It might not blow up on premium. But Threxx is correct that DI allows a little bit more headroom in compression.

 

GM should use the LSx engines in EVERYTHING.

Why was the sbc so popular? Because it was in everything from Coupes, Sedans, Trucks, SUV's, School Buses, and Farm Equipment.

The sheer volume by standardizing an engine in multiple cars is the sole reason a SBC was cheap and popular (not to mention a great design).

The LSx engines are a Great Design, but up until recently they could only be had in the Vette or the 4th Gen Camaro's. The Trucks even use a different varient which I don't understand why they don't use the Aluminum blocks but ?

GM needs to put these engines in everything they can fit it in. Having xxx different engines is costly and really hard for consumers... IMO

 

No, it's no longer on the Corolla platform. The C/D article said it has it's own new platform now.

They also pointed out in the article that the RAV4 has not been engineered for a hybrid powertrain so that would seem to add credence to Stealth's observation about Highlander going all hybrid. I hadn't heard this, but it makes sense. The hybrid junkies love the Prius because it it conspicuously and undoubtedly a hybrid. Now they can do the same for the Highlander. That Hybrid Synergy Drive badge on the back of the current one probably doesn't scream loud enough.

 

The 3.5, from what I'd been told, was designed from the ground up to work with hybrid technology. What about the rav4's chassis would disallow a hybrid setup?

 

I don't know. They didn't really specify. I don't have the mag with me, so I can't quote directly, but they said something along the lines of "The new RAV4 was not engineered to accept a hybrid powertrain - so don't wait for one."

 

Sounds like there wasn't enough room left under the hood for the hybrid system. I belive it IS larger than a standard trasmission.

 

That's true of a lot of cars when fully loaded up though. The V6 4x2 starts at ~$22 and ~$24 for the 4x4.

 

Buying public has this perception that v8's are less fuel efficient even though we know that isn't always the case.

So the engine i would push more within GM isn't the Ls4, but the HF 3.6 Dohc. Why GM doen't have this as the bread and butter v6, i don't know. Right now, every other company is pushing high-powered multi-cam v6's in their lineup. Even the smaller companies can afford to do this...even equally Cash strapped Ford is rolling out a new 250hp 3.5 Dohc that has provisions built into it to allow room for output to frow 270hp+.

If Toyota can use the 3.5 in their premium Lexus and Avalon vehicles while still finding applications for it within the regular Toyota line, GM can do the same with the 3.6 Dohc as well.

I would say that the 3.4 and 3.5 have got to go. The 3.9's output is decent/nice, but will forever be rediculed by the press and such everytime it is compared to other multicam engines like the Nissan VQ, Toyota 3.5, etc... It is seen as inferior and perceptions is one of the things that plague GM. Their vehicles must be every bit as good as the competition...heck even being as good isn't good enough due to perceptions, they've got to be better to stand a chance.

This is why the 3.6 should be pushed more in volume. Bumb Cadillac's output to 300hp, and give 250-260hp variants to Pontiacs, Saturns, and Chevy's.

I know i wouldn't look at a 255hp 3.6L Dohc camaro in the same light as the previous v6's. Desireability would go up considerably, even within us v8-nuts. All of a sudden, it becomes more than just a ho-hum base model.

 

It should be, or if it isn't the problem is the mass is arranged differently. Is the parallel system in question the same as on the Prius, in which the power splitter acts as CVT?

 

If they start using the 3.6 in other brands, GM would be plagued by bad press about it makes the Caddy "inferior" to other lux brands.

 

I'm sure the press would still have their gripes, but i don't think that would be one of them. Other luxury brands like Lexus, Infiniti, Lincoln, Audi, and Acura use v6 motors from regular/lower Toyota, Nissan, Ford, VW, and Honda cars. BMW and Mercedes don't but that's because they're strictly luxury brands and their motors aren't really better than the v6's from the divisions i've mentioned.

The Nissan VQ gets showered with praises whether it be in a Nissan or an Infiniti. I think the motor speaks for itself if it is a worldclass motor. Way i see it, Cadillac's would still get praised, and Saturn/Pontiac/Chevy would get a huge image boost and would reap even more praises.

The press will b!tch and moan (they always do), but i don't think it'll be directed at the widespread use of the 3.6 Dohc.

 

Another impressive new V6 is the 3.6l VW in the new Passat. Both MT and C&D have 1/4 results in the low 14s at about 100mph. It's rated at 280hp, and that seems a very honest number based on testing so far. For now, the Passat is the fastest FWD automatic you can buy, I think (yes it's a bit quicker than the Impala and GP LS4s).

This new VW V6 (almost an inline since the angle is something like 10 degrees) is also DI, and the Passat has very good EPA numbers.

 

I can't help but think Toota took a step bback here.

The vehicle has gorwn alot in all dimesnsions and weight.

The V6s power is outstanding but the 4cly would be burdend.

But the prices went up by alot! For the 4cly RAV4 you can buy a competotor witha V6! AT least in Canada.

Anywho, thats just my take

 

Pretty much every luxury brand out there shares the motors on at least their entry level luxury models with the engines on their higher end 'bread and butter' brand vehicles.

They already do it quite often with the chassis, so why not the motor, too?

 

Very true, but this is where Displacement on Demand could come in as a great marketing tool. GM needs to advertise the hell out of the fact that its LS4 5.3L V8 gets 28mpg and can switch to a more green friendly 4 cyl. when the extra power is not needed.