Which engine?

pics or you lie!

 

I may be repeating this, but the 4.0 and the new 3.5 are the same basic motor. The 3.5 is just the 4.0 with a shorter stroke, dual VVt and direct injection. It has the same mounting points. Toyota does nothing new if what they had works.

 

That's great in my book. So it's just a shorter stroke to make it 3.5 litres? How did they keep the torque the same, or one less as it has been read?

 

The block is the same with a shortened stroke but the VVT is dual on both intake and out like the 4.0 of the 4Runner. In addition, direct injection is added. These additions can be tuned to produce an engine with suitable torque and horse power, both of which will occur at a higher rpm then the long stroke 4.0. The engine runs more efficiently under low load but let no one kid you, just like the Colorado with it's lower displacement, when higher horse power and torque demands are placed on it, there is not the same mileage gain over the 4.0 long stroke version. So, when towing the same load, it will do so at a higher rpm then the 4.0. I would not then expect the mileage advantage to be any where near as great as it would be when not towing or carrying heavy loads.

This is typical of the newer trend to lower displacement motors with the same torque as larger motors. They will get significantly better mileage while commuting.....just don't expect the same benefits when working. But that's fine. Most use these trucks 90% of the time as sport trucks with just occational towing and lighter loads. Mileage gain over time becomes a worthwhile reason to use the 3.5. Most who really liked the 4.0 and are disappointed in not using it, are really not going to realize an advantage to having it to begin with. Toyota does not make many unreliable motors and the 3.5 for many years has been a reliable version in other vehicles. Theoretically, the 3.5 though not producing it's maximum torque at lower rpm, may produce a flatter torque curve resulting in bettter driving characteristics even at lower speeds, especially when mated to a six speed.I trust Toyota on this motor. Most liked the 4.0 except for the mileage...now they are getting a version of it with better mileage...a win, win.

My wife has a six speed in her Venza and it appears the sport shift mode will be the same. That in itself is a huge improvement both in performance and usage over the archaic gate shifter of the five speed.