torque across the engine's full operating range. Internal passages and two butterfly valves within the intake manifold are operated by the powertrain control module to provide two distinct modes of operation by changing plenum volume and intake airflow routing.
At lower rpm these valves are closed to reduce the volume of the plenum and effectively increase the length of inlet passages for maximum resonance effect and to amplify pressure waves within each half of the intake manifold at lower rpm ranges. The amplified pressure waves significantly increase cylinder filling and torque production throughout the lower part of the engine's rpm band.
As the benefits of the resonance effect lessen with rising engine speed, the butterfly valves open at 4300 RPM to interconnect the two halves of the plenum, increasing its overall volume. An electric motor, commanded by the powertrain control module, controls the butterfly valves. The inertia of the mass of air rushing down each intake passage helps draw in more charge than each cylinder would normally ingest. The inertia effect greatly enhances cylinder filling and the torque produced by the engine at higher rpm.
High-Mounted Fresh Air Intake
The Odyssey has a high-mounted fresh air intake system that reduces air intake temperatures to help improve low-end torque.
Overrunning Alternator Decoupler (OAD)
The accessory belt that drives the alternator, power steering pump and A/C compressor uses a self-tensioning mechanism designed to dampen acceleration and deceleration loads. The Overrunning Alternator Decoupler (OAD) helps absorb dynamic variations in belt tension, contributing to a more stable operation. Nominal belt tension can thus be reduced by approximately 50 percent, helping reduce engine friction losses for improved fuel efficiency.
High-Flow Exhaust System
A low-restriction, high-flow exhaust system is crucial to efficient power and torque production. The Odyssey features a high efficiency system that incorporates several key elements that work in concert with the engine's uniquely designed cylinder heads to help boost performance, reduce tailpipe emissions and trim weight.
Major system components include two close-coupled catalytic converters, a secondary underfloor catalytic converter, a centrally positioned, high-flow resonator and a silencer. The close-coupled catalytic converters mount directly to the cylinder head to reduce light-off time, thereby allowing the catalyst to begin cleansing the exhaust as soon possible. The catalysts, muffling element, and piping are all sized for high flow and low restriction. High-chromium stainless steel is used throughout the exhaust system for excellent durability.
Linear air-fuel and oxygen sensors installed in each of the close-coupled catalytic converters make possible precise control of the air-fuel ratio. These sensors and the precisely controlled high-atomizing multi-hole fuel injectors help achieve almost complete combustion, for cleaner emissions. The result is compliance with the California Air Resource Board's ULEV standards as well as Federal Tier 2-Bin 5 emission requirements.
Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The ACM system is used to minimize the effects of engine vibration as the VCM system switches cylinders on and off. Sensors alert the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to direct two ACM actuators - one positioned at the front and on at the rear of the engine - to move to cancel engine vibration. Inside the interior of the Odyssey, the ANC system works in cooperation with the ACM system to further reduce any sound relating to the function of the VCM system. (Please see the Interior tab for more information.)
