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Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison

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Comments

  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    Thank you!!! It's funny how some just seem to think the Japanese are just so original when it comes to automobile design!

    Another thing that folks don't realize...designers jump ship from one company to the next if the next company is willing to pay more. So it's very easy to see how one company's designs closely resemble another company's designs
  • colloquorcolloquor Member Posts: 482
    allmet33 wrote: "Thank you!!! It's funny how some just seem to think the Japanese are just so original when it comes to automobile design!"

    This is one of the very few advantages from being old enough to have experienced all of this from the late '40s!

    Also, the early Datsun 2.0L SOHC Inline 4 was a nice copy of one of the earlier M-B engine designs. The Japanese really didn't become somewhat evolutionary and original until they had been in the U.S. market for a couple of decades.
  • snaglepussnaglepus Member Posts: 160
    "This is one of the very few advantages [of] being old enough
    to have experienced all of this from the late '40s! "


    Yes indeed!

    I recall how the Chysler-Nissan diesel of the sixties was a direct copy
    of the "Screaming-Jimmy," better know as the Detroit Diesel.
    Instead of the GM 71 series, the Nissan people made theirs a 75 series, an improvement.
    Here's the good part, their brochure was an exact copy as the GM brochure.

    Nissan had a whole line of diesels which were marketed here in the U S under the Chysler-
    Nissan name as Chysler was looking ahead and locked up that market back then.
    One popular series was their 33 series four-stroke, especially their straight six.

    Far better built then any MBZ engines available here then, and much less expensive also.
  • alexstorealexstore Member Posts: 264
    let me guess , your house is probably full of other knockoffs like fake rolex etc. but you still said nothing about new Genesis logo. Why is it that Hyundai is so scared to have this logo on US bound vehicles? Since 3.8 is so close to VQ, as one of the previous posters mentioned, Hyundai engineers still failed with increased displacement to produce adequate power. Even without increasing displacement in Family Sedans both Nissan and Toyota manage to produce more power in 3.5 then Huyndai in 3.8. BTW if you look at NIssan for the past few years, you will see that Nissan introduces more powerful Altima and in 2 years more powerful Maxima. Based on this tradition, expect 280+ hp Maxima for 2009 model year.
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    No...actually, the house is where more of my money is spent...considering that's where I spend most of my time anyway. To be quite honest, I'm not a fan of Rolex either. If you want to appeal to my senses...I'll take a Breitling watch over a Rolex, thank you very much.

    Why do I need to comment on the Genesis logo? I don't care how the logo looks, I care about how the car will perform and how durable it will be. You're a funny guy...truly. You are always looking for the slightest thing you can just to jump on it and make derogatory comments.

    Do you really think that the 3.8 isn't capable of greater output than the 263 ponies it's currently kicking out? Not only are you funny, you're....er, uh...nevermind, I won't even go there. Anyway, Hyundai will do what Hyundai will do and there's nothing you can do to stop it. As a matter of fact, the only thing you can do is watch your rearview mirror as an Azera or Genesis pulls up on you and passes you by.

    Please read the paragraph that's entitled 'What's Under The Hood'
    Genesis Coupe Concept Preview

    What...does it say, "... powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine pushing north of 300 horsepower."???

    "Hyundai engineers still failed with increased displacement to produce adequate power."

    HAAAAAA-HAAAAAA-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...since when has anyone on any level stated that the 3.8 doesn't produce adequte power??? It currently propels the Azera from 0-60 somewhere between 6-7 seconds. Last time I checked, that's about the same time it takes for the Avalon, Maxima, Altima and most other vehicles in it's class. Have you considered a comedy act with your material? LMAO while ROTF Whew....you slay me.

    What say you about the 375 ponies that will grace the engine bay of the upcoming Genesis sedan AND coupe???

    Here...take a look and enjoy!

    Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept

    *wiping my eyes* Thank you for the good laugh first thing this morning!!!!
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    if I may - I think alexstore's point has more to do with the Hyundai 3.8 needing the extra 10% in displacement to almost match the 2GRs and VQs power efficiencies out of 3.5 liters. And Toyota is already getting 300+ hp in the direct injected version of the 2GR in the IS350. What would happen if the Toyota or Nissan engines were of similar size? Think we know that already - the 3.7 liter version of the VQ pumps out 330 hp in the G37... In any case, Hyundai would have to do add things like CVVTi and likely direct injection to match the sophistications already available in the Nissan and Toyota engines (or take the 'Detroit' approach and attack the proble with extra cylindrers and displacement) - something that I've heard rumored for the Genesis, and may be a more difficult sale when gas is $4..
    A link follows for all us power freaks - a listing of road test results that puts our current Maximas/Avalons/Azeras squarely in the middle of the pack (in terms of performance) with those 10 mpg 'musclecars' of the later 60s/early 70s :D
    http://www.cobranet.com/roadtest.htm.
    If you think about it, we really have made some progress, as we don't have to put up with those underpowered tanks built in the 80s anymore . What do we have to complain about - except for possibly the tenfold price increase we've had in automobiles in the last 40 years?
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    I understand what YOU'RE saying. As shown by the one link, I think Hyundai created the 3.8 with forward vision in knowing they had plans of getting more output from it, compared to it's introduction hp rating. I could also understand better if the difference in displacment were greater than 2/10's of a liter as well. I mean if Toyota was squeezing 300+ hp out of a 3.0 liter V-6 and Hyundai could only muster 250 out of a 3.8 liter, then I might get a bit riled up.

    Seriously though...I think Hyundai definitely has the technology to push the hp envelop on it's 3.8 with greater things to come from the future. I think the 3.8 is a great platform for them as it offers flexibility for various vehicles.
  • scbobscbob Member Posts: 167
    The editors of Consumer Guide put out some very nice books in the last few years on the cars of the 40's, 50's and 60's. Excellent pictures, but also commentary.
    Yes cars have gone up in price, but so have salaries and benefits. While gas was 23 cents in the early 50's, that would equate to $5.00 per gallon in todays dollars. Also, look at what you get on a car now compared to then.
    Linclons and Cadillacs sold for $3-5,000 in the early 50's and heaters were an option! AC was a $4,000 option.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Captain, actually the Hyundai 3.8 is equipped with direct inject.

    Here's the break down of the current high output V6s:

    Honda J37A1:
    Displacement - 3664 cc
    HP - 300
    Torque - 275 ft·lbf
    Technology - SOHC VTEC
    First appearance: 2007 MDX

    Nissan VQ35HR:
    Displacement - 3498 cc
    HP - 306
    Torque - 268 ft·lbf
    Technology - Direct inject, CVTC with hydraulic actuation on the intake cam and electromagnetic on the exhaust cam
    First appearance: 2007 G35

    Nissan VQ37VHR:
    Displacement - 3696 cc
    HP - 330
    Torque - 270 ft·lbf
    Technology - Direct inject, CVTC with hydraulic actuation on the intake cam and electromagnetic on the exhaust cam, VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift)
    First appearance: 2008 G37 Coupe

    Toyota 2GR-FSE:
    Displacement - 3456 cc
    HP - 306
    Torque - 277 ft·lbf
    Technology - Duel direct inject (combines gasoline direct injection with traditional port injection), dual-VVT-i (variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams)
    First appearance: 2006 IS350

    GM LLT:
    Displacement - 3564 cc
    HP - 304
    Torque - 273 ft·lbf
    Technology - Direct inject, VVT
    First apperance: 2008 CTS

    How will the Hyundai 3.8 fit into this group is yet to be seen.
  • xtecxtec Member Posts: 354
    I can't find anywhere on the internet that says the 3.8 has direct inject.Hyundais own website makes no mention of this,and if it did,I'm sure they would mention this.Plus if it was direct inject.,I would think it rating would be in the 300HP range.If you saw that the 3.8 has direct inject.,please shows us the proof.Plus every car you mention is not on this board.I thought we are suppose to stick with whats on this board.
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    Xtec...first of all, calm down. Not every single posting is going to be on topic, but it won't stray too far (for the most part). Even though the cars themselves weren't mentioned, engines used in some of them are...and they are a part of the car, right? So...

    Louiswei...I'm sorry, but the 3.8 lambda engine that Hyundai uses is not direct injection...it utilizes CVVT technology.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    First of all, the focus of the previous post was not on the cars but the engines, I only supplied the information about the cars to indicate when do those engines first appear on the market. The Hyundai Genesis will belong to this class so it is not unfair to compare its 3.8 V6 to other comparable high output V6 counterparts.

    As for the direct inject, go to google and search the words "hyundai genesis direct inject".
  • tenpin288tenpin288 Member Posts: 804
    Check out this post from over in the Genesis thread...

