Yes. The Honda Del Sol did offer a VTEC-powered variant, the Del Sol VTEC, available in the mid-1990s primarily in the U.S. market, while other trims used non-VTEC D-series engines.
Launched in 1992, the Del Sol was a compact two-seat sport coupe derived from the Civic, with a lineup that spanned from economical base models to higher-performance variants. The availability of VTEC varied by market and year, making the VTEC option something enthusiasts specifically sought.
Engine options across the US market
In the United States, the Del Sol lineup consisted of three main trims with distinct engine setups. Here is a concise guide to those configurations.
- Del Sol S — 1.5 L SOHC D-series engine (non-VTEC)
- Del Sol Si — 1.6 L DOHC D-series engine (non-VTEC)
- Del Sol VTEC — 1.6 L DOHC VTEC engine
Conclusion: The VTEC option in the U.S. was the Del Sol VTEC, while the S and Si trims used non-VTEC D-series powerplants.
Markets beyond the United States
Outside the U.S., the Del Sol lineup also included VTEC-equipped variants in markets such as Japan and parts of Europe, where Honda offered higher-performance versions such as SiR with VTEC power. The exact engine and specification varied by year and region.
- Japan/Europe: VTEC-equipped variants (SiR and other VTEC trims) using 1.6 L VTEC engines in several configurations
- Other markets: Similar 1.6 L VTEC variants, often marketed as higher-performance options
Conclusion: VTEC availability was market-dependent, with the United States receiving the Del Sol VTEC as the primary VTEC option and other regions offering their own VTEC-spec models.
Summary
The Honda Del Sol did have a VTEC variant, most notably in the U.S. during the mid-1990s. The Del Sol VTEC used a 1.6-liter VTEC engine and delivered higher performance than the non-VTEC S and Si trims. Across markets, VTEC availability varied by year and region, with some JDM-spec Del Sols featuring VTEC as part of a performance-oriented lineup.