The engine in the 2012 Honda Civic Si is a 2.4-liter inline-4 known as the K24Z7, delivering about 201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
This generation of the Civic Si marked a shift to a larger displacement within Honda’s K-series family, prioritizing high-revving performance while maintaining tractable daily usability. The 2.4-liter powerplant is engineered with i-VTEC on the intake cam to boost high-RPM performance and responsiveness, a hallmark of the Si’s sporty character.
Engine details
Key specifications and design elements that define the 2012 Si’s powertrain:
- Displacement and architecture: 2.4-liter inline-4 (K24Z7) with DOHC and i-VTEC
- Power output: 201 hp at 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 172 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm
- Redline: 7,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual (Si is offered only with a manual)
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
- Model year application: 2012 Civic Si (9th generation, FG2 sedan/coupes in North America)
The engine’s rev-happy nature and peak power at high rpm reinforce the Si’s sport-oriented character, differentiating it from the quieter, economical trims of the Civic lineup.
Performance context
With the 2.4L K24Z7 under the hood, the 2012 Civic Si aimed to deliver a more engaging driving experience than its predecessors, leveraging a higher displacement and a tuned intake on the VTEC system to pull strongly above mid-range, all while remaining a practical daily driver.
Maintenance and reliability notes
Maintenance for the 2012 Si centers on standard Honda precedence: regular oil changes, timing-chain maintenance, and inspections of wear components. The Si’s engine uses a timing chain rather than a belt, reducing belt-change maintenance concerns, but owners should stay on top of cooling system service and fuel/ignition components to preserve performance and longevity.
Summary
In short, the 2012 Honda Civic Si is powered by a 2.4-liter K24Z7 inline-4 that delivers 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. This setup emphasizes high-revving performance within a practical, everyday sports sedan package.
Which Civic Si has the K20?
K20Z (i-VTEC)
| Engine | Application | Power |
|---|---|---|
| K20Z2 | 2006–2010 Honda Civic (SEA) | 153 hp (114 kW) at 6000 rpm |
| K20Z3 | 2006–2011 Honda Civic Si | 197 hp (147 kW) at 7800 rpm |
| 2007–2010 Acura CSX Type S | 197 hp (147 kW) at 7800 rpm | |
| K20Z4 | 2007–2010 Honda Civic Type R ( EDM ) |
Does the k24z7 have VTEC?
They are both, it's still DOHC with VTEC but only one side is variable which is the intake side. The k24z7 is a Dual Over Head Cam engine with intelligent variable timing and lift electronic control.
Does the 2012 Civic SI have a K24?
So the 2012 Civic Si's K24 produces 201 hp at its 7,000 rpm redline and a chunky 170 lb-ft of peak torque at just 4,400 rpm. It's the first Civic Si engine that might work OK feeding a — GACK! — automatic transmission.
What engine did the 2012 Civic SI have?
With a 197-horsepower (hp) 2.0-liter engine that delivers 139 lb. -ft. of torque, the 2011 Honda Civic Si is nothing to scoff at. However, the perfectionists at Honda have dropped a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter engine in the new 2012 model.