    Genesis unveiled in Korea

    According to the info culled from Korean news reports the 3.8 will have 290 HP in the new Genesis. :D

    That seems pretty competitive to me. ;)
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    yeah...I posted a link earlier that mentions a version of the 3.8 being capable of 300+ hp. The top of the line Genesis will have the V-8 that will push out 375 hp.

    Like I said earlier, the 3.8 seems to be a great foundation for Hyundai to build on.
  • xtecxtec Member Posts: 354
    First of all I wasn't getting upset,I would just like to see fact not fiction if your going to post something like that.Car and driver is showing the Genesis coupe with the 3.8 with 300HP and also say Port fuel injection.I'm glad you made the correction.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    ...I posted a link earlier that mentions a version of the 3.8 being capable of 300+ hp
    And this would be the point of my original post ( and Alexstore's comment) - at 3.8 liters it should be putting out something well in excess of 300hp if that particular engine is to be considered in any way the equal to those 'state -of-the art' engines (and corresponding specs.) as ably summarized by louiswei. Have not seen anything that puts direct njection in any version of the Hyundai 3.8 or FTM claims anything other than some more rudimentary variable valve timing on the intake side only (not continuous, but a simple high rpm camshaft position shift that effectively repositions the camshaft lobes in such a way to hold the intake valves open longer) . This type of thing is similar to what Ford has been doing as well in its DTs for years now and is an order of magnitude less sophisticated than what Toyota and Nissan are now doing. Driving both the Azera and the Sonata, however, I found both engines smooth, willing and with a level of refinement that I had never seen (heard and felt) before in a Korean engine. Not quite the Toyota , Nissan, or Honda engines but close enough that most folks couldn't tell the difference...
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    and as I stated...it is forcasted to put out more than 300 hp. Just because it doesn't do so initially...don't call the engine inadequate. To be quite honest, the 3.8 probably has more growth potential than the Toyota 3.5. Like I said before, a great platform to build on.
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    Well...for someone that wants to see fact doesn't always practice what he preaches. Anyway...the Genesis Coupe and Sedan are going to be two different animals. From the readings I've come across...the Coupe will only have a turbo charged 4-cyl. engine pushing 220 hp and the 3.8 V-6 with somewhere just north of 300 hp. The Sedan on the other hand...is purported to have 3 engine offerings. I have heard rumblings that the V-8 won't make it to the U.S., but if Hyundai is truly shooting for the Infiniti M, E-Class Benz, 5-Series BMW's, they would have to bring the V-8 by default, which has been slated to push 375 hp. The 3.8 V-6 would be offered and it will be pushing close to 350 hp. The entry level Genesis Sedan would get the 3.3 V-6 and it would probably be pushing about 290 hp. The last one is a projection...I think the first two are pretty reasonable expectations.

    I may not always agree with someone, but wrong is wrong and if I'm ever wrong...I have no problem admitting it.
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,601
    This is from the Hyundai site on the Azera: "Continuously Variable Valve Timing modulates the engine´s intake-valve timing relative to the exhaust valves. The result is improved power and fuel efficiency at all engine speeds, as well as smooth idle."

    I'm asking, not being a smarta**; how, in not too techincal terms please, does Hyundais CVVT "rudimentary" compared to the competition? If intake timing is relative to exhaust, wouldn't this be "interactive"?
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    when or where did I ever call it 'inadequate'? Not quite up to those standards set by the Toyota or Nissan engines, certainly - one look at the relative specs. will tell you that, both those engines produce more power per unit displacement and provide better FE as well. But the 3.8 is also not inadequate by any stretch. The DT 3.0 in the old 500 , the pushrod 3.xs in some GM cars, or even the old 3.5 in the XG - those would be inadequate IMO and as I think you noted I am talking engines only here, not necessarily the cars built around them.
    As I know you're one those 'Hyundai guys', relax, the Azera remains a damn fine effort on Hyundai's part, something I think those Detroit Cos. only wish they could do, and may end up the best 'value' of all the cars in this group especially if it can live down the italicized 'H' on its trunk - something it has been doing well at - so far.
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    I didn't say YOU said it was inadequte, that was a statement made by someone else (refer to post #3875). I certainly can't debate the facts you're stating about the power Toyota & Honda are getting from their engines along with the FE they enjoy. Oh...by no means would I argue the fact that being one area that Hyundai needs to shore up (once you get past the Accent, Elantra & Sonata). However...if you look at the FE of the Hyundai vehicles, it's really not terrible either. I mean...up until the new model year, Hyundai & Nissan vehicles were getting close to the same FE.

