This week we're all about Honda, so let's start with some not-so great news:

Honda is recalling some 700,000 Accords, CR-Vs and Civics over fuel pump leaks.

To be exact, the following models are being recalled:

If you own any of the above cars, ring your dealership and confirm if your car is impacted by the recall. If so, the dealership will inspect and replace the defective fuel pumps for free.

Honda says the high pressure fuel pumps in the above models may crack and leak fuel, putting drivers and passengers at risk.

The automaker also says it hasn't received any reports of injuries or deaths related to the issue, but some people had filed for warranty claims.

This was the second major recall from Honda this month alone, the former impacting some 1.7 million cars with possible steering issues.

Before we talk about Honda's Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion (CVCC) engine, which was a new combustion design that achieved emissions compliance without the use of catalytic converters, all while enhancing fuel efficiency, lets first pay a little tribute to its founder.

Soichiro Honda was born on November 17, 1906, in Hamamatsu, Japan, into a humble family. His father, Gihei Honda, was a blacksmith, and his mother, Mika Honda, was a weaver. 

They instilled in him a strong work ethic and a fascination with mechanics from an early age. Soichiro spent his childhood dismantling and reassembling bicycles and small engines.

After finishing school, he became an apprentice at a local garage, where he honed his skills. In 1928, he moved to Tokyo, where he worked as a mechanic and later began experimenting with automotive parts. 

By 1946, after World War II, he founded the Honda Technical Research Institute, focusing on producing motorcycles to meet Japan's transportation needs.

Now let's turn our attention to the Honda Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system, which Honda developed in order to optimize engine performance by allowing adjustable valve timing and lift at different RPMs.

I know that's a mouthful of technical words, but in summary it means that the engine allows for the adjustment of valve timing and lift based on it's speed and load. 

This adaptability enables engines to deliver maximum power and efficiency under different driving conditions - a very important feat when optimizing for efficiency.

This approach enabled Honda engines to provide strong performance while maintaining good fuel economy.