Hondas VTEC can change the camshafts profile at higher RPMs to achieve different

duration and lifting. Such VVT implementations provide amazing performance gain and
they are very common among different manufacturers in modern cars.
Different Variable Valve Timing Implementations
As in most technologies, manufacturers use their own names for the same thing. Here is
a quick list with the most well known variable valve timing implementations.
Toyota
VVT (Variable Valve Timing)
This was the first implementation of Toyota that was using variable timing of the intake
cams.
VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence)
The follow-up design of Toyota was using hydraulic (oil based) system to change the
timing through camshaft gear and timing belt (mechanically) and thus achieve different
overlap timing. The aim of this design was efficiency.
Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence)
This one uses the VVT-i technology but instead of applying it just to intake valves, it also
operates on the exhaust ones.
Triple VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence by Electric Motor)
Similar to the Dual VVT-i with the difference that this design uses an electric motor to
change the intake camshafts timing. Nevertheless, the exhaust timing is still hydaulic
based.
VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Intelligent System)
I have discussed this earlier in this post. It changes the camshafts lifting ability using an
electronically controlled sliding pin.
Valvematic
The newest technology of Toyota, Valvematic uses the previous VVTL-i technology along
with new electronic timing adjustment functionality.
Subaru
AVCS (Active Valve Control System)
This is used in turbocharged engines to improve air flow. To achieve this the system uses
hydraulic (oil based) support that changes the intake camshafts rotation. The whole
implementation is controlled via vehicles Engine Control Unit (ECU).
Dual AVCS (Dual Active Valve Control System)
As in the Toyota case, this does not only adjust the intake valves timing but also the
exhaust ones.
i-AVLS (Intelligent Active Valve Lift System)
A newer technology that is similar to Honda VTEC. It has two different intake lift profiles
that are changed after a predefined RPM limit to increase camshafts lift. The whole
operation is electronic using vehicles ECU which triggers solenoids that change the oil
pressure. In addition to the variable lift system, this implementation also uses hydaulic
pressure to change camshafts timing.
Honda
VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
I already gave a quick overview of this technology. It electronically selects between two
different camshaft profiles based on the engines RPMs. This can change the lift, duration
and valve timing.
VTEC-E (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control for Efficiency)
As its name implies, this is an improvement of the original VTEC to provide efficiency in
the whole RPM range. This was done using an hydraulic controlled sliding pin to change
the valve lift.
3-Stage VTEC (3-Stage Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)

All of the previous implementations had just two camshaft profiles which were operating
in low and high RPMs respectively. This one included a third one to achieve more
performance in middle RPMs.
i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
Apart from the 2-stage VTEC, this implementation also supports an additional lifting of
the intake valves using sliding pins which are also ECU, electronically controlled.
i-VTEC with VCM (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control with
Variable Cylinder Management)
Similar to the previous one with the addition of VCM. The latter technology will keep
some cylinders deactivated by simply keeping all of their intake and exhaust valves
closed if the required power is produced without them. This was an additional fuel
consumption management system.
i-VTEC i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control for Injection)
Simiar to i-VTEC but designed especially for direct fuel injection engines.
AVTEC (Advanced VTEC)
The newest Honda VVT technology which despite VTECs initial operation, it provides
continuous variable valve timing throughout the whole RPM range using various sensors
that are connected to the vehicles ECU.
HYPER VTEC (Hyper Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
This was the first ever VVT implementation for motorcycles, it features an additional
intake valve that remains closed until an RPM limit is reached.
Nissan
N-VCT (Nissan Variable Cam Timing)
Using an ECU controlled solenoid, it alters the camshafts rotation and consequently, the
valve timing.
VVL (Variable Valve Lift and Timing)
Using an hydraulic, oil based system which is ECU controlled it selects between different
camshaft profiles, identical to the initial VTEC design.
CVTC (Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control)
Using hydraulic power it adjusts the camshafts gear and timing belt to perform the valve
timing.
VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift)
This is one of the most advanced we have discussed so far. The ECU uses some stepper
motors to adjust the valve timing and lift throughout the operation of the engine and not
after a specified threshold.
Yamaha
VCT (Variable Cam Timing)
This was a quite innovative approach of moving the camshaft in order to have variable
lift and timing.
BMW
Valvetronic
This is a complex design where the vehicles are equipped with electronic accelerator
pedal that depending on the requested load, the ECU will lift the appropriate intake and
exhaust valves accordingly.
VANOS (Variable Nockenwellensteuerung)
Most cars equipped with Valvetronic also have VANOS. This uses an advanced method of
moving the camshafts so that the valve timing is adjusted based on the driving style.
However, its operation is limit based (it is activated at certain RPM levels) and it affects
the intake camshaft(s) only.
Double VANOS (DoubleVariable Nockenwellensteuerung)
This one overcame the issues of the previous design meaning that it supports continuous
operation in both intake and exhaust valves.

Mitsubishi
MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control System)
The only VVT implementation by Mitsubishi combines various features mainly for
turbocharged vehicles. Its operation in also based on cams profiles but they are not
strictly limited to a predefined RPM limit. Depending on numerous measurements that
ECU collects it might start working on different RPMs. Finally, it works on both intake and
exhaust valves.
Mazda
S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing)
Once again, this model uses hydraulic pressure which is ECU controlled to rotate the
intake camshaft.
Volkswagen Group
VVT (Variable Valve Timing)
Recently, VW included this new feature to its models. The operation is based on a
hydraulic system on the timing belt that performs VVT on the intake valves.
Porsche
VarioCam
This was a very innovative approach during the time of its development. It implements
VVT by adjusting the tension of the timing belt or chain that connects the two intake and
exhaust camshafts.
VarioCam Plus
An improvement of the previous technology, this one includes electro-hydraulic lifters
that can perform two-stage lifting which leads to performance similar to Honda VTEC.
Suzuki
VVT (Variable Valve Timing)
It uses an hydraulic system that changes the camshafts rotation and it is ECU controlled.
Alfa Romeo
TwinCam
Although this does not directly implements VVT, it is a slight VVT technology. Mostly, an
improvement of classic DOHC. It operates using a double row timing belt that alters the
valve timing between the two camshafts.