Good ‘ole VTEC. Long before it became an online meme and the butt of all jokes from many “there’s no replacement for displacement” gearheads, it was a piece of technology that defined high-performance Hondas before turbocharging became all the rage.
Many other automakers have similar variable valve timing systems, including Toyota, but it’s perhaps Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control system that is the most famous. As Car Throttle explains, it involves two different camshaft profiles that are enabled at different engine speeds, allowing for full power at high revs and maximum fuel efficiency and torque during everyday cruising.
In a straight line, ‘hitting VTEC’ often results in noticeably more power and a satisfying sound as the cam profiles shift. However, does VTEC still work in reverse?
The clip below answers that age-old question and to our surprise, yes, you can hit VTEC in reverse, not that doing so serves any real purpose.