Turbochargers will be the backbone of a new engine series from Honda.

The automaker, which has offered only three production turbo engines worldwide in its history, unveiled a new family of engines that utilize direct injection, high compression ratios and advanced cooling along with variable valve-motion technology and turbochargers.

Called VTEC Turbo, the engines will be offered in 1.0-, 1.5- and 2.0-liter sizes. Honda says the engines will be found in future global models, depending on market needs and vehicle characteristics.

The first VTEC Turbo expected is a high-output 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the European market Civic Type R that will be EURO 6 compliant and still pump out nearly 280 horsepower. The 1.0-liter engine will be a 3-cylinder model while the 1.5-liter will also be an inline 4-cylinder configuration.

Also in the announcements held at a media event before the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda said it will introduce a new 8-speed, dual-clutch transmission that also incorporates a torque converter.

Honda has yet to release further details on the engines or when they would appear in US vehicles. According to Automotive News, the 1.5-liter could hit the market as early as 2016.