AlmostAnOldGuy wrote:
Regarding small displacement...
It is a winner in my book. Moved from an 8.1L to my 3.5L and have no regrets. Note the 3.5L is coupled to a six speed transmission. Tows the same trailer of 8k very well.
Good luck all,
Stu
Technology does march on and your example is a good example of how smaller can be both very powerful (3.5 liter turbo'd V6) and efficient with more transmission speeds than older technology of just a few years ago.
One smaller engine / transmission combo I'm particularly interested in finding out more about, is the Dodge (Ram 1500) truck small turbo diesel, with the 8 speed automatic transmission. Both power (HP+ torque) and multi ratios are impressive.
I hope we see more smaller turbo diesel engines and multi speed transmissions in the North American car/light truck market, in the near future.
Another similar light truck coming on line...the new Chev/GMC Colorado/Canyon pickup with a small turbo diesel and multi speeds.
I drove a sedan with a small turbo diesel, a 2012 VW Jetta. I was very impressed with the amount of low speed and mid range torque. Lot of fun to drive, short shifting and allowing that rich, meaty torque band to do all the work ...effortlessly.
BTW, theses small VW turbo diesels get fabulous MPG....both in city and on the highway. My understanding is that while small hybrid gas/electrics...like the Prius...get tremendous MPG in the city...they're not so hot on the highway....when the gas engine cuts in and has to do the work.
So much so, that many commuters in my neck of the road, go for the VW turbo diesels, to rack up a lot of fuel efficient highway miles.