    I am a Hyundai guy only because of the past to I've owned and not having any problems with them. They've definitelyproven themselves in my eyes. Are they the best thing out there...no, not at all. I'm am realistic enough to recognize that fact. However, I will say that the Hyundai products have been perfect for me and my needs and wants at the time. Ultimately, I wouldn't mind an Infiniti M, maybe the Lexus LS460, or a Benz E-Class (if they can get their stuff together). In the meantime...I'm more than content with my Azera.
  • jrodenjroden Member Posts: 8
    I have a V6 Lucerne and find it a delightful car for narmal driving. The fuel economy is outstanding, often 28-29 on the highway and 24ish for mixed, the car has a lot of nice features and comfort gadgets and rides well. The handling is so-so and I do wish the rear seat would allow folding for trunk access. I paid in the low 20's for a low miles program vehicle, which seems like a fair price, I would not pay 30K for a new one of these though.

    I'm really happy with the power of the V6, I don't want to mess with a more complicated aluminium V8 with overhead cams for the kind of driving I do, I'm just a real normal kind of driver. It's funny to read the posts above, it's like people would buy one of these cars based on which one won a drag race, who cares when you are poking down the interstate on hour three of some boring drive, or loading groceries and kids in the car every week, that's what most of us do with cars.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    bhmr- have never seen anything from Hyundai (or anybody else) that confirms CVVT, or CVVTi - if it does do this I would regard it as an important technological step on Hyundai's part and I stand corrected. A link would be appreciated.

    Have no idea how old you are, but back in the 60s and earlier 70s (in the good ole days before engine computers and emissions controls) we used to switch camshafts in those big American V8s, a 'grind' cam that would effectively hold intake valves open and therefore improve engine breathing and power especially at higher rpm. The tradeoff, at the time, was an engine that couldn't and wouldn't idle well, and suspect FE. These new high tech engines change all that by allowing the camshaft to continuously change position relative to the intake (and exhaust) valves having the effect of not only improving both high and low speed operation but also improving FE, emissions, and flattening/widening a given engine's torque curve - thereby addressing one of the more common problems with these OHC engines (peaky performance). My understanding of the 3.8 Lambda (like several others engines that purport to have 'VVT') is that this function is simply an inertial mechanical shift of the camshaft and only happens at a given higher rpm, something kind of pioneered by Honda in their 4 bangers years ago - all of which - is a lot simplier to do than adjusting things as dictated by computer, in response to things to engine temperature, speed, emissions and demands by the driver.
    Adding the additional capabilities to continuously modify exhaust valve timings as well only serves to make things that much more complicated and difficult to do.
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    Jroden...you're right about how most of us would use our cars on a daily basis. Where it may not be about winning a drag race, it is important for a car to be able to move into and out of traffic confidently. Not just when there's only one person in the car, but also when both the passenger cabin AND trunk are full.
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    Captain2...here's a link, just scroll down till you see the paragraph about the 3.8L engine...

    Hyundai Motor Corp
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    OK, I'll stand corrected, there is apparently more to the 3.8 then I thought.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Jroden...you're right about how most of us would use our cars on a daily basis. Where it may not be about winning a drag race, it is important for a car to be able to move into and out of traffic confidently. Not just when there's only one person in the car, but also when both the passenger cabin AND trunk are full.

    Absolutely. It is pretty sad that Buick has built themselves into a corner and can't give us a better V6. The V8 Lucerne isn't as fast as a V6 Avalon or Maxima, IIRC. The V6 Lucerne is a good deal slower than my 4-cyl Accord. It is adequate for day-to-day driving, but it wouldn't be the ideal car for passing a truck on a two-lane.

