VTEC
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Automotive
| Stands for | Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
VTEC stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, an automotive abbreviation.
Honda system that switches each cylinder between two camshaft profiles, a mild one for economy at low rpm and an aggressive one for power at high rpm. The switch at around 5,000 to 6,000 rpm in sporty Hondas produces a noticeable surge.
Example: Floor it past 6,000 rpm and you can hear the VTEC kick in on the Civic Si.
Usage notes
Introduced in 1989 on the Japanese-market Honda Integra. The phrase "VTEC just kicked in, yo!" became an internet meme in the 2000s, popular among import tuner enthusiasts. Honda has used several variants, including i-VTEC with continuously variable cam phasing. Pronounced "VEE-tek."
Related abbreviations
More automotive abbreviations
- 2WD – Two-wheel drive
- 3PMSF – Three-peak mountain snowflake
- 4WD – Four-wheel drive
- ABS – Anti-lock braking system
- ACC – Adaptive cruise control
- ADAS – Advanced driver-assistance systems
- ADM – Additional dealer markup
- AEB – Automatic emergency braking
- AMG – Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach
- AMT – Automated manual transmission
- AT – Automatic transmission
- ATF – Automatic transmission fluid