Comments on the 3rd Generation V6

Some posters have said the 3rd generation V6 has low torque at low rpms, but having driven my 2016 OR several hundred miles, it seems to me that the low torque is not rpm-dependent. Even at cruising speed, this engine can seem to have low torque. What I think makes the difference is not rpms, but rather whether the engine is in Atkinson or Otto cycle. When in Atkinson, of course there is low torque, because in that cycle cylinder pressure is designed to be at one atmosphere at the end of the power stroke. Low torque is the nature of that beast. Get this engine in the Otto cycle, though, and there is plenty of torque, even at low rpms.

The problem is that to get it into the Otto cycle, it seems that lots of pedal pressure is necessary. The computer seems to have no other way to know that torque is needed. That gives this engine a sort of 'all or nothing' quality that requires, for me at least, an adjustment in driving habits and expectations. The original Atkinson engine compensated to an extent for its low torque nature by piston linkages that resulted in only one turn of the crankshaft for each time the pistons executed their four cycles of intake, compression, power, and exhaust. The Otto cycle requires two crankshaft turns to accomplish these four cycles. But of course the 3rd generation's engine doesn't have these linkages so its claim to having an Atkinson cycle is based only on intake valve timing. Consequently, there is no compensation to increase torque.

Of course, this is all just my impression and interpretation. There is really no definite way to tell what cycle this engine is in at any given time.

 

So press the pedal harder to produce more low end torque...?

 

Works for me!

 

What I noticed is the more I drove the truck and the engine broke in a little the better it got!!

Every mile I drive the more I love it

 

This is pretty much what I've been seeing from most if not all, put a 1000 miles
on it and everything gets and feels better.

 

If my assumptions are right, yes.

 

Not contradicting you, but are you sure it isn't you who are adapting, rather than the Taco? Everything seems better once we humans get used to something new. Not trying to be a jerk here, just raising a question. I can't give an opinion on this because I don't have anywhere near 1000 miles on mine yet.

 

I have no idea yet, no offense taken at all dude, I do not come to forums to argue
or disrespect anyone, we have more than enough of that already in the 3rd Gen. forum. But I
do agree with you on the "what we get used to part". I have not even driven one yet, hell I
just got to see one in person 4 days ago and I was very impressed with the interior and exterior
now that I've actually seen one. I like it better in every way compared to my 2011; can't wait
to drive it and see for myself. What model did you get?

I'll let you know in 1000 miles....after I get it. Mine is due in today or tomorrow.

 

Maybe throttle sensitivity can be coded?

Although it's much easier to just "code" your brain to give it more gas when you want to accelerate. One of the things I hate about automatic transmissions is how there is that detente in the throttle pedal after which it always downshifts, but at least it's predictable. Just find out what throttle position corresponds to the Atkinson/Otto switch (using butt dyno or sensor readings from the Torque app+bluetooth OBDII dongle), and you can adjust throttle input to desired acceleration better.

I didn't notice on my test drive; is there a little "Eco" light that comes on when it's operating in Atkinson cycle? My wife's Sienna has the old port-injected 2GR, but it has an "Eco" light when you are being light on the throttle.

 

Ah, I misread your post and didn't catch that you were writing about others who have reported better performance after break in. I have an OR AC. Hope yours arrives TODAY.

 

Could be our "seat of the pants" getting used to the feel of a $35K pickup truck, particularly my wallet pocket. My V6 with manual tranny is mighty fun to drive even in 2WD.

 

wait so you are saying, the more you push the lil gas pedal thingy..... the more power your truck makes. WHAAAAAT?!?!?!

 

Was trying to tease out when torque increases, not power, which would combine both torque and rpms. And of course rpms increase as the pedal is depressed under most conditions, but it doesn't follow that torque increases as well. There is no doubt that torque is lower in the Atkinson cycle versus the Otto cycle. What is uncertain is when this engine is in one cycle versus the other at any given time. I wish there was a way to tell on the dash.

 

MAF sensor reading using an OBDII bluetooth dongle+Torque App on your phone should show a big discontinuity in engine mass flow when it switches to the Otto cycle.

 

New technology is always fun to get used to. Talked to a couple GM owners, they have nothing good to say about the Canyon or Colorado.
Last guy I talked to wanted his Sierra back. Seems transmission is always gear hunting.

 

The vehicle will not "break in" to add any significant change to mileage/fuel economy or performance. The driver however will get 'used' to driving the vehicle and come to expect it for what it is....

Bottom line, this is more about the individual and human factor than the machine.

 

np at all dude I'm here to learn about my soon to be new truck, nothing else.

me too, the wait this close to the finish line is killin me!!! hahaha

 

It could be the intelligent transmission learning and adapting.

 

only driven a couple hundred miles but noticed from the beginning when accelerating from a stop it does not push be back in the seat the way my 2008 V6 did. not complaining but there is a difference on acceleration.