    I imagine in a couple of years, GM will have the 3.6L going into nearly all of its vehicles midsize and higher. Right now, the Lucerne and Impala V6s are put to shame by vehicles like the Azera, Taurus, Avalon, and Maxima.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Has anybody driven this car with the new 3.8 in it? How is it compared to the Azera?
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    in all fairness to GM, grad, I think it should be noted that in all probability, that this is not like GM (or Buick in this case) doesn't know that the Lucerne should have the 3.6 liter V6 - more like they can't up production capacity (money?) or close old engine plants (labor contracts and money) to do it. Ford and Chrysler have been suffering from the same sort of problems.
    That said, what earthly reason would anybody have to pay the extra money (and gas) for the Northstar V8, if that 3.6 could easily match/better those power/FE ratings of not only the V8 but also the other (V6) engines in this group? For those of us that have come to appreciate the power and FE available in some of the cars in this class, the 3.8 in the Lucerne makes it an unworthy competitor, just like the Five Hundred was - with the same 200hp.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I agree completely. Unfortunately, even its platform-mate the Impala has more power available than the 3800, with the 3.5 and 3.9L. Not a ton better, but with a nearly two-ton vehicle, I'll take the option of extra power AND fuel economy these two engines deliver over the 3800.

    3.5L in Impala - 211hp, 18/29 MPG
    3.9L in Impala - 233hp, 18/28 MPG

    3.8L in Lucerne - 197hp, 16/25 MPG

    For the record, the Impala is about 200 lbs lighter than the Lucerne.

    Give me an LTZ Impala over a Lucerne CX or CXL V6 anyday, if I MUST have GM.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    IMPO - and I have nothing to really substantiate this - is that those other pushrod variants only continue to exist because they can easily be modified for E85, thereby providing GM a means to improve (and meet) CAFE requirements.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Even if that is the case, they make the 3800 look pretty pathetic. Competitors' engines like the 3.5 in the Taurus, Avalon, Maxima, and the 3.8L in the Hyundai and Kia that all have 250+ hp and 240+ lb-ft really embarass GM as a whole. I've heard the argument that "the 3800 and the GM pushrods are better at torque than top-end power," but now these new DOHC and VVT engines have BOTH. GM can't get 3.6L production ramped up fast enough as far as I'm concerned. The 3.9L in the Impala is 30 hp short of its competitors, with no bonus in fuel economy for choosing it over a Taurus, etc...
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    LOL I told you...the Hyundai 3.8 is a pretty good platform for them to build off of. Today's Hyundai is not the Hyundai that used to make those pathetic, disposable cars (Excel & Scoupe). ;)
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    Today's Hyundai is not the Hyundai that used to make those pathetic, disposable cars (Excel & Scoupe).
    We can only hope so - more good choices - because this is perhaps Hyundai's biggest problem - not that its current crop of cars are any good but that nobody believes it!
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    Honestly...it's not that folks don't believe it, they are too close minded to even give it consideration. Before I bought my '02 Sonata, I was skeptical as even I had watched Hyundai's previous failed offerings in the automotive industry. When I walked out of the dealership after my initial test drive, my skepticism had shifted to light optimism with a hint of doubt. 4 years & 105K miles later...all skepticism was removed.

    I think folks just need to be more realistic in realizing the playing field is more level than they want to believe or care to admit to themselves. It's bad enough Americans had to swallow the fact that the Japanese were making better cars than we were, now...they have to turn around and digest the possibility that the Koreans are capable of bringing something to market that can compete with the Japanese offerings AND be better than the American products too.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    Before I bought my '02 Sonata. . . 4 years & 105K miles later...all skepticism was removed
    you would certainly be braver than the average autobuyer, those suspect Hyundai models you mentioned were sold as late as the middle 90s. Besides which, 4 years and 105k, is really something that should be expected these days even from the American brands - make it 8 years and 210k and you really are saying something. Unfortunately, I guess, Hyundai is still a number of years short of having
    that kind of history. Keep in mind that the new Sonata opened to JDP 'value' ravings as well as doing pretty well in consumer mag. ratings - it has since slipped.
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    You are right, the middle and late 90's. It wasn't until the 00's that they started getting themselves together. No...they didn't make any leaps or bounds at that point, but they were grabbing their boot straps and pulling them up. Their first major showing (IMO) was the '02 Sonata. While, mechanically...it was the same as the previous year, the change in sheet metal and redesigned interior made it much more appealing to the eye. Along with a laundry list of standard features and an offering such as Shiftronic (V-6 models) made it worth noticing.

