Why is Toyota still using the old 3.3L in the all new 2008 Highlander Hybrid?
06-26-07, 07:40 PM
#16
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I dunno if the block and overall config might be shared, but obviously the bore and/or stroke are dramatically different, as a 3.5L V6 + 2 more cylinders would only displace 4.67 liters.
Obviously they use dramatically different cam profiles as well.
Again - maybe they use the same block, heads, and other overall design aspects... but they're far from "X is an X with 2 less cylinders".
06-26-07, 09:58 PM
#18
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06-27-07, 01:13 AM
#19
you have to keep in mind that there might not be great differences between old and new V6, when used in hybrid application where CVT is used.
According to Autoweek, new HH has a lot smoother powertrain, which is very noticable and gets better mpg.
At the same time, I wouldnt be suprised if RX gets bigger engine to make them more different...
According to Autoweek, new HH has a lot smoother powertrain, which is very noticable and gets better mpg.
At the same time, I wouldnt be suprised if RX gets bigger engine to make them more different...
06-27-07, 10:15 AM
#20
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Keep in mind the current Highlander Hybrid came out only 2 years ago. It would be impossible for Toyota to have engineered a new hybrid system with the 3.5L V6 in only two years. So instead they updated and refined the current hybrid system.
On a side note, the GR and UR engines both share similar block designs, and a few design principles, but it's too simple to say the GR engine is just a UR engine with 2 cylinders cut off.
On a side note, the GR and UR engines both share similar block designs, and a few design principles, but it's too simple to say the GR engine is just a UR engine with 2 cylinders cut off.
06-27-07, 11:40 AM
#21
I think it's because they're not ready to re-tool the 3.5L production lines yet. The 3.3L in the hybrids is NOT identical to the one in the RX330. It has completely different heads, and no Variable Valve Timing. There are some other differences, but I'm not intimately familiar with them. Bottom line though, the 3.3L in the hybrids is detuned for less power and better efficiency. With the 3.5L going into so many products, it might just not be feasible at this point in time to convert some production into a less complex version. There also might not be a big advantage to doing that, since a lot of the power improvements on the new engine is due to the valve/head redesign, which would be stripped off if it was repurposed for hybrid duty anyway.
Purely conjecture, but that's my guess.
Purely conjecture, but that's my guess.
I'm going to have to disagree... I don't see how the highlander and RX "can't handle more power" it's not like we're talking about putting in gear shredding V8's in there. As far as the 330 vs 350, I personally thought that the 330 seriously lacked power for a luxury sedan, it was downright underpowered IMO. I did however like the interior of the 330 better than the 350. When a stock civic can outrun your luxury sedan, that is definatly not the perfect amount of power to have. This of course is "IMO"
Yeah, that's my guess too (although the GS is using that setup).
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