Does the Honda Accord use the Earth Dreams engine?
4 Answers
Starting from the ninth generation, the Honda Accord has been equipped with the 1.5T version of the Earth Dreams series engine. The tenth-generation Accord is equipped with a 1.5T version engine and a 2.0L version engine, with the 1.5T version also belonging to the Earth Dreams series. The tenth-generation Accord has a length, width, and height of 4893mm, 1862mm, and 1449mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2830mm. The Accord features refined and smooth body lines, blending fashion, dynamism, and elegance in its overall design. Its all-new rear styling catches the eye, utilizing LED high-mounted brake lights commonly found in luxury models and elegant triangular combination taillights, creating a simple yet striking impression that, together with the unique wide license plate panel, conveys a sense of sophistication and stability.
I've been driving the 10th-generation Accord for four years, and the engine cover clearly bears the Earth Dreams logo. Earth Dreams is actually Honda's entire powertrain technology system, not just referring to a specific engine. The current new Accord's 1.5T turbo engine represents the third generation of Earth Dreams, most notably featuring high-precision direct fuel injection for exceptionally crisp power response. The previous 9th-generation Accord's 2.4L naturally aspirated engine was also Earth Dreams, but compared to the current VTEC Turbo, it consumes significantly more fuel. The hybrid version's 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine actually belongs to this same technology system too, though Honda markets it separately as the e:HEV system. When I bought the Accord, the salesperson said 80% of Honda models use Earth Dreams technology - which is true.
According to Honda's technical manual, the Earth Dreams technology covers a wide range. The Accord started using it from the ninth generation in 2013, with different displacement options varying by region. The North American version features a 3.5L V6 Earth Dreams engine, while the domestic tenth-generation Accord primarily adopts the 1.5T+CVT powertrain. The turbocharged engine, codenamed L15B series, incorporates VTEC technology and features an integrated exhaust manifold in the cylinder head design, achieving a thermal efficiency of 38%, which is top-tier in its class. The hybrid version uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine with an even higher thermal efficiency of 40%. However, it's important to note that some base models with engine codes ending in TFB have the VTEC system removed, strictly speaking, these do not qualify as the full version of Earth Dreams technology.
During maintenance, I overheard mechanics saying that out of ten 10th-gen Accords in the shop, nine have Earth Dreams engines. The most notable feature is that carbon buildup is particularly prone to form on the back of the intake valves, requiring a 'carbon cleaning' service every 20,000 km. They've disassembled the 1.5T engine, which uses a small-inertia Mitsubishi turbocharger. The mirror-like coating inside the cylinders is thinner than in older models, but the injection pressure has been increased to 200 bar. The most impressive feature is the delayed exhaust valve opening technology, which makes the car warm up very quickly in winter. However, mechanics complain that the failure rate of the Earth Dreams' carbon canister solenoid valve is relatively high, causing a rattling sound during hard acceleration. Replacing this small part costs around 300 yuan.