    I have to admit, this model year of Sonata started out like the Azera did. Nobody seemed to be interested in it, however...about 6-8 months after hitting the show rooms, folks DID start taking notice and it took off after that. I remember when I first bought mine...I didn't see any on the roads for a long time, then...one would pop up here and there. Next thing I knew...they were all over the place like the Camry and Accord. They did improve it with the '06 model and yes, it has slipped, but it still remains a very capable and viable option to Accord and Camry (which seems to be having it's own issues as well).

    Yes, I'll agree with the fact that the Hyundai turn around is still young and they have a long way to go, but...I think they are raising eyebrows and making other makes a bit nervous along the way. That is a good sign IMO. The key at this point is to be consistent with their newfound growth and appeal and establish continuity in the market so that folks will look at them with more favor than they do now.

    You're right, 4 yrs/105K miles is expected by Japanese or American offerings. My mentioning of those statistics is based on the fact that it's a Korean product...a Hyundai. Most folks would scoff at the idea that a Hyundai could be that reliable.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    4 yrs/105K miles . . . Most folks would scoff at the idea that a Hyundai could be that reliable
    that we disagree on - for 20 (or 30) large, I think the current carbuyers EXPECTS more than that - I know I do - regardless of brand.
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    Yes...they may EXPECT it, but at one point...Hyundai really didn't seem to be capable of it. Thus, that is why they were known as disposable cars at one point.

    Currently...it IS highly expected, considering everyone offering some variation of a 100K mile powertrain warranty (with the exception of Mopar's unlimited powertrain warranty). However, again...with most folks minds still stuck in the past (when it comes to Hyundai)...I really think they are heavily skeptical in terms that they feel Hyundai products aren't reliable enough to to meet those terms.

    Currently, I have just over 42K on my '06 Azera and it has been GREAT!!!
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Yes...they may EXPECT it, but at one point...Hyundai really didn't seem to be capable of it. Thus, that is why they were known as disposable cars at one point.
    Hyundai: Brought to you by Chinet

    :P
  • cxccxc Member Posts: 122
    My understanding of the 3.8 Lambda (like several others engines that purport to have 'VVT') is that this function is simply an inertial mechanical shift of the camshaft and only happens at a given higher rpm, something kind of pioneered by Honda in their 4 bangers years ago

    GM invented VVT. BMW started to use it more than 20 years ago. HONDA just renamed it as VTEC about 10 years ago.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    considering everyone offering some variation of a 100K mile powertrain warranty
    well, not everybody - only those mfgrs that NEED to - consider this -if it wasn't for those fine mid 90s disasters known as Excels etc., we probably do not have anybody (even GM and Chrysler) offering it today.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    GM invented VVT. BMW started to use it more than 20 years ago. HONDA just renamed it as VTEC about 10 years ago.

    I don't think that's entirely true...

    Fiat was the first auto manufacturer to patent a functional variable valve timing system which included variable lift. Developed by Giovanni Torazza in the late 1960s, the system used hydraulic pressure to vary the fulcrum of the cam followers (US Patent 3,641,988). The hydraulic pressure changed according to engine speed and intake pressure. The typical opening variation was 37%.

    In September 1975, General Motors patented a system intended to vary valve lift. GM was interested in throttling the intake valves in order to reduce emissions. This was done by minimizing the amount of lift at low load to keep the intake velocity higher, thereby atomizing the intake charge. GM encountered problems running at very low lift, and abandoned the project.

    Alfa Romeo was the first manufacturer to use a variable valve timing system in production cars (US Patent 4,231,330). The 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0 L had a mechanical VVT system in SPICA fuel injected cars sold in the USA. Later this was also used in the 1983 Alfetta 2.0 Quadrifoglio Oro models as well as other cars.

    ...

    In 1986, Nissan developed their own form of VVT with the VG30DE(TT) engine for their Mid-4 Concept. Nissan chose to focus their NVCS (Nissan Valve-Timing Control System) mainly at low and medium speed torque production because the vast majority of the time, engine RPMs will not be at extremely high speeds. The NVCS system can produce both a smooth idle, and high amounts of low and medium speed torque. Although it can help a little at the top-end also, the main focus of the system is low and medium range torque production. The VG30DE engine was first used in the 300ZX (Z31) 300ZR model in 1987, this was the first production car to use electronically controlled VVT technology.

