Life after the Toyota 3.5 engine?
02-09-10, 01:05 PM
#47
Lexus Fanatic
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: A better place
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
02-09-10, 02:10 PM
#49
Guest
Posts: n/a
I think Lexus engines are underpowered - the V6s and the V8s - relative to the latest Infiniti engines and the latest BMW engines. It seems there is a choice:
1) Infiniti approach - increase displacement
2) BMW approach - add turbos
Toyota is not one to substantially lag competitors in horsepower, but their values are about efficiency and smoothness. So it seems to me they would pick the solution which is more efficient and which they believe can be smooth.
I think these power assisted turbos are intended to achieve both of these goals. I think adding liters is not sufficient.
So I am hoping for four developments:
1) 2.5 turbo V6 replaces 2.5 V6
2) Direct Injection 3.5V6 replaces regular V6 (in ES350 and Camry)
3) Twin Turbo 3.5 V6 replaces 3.5 DI V6
4) Twin Turbo 4.6 V8 replaces DI and non-DI 4.6 V8
I don't have perspective on Hybrids except that they should reflect similar power increases, and in each line a 250h should be increase for genuine eco-conscious buyers.
I would also like Lexus to be first with a full line-up of electric vehicles.
1) Infiniti approach - increase displacement
2) BMW approach - add turbos
Toyota is not one to substantially lag competitors in horsepower, but their values are about efficiency and smoothness. So it seems to me they would pick the solution which is more efficient and which they believe can be smooth.
I think these power assisted turbos are intended to achieve both of these goals. I think adding liters is not sufficient.
So I am hoping for four developments:
1) 2.5 turbo V6 replaces 2.5 V6
2) Direct Injection 3.5V6 replaces regular V6 (in ES350 and Camry)
3) Twin Turbo 3.5 V6 replaces 3.5 DI V6
4) Twin Turbo 4.6 V8 replaces DI and non-DI 4.6 V8
I don't have perspective on Hybrids except that they should reflect similar power increases, and in each line a 250h should be increase for genuine eco-conscious buyers.
I would also like Lexus to be first with a full line-up of electric vehicles.
The 3.5 with DI and the BMW tt 3.0 both get class leading acceleration and MPG. No small feat!
Infinit's usually have more power but it NEVER translates to a faster car. We have seen this over and over again. SO what is the use of a bigger engine with more hp if its no faster?
02-09-10, 05:41 PM
#50
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 3,370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
02-09-10, 05:45 PM
#51
Lexus Connoisseur
On the contrary, my 2009 ISF 5.0L V8 has 416 HP an did not have a gas guzzler tax like the 414 HP V8 in the M3.
02-09-10, 05:57 PM
#52
02-09-10, 06:02 PM
#54
Guest
Posts: n/a
02-10-10, 11:02 AM
#55
Lexus Test Driver
at least the later ones offered a J32 with 260hp and a 6MT
02-10-10, 11:04 AM
#56
Lexus Test Driver
02-10-10, 12:52 PM
#57
Lexus Connoisseur
02-10-10, 03:30 PM
#59
There is no free lunch. You have to give up something to get something. BMW is taking a hit on the fuel economy in order to squeeze higher specific HP - 100+hp per liter - with flat torque curve that can rev to 8400rpm. And in this category of the car/engine and BMW M3 tradition, giving up the gas guzzler tax in exchange for high revving screamer is the right call. In fact, larger displacement helps with fuel economy. Look at LS7. It put out 505HP and no gas guzzler tax and LS7 can do that b/c it's 7L.
