Honda is an undisputed expert in turbo-charging. Ask several years of world Formula-1 domination for concensus.... However, Honda feels that turbo-charging is not totally ideal for street use. Fuel consumption is one major objection that Honda has to turbo-charging. For this reason, Honda invented VTEC in order to get high specific output engines for their street models. So for many, it comes as a great surprise that Honda did actually marketed turbo-charged models at one time.
In 1983, Honda introduced the Honda City Turbo-2. This is a mini-sized two-door model meant mainly for in-town use. Powering the Turbo-2 is a 1231cc SOHC turbo-charged engine developing 110ps at 5500rpm (gross or around 100ps nett). Maximum torque is 16.3kgm at 3000rpm (gross). In a body of only 735kg kerb weight, this car has a fantastic 6.7kg/ps ratio and must have been terrific at the traffic lights !
Another model that benefited from turbo-charging was the 1988 Honda Legend 4door 2000V6Ti. This model used a 1996cc V6 SOHC Turbocharged engine that developed 190ps at 6000rpm and 24.6kgm at 3500rpm. However, its kerb weight of 1420kg means a weight to power ratio of a high-ish 7.5kg/ps.
After inventing VTEC and being able to get turbo level power outputs
with naturally aspirated engines, Honda never marketted another
turbocharged model again.
Temple of VTEC - Asia. June 03 1998