    The next step was taken in 1989 by Honda with the VTEC system. Honda had started production of a system that gives an engine the ability to operate on two completely different cam profiles, eliminating a major compromise in engine design. One profile designed to operate the valves at low engine speeds provides good road manners, low fuel consumption and low emissions output. The second is a high lift, long duration profile and comes into operation at high engine speeds to provide an increase in power output. The VTEC system was also further developed to provide other functions in engines designed primarily for low fuel consumption. The first VTEC engine Honda produced was the B16A which was installed in the Integra, CRX, and Civic hatchback available in Japan and Europe. In 1991 the Acura/Honda NSX powered by the C30A became the first VTEC equipped vehicle available in the US. VTEC can be considered the first "cam switching" system and is also one of only a few currently in production.

    ...

    In 1992 BMW introduced the VANOS system. Like the Nissan NVCS system it could provide timing variation for the intake cam in steps (or phases), the VANOS system differed in that it could provide one additional step for a total of three. Then in 1998 the Double Vanos system was introduced which significantly enhances emission management, increases output and torque, and offers better idling quality and fuel economy. Double Vanos was the first system which could provide electronically controlled, continuous timing variation for both the intake and exhaust valves. In 2001 BMW introduced the Valvetronic system. The Valvetronic system is unique in that it can continuously vary intake valve lift, in addition to timing for both the intake and exhaust valves. The precise control the system has over the intake valves allows for the intake charge to be controlled entirely by the intake valves, eliminating the need for a throttle valve and greatly reducing pumping loss. The reduction of pumping loss accounts for more than a 10% increase in power output and fuel economy.


    Source: Variable valve timing
  • allmet33allmet33 Member Posts: 3,557
    Funny, but you know what...everyone IS offering them...just not advertising them. Curious as to why Toyota won't advertise a 100K warranty on their new cars, but offer them on their certified used ones.

    It's not really about not needing them. In all honesty...it shows a company is willing to put their money where their mouth is. Right now, the best one walking the walk is BMW with the 4 year maintenance free program. Regardless of why they're doing it...they're doing it and they can't be losing that much money over it either. Same thing with the 100K mile warranties...if a car is really bad, why would they offer it knowing full well they would lose the shirts off their backs trying to cover all the warrantied repairs.

    You mention the Excel as being the reason that Hyundai made that move, but what folks fail to realize is...Volkswagen was doing it before Hyundai even made the move. Mitsubishi followed them...Hyundai didn't start offering it until '02 or shortly before that.
  • cobrazeracobrazera Member Posts: 352
    The Impala is not on the same platform as the Lucerne. Impala is on the same platform as the Lacrosse and Grand Prix, while the Lucerne shares it's platform with the Cadillac DTS.
    The 3800 engine is the old Buick produced engine based on a V8 and thus has an offset crank for even firing due to its 90 degree Vee angle.
    The V6s in the Impala are 60 degree designs based upon the old 2.8 liter introduced in the X-car ( Citation, Phoenix, et al ) in the early 80s.
  • cobrazeracobrazera Member Posts: 352
    Good point on the reason for E85, at least as far as trucks are concerned. I doubt it would be hard to modify the more modern engines to E85, though.

    I do agree with your earlier assumption that production capacity is one of the reasons these pushrod engines continue to exist. An additional factor is the fact that the car platforms they're in are not modern, either - hence the production facilities are designed to assemble the vehicles with the old engines.

    Back on the E85: what a farce that is. Even if it was readily available, why would anyone use it if it costs the same as gasoline. Tests have shown that fuel economy is about 20% less.
  • alexstorealexstore Member Posts: 264
    How many Time do I need to repeat myself? IF Hyundai stood behind it, they would offer it to be 100% fully transferable. Both Toyota and Honda know their products are reliable and have no need in 10 yr warranty gimmick.
  • alexstorealexstore Member Posts: 264
    Well if you are willing to spend thousands and make your car less powerful and efficient then E85 is for you. BTW there is no easy way to upgrade your car to E85. Ethanol is more corrosive then regular dinosaur fuel.
    There is one place , where it does make sense and thats in Brazil
  • tenpin288tenpin288 Member Posts: 804
    How many Time do I need to repeat myself? IF Hyundai stood behind it, they would offer it to be 100% fully transferable.

    Actually, they do if you purchase a CPO (certified pre-owned) Hyundai.

    Hyundai CPO Warranty

    ;)
  • alexstorealexstore Member Posts: 264
    In this case everyone is doing it on their used cars. Would would you buy someone elses problem. In CPO you have no Idea who was previous owner and what was his/her driving style.
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