VH_Supra26
08-15-2008, 10:36 PM
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Toyota/Highlander/Toyota_Highlander_02.jpg
Shifting demand for smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles around the globe, but especially in North America, has hit carmakers hard. Even industry leader Toyota is feeling the pain, announcing shocking profit results for the past quarter on the back of flagging sales for its SUV and pickup models in the U.S. market. The carmaker has responded to the changing trends by announcing today that its mid-size Highlander SUV will be available with a new four-cylinder petrol engine in January.
The new 2.7L four-cylinder engine generates 187hp (140kW) and 186lb-ft (250Nm) of torque and is fitted with a dual exhaust manifold to help improve torque levels at lower rpms. The new engine also allows the Highlander to be rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEVII) and is expected to make it one of the most efficient vehicles in its class. Official EPA fuel efficiency ratings will be announced closer to launch.
A six-speed automatic will come as standard, and both 2WD and 4WD modes will be available. When equipped with a tow package, the new powerplant will achieve a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Toyota also announced this week that it’s planning to start production of the new Highlander six months early in order to keep its Indiana workers busy. The carmaker originally planned to begin building the Highlander at its new factory currently under construction near Tupelo, Mississippi, in late 2009 or even early 2010. However, the decision to start production of the next-generation Prius at the Tupelo site meant that the Highlander needed to be moved.
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/suvs/toyota-adds-all-new-four-cylinder-engine-to-highlander-suv/
Shifting demand for smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles around the globe, but especially in North America, has hit carmakers hard. Even industry leader Toyota is feeling the pain, announcing shocking profit results for the past quarter on the back of flagging sales for its SUV and pickup models in the U.S. market. The carmaker has responded to the changing trends by announcing today that its mid-size Highlander SUV will be available with a new four-cylinder petrol engine in January.
The new 2.7L four-cylinder engine generates 187hp (140kW) and 186lb-ft (250Nm) of torque and is fitted with a dual exhaust manifold to help improve torque levels at lower rpms. The new engine also allows the Highlander to be rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEVII) and is expected to make it one of the most efficient vehicles in its class. Official EPA fuel efficiency ratings will be announced closer to launch.
A six-speed automatic will come as standard, and both 2WD and 4WD modes will be available. When equipped with a tow package, the new powerplant will achieve a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Toyota also announced this week that it’s planning to start production of the new Highlander six months early in order to keep its Indiana workers busy. The carmaker originally planned to begin building the Highlander at its new factory currently under construction near Tupelo, Mississippi, in late 2009 or even early 2010. However, the decision to start production of the next-generation Prius at the Tupelo site meant that the Highlander needed to be moved.
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/suvs/toyota-adds-all-new-four-cylinder-engine-to-highlander-suv/