Hmmm...the 2.7L 4banger is apparently making a comeback in the Highlander. Makes me wonder if they might bring it back for the T4R - probably not though because a) 5th gen T4R will probably be too heavy for a 4banger to make sense and b) gas is relatively cheap again. I wonder if this is the same basic engine though that was offered in the T4R up til 2000?

From Toyota's pressroom:

[QUOTE]
Toyota Announces Prices For 2009 Highlander Equipped With New Four-Cylinder Engine
New Extra Value Packages on Select Highlander Models
12/05/2008
December 5, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2009 Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) equipped with an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. With improved fuel efficiency and performance, and an array of standard convenience and safety features, the new four-cylinder model will carry the lowest MSRP in the Highlander lineup at $25,705, offering buyers an excellent value.

Pricing for Highlander V6 and Hybrid models were previously announced with MSRP for V6 models ranging from $27,600 for the front-wheel-drive to $34,520 for the full-time four-wheel-drive Limited. Highlander Hybrid MSRP ranges from $34,700 for the four-wheel-drive with intelligence base model to $41,020 for the 4WD-i Limited.

Also, six new Extra Value Packages will be offered on Base, Sport and Limited grades containing many of Highlanders most popular stand alone option features at substantial savings. Savings on Extra Value Packages for all three grades range from $300 on Base, up to $1,200 on Sport grades and up to $1,500 on the Limited. Three additional Extra Value Packages will be offered on Highlander Hybrid models with savings of $700 on the Limited and up to $980 on the Base grade.

Toyota's new 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine will help make the Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) one of the best in its segment in the areas of fuel economy, low emissions, performance, and value. It is expected to appeal to value-driven, mid-size SUV buyers seeking these characteristics without the price premium of a V6.

The four-cylinder Highlander will be among the leaders in fuel efficiency in the gas mid-size SUV segment with EPA fuel economy estimates of 27 MPG highway, 20 MPG city and 22 MPG combined. In addition, it will be EPA-rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEVII).

Highlander's new four-cylinder powertrain will produce impressive power, while greatly reducing noise and vibration to levels normally expected in a V6 or larger engine. It will generate 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,100 RPM on regular 87 octane fuel.

The new engine will be mated to an all-new six-speed electronically-controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) that is one of the lightest and most compact in its class. The new transmission delivers a smooth shifting, remarkably quiet ride that is on par with a V6, and acceleration that is surprisingly quick for a four-cylinder. Internal preliminary 0-60 mph testing was timed at 9.7 seconds, nearly one second quicker than the average four-cylinder mid-size SUV. When equipped with a tow package, the new powerplant will achieve a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Highlander's new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine will come standard on the well-equipped Highlander grade two-wheel-drive model with two rows of seats, contributing to its all-around excellent value. The two rows of seating features an innovative and versatile 40/20/40 second row seat with the industry's first Center Stow

Well, if the rumors are true, from this board, a new 4.6 V8 and available 3rd row seating in the Lexus. I would think the 4 banger might be a bit small.

I really don't see it getting much bigger, but I think a 4 cyl. would be overtaxed. My poor Previa has a hard time keeping up and gets terrible mileage, sometimes putting a 4 cyl. in a big car is just too much for the car.

Still, it is an interesting idea. One thing, the Highlander and 4Runner have never shared their drivetrains. The 4Runner has a truck engine and the Highlander has a car engine.

I think the I4 might not come back to the 4Runner, it's too heavy. If it it does, it'll more likely be the I4 found on the Tacoma. I think the 2.7 in the Highland is the same as the one for the Venza, which at the time of the Venza's announcement Toyota said it would be V6 only, just like the Highlander. I'm sure the development of this 2.7 for the Highlander, Toyota was forced into it with the high gas prices we had earlier this year.

Though it's a smaller engine, but my friend's tC struggles with a full load. That engine is rated for at 158hp and 162ft-lb torque. I don't think that .3 liters and almost 30hp boost and 23ft-lb torque jump will be significant motivation for an additional 1000lbs.

I think this 2.7 is a transverse engine for car and FWD layouts.

Which Lexus model Peter? I've heard the different rumors on the GX, suggesting that it might go carbase (which I doubt) or IRS. The 2010 RX does not have third row seating.

I have also heard from a Dealer manager that the next gen 4runner will get the 4cyl. As far as that motor being underpowered, I dont think it will. Look back to the 1996 V6 that only had 183hp and just a bit more torque. Then compare the weight of the current 4runner and Highlander, both within 200lbs of each other. So if the Highlander can make due with that motor so could the 4runner if it stays similar in size.

On a side note, I dont want a 4cyl, I have the V8 now and need it for towing my 4000lb boat. If i can only get a V6 in the next model, it better be powerful!

Brandon

Of course gas is down to about $1.60 a gallon. When it goes back up and then to over $5.00, the 4 cyl. may be attracted to a certain amount of customers. Towing will be very limited with a 4 cyl.

One other factor is what does the torque curve look like for this new 2.7 I4. While its numbers may be similar to the old 3.4 V6, when is the majority of it's torque available. Most V8 truck engines get 80% of the torque under 2000lbs.

The old saying... horsepower sells cars, torque wins races. Or in this case gets the 4000lbs moving.

Not to hijack the thread but I think gas prices went as high as they did based on the presidential administration in power for the last 8 years that had ties and conflicts of interest to the oil industry.

Is it coincidence that the drop in oil coincides with the changing of administrations? Only time will tell. Last predictions I heard is that gas will be around $1.00 a gallon by January

I know the official story of why oil shot to $147.00 a barrel was because it was speculated that there would be a disruption in the world's oil supplies. I don't think we will see oil get back above $80 a barrel for quite some time which would put gas back right around $3.00 a gallon.

I don't know if i buy what you're saying at all....

Do you mean the reason for gas prices going up or going down?

Like I said time will tell if gas goes back to $4.00 a gallon then I will beleive Bush's administration had no influence on oil prices.

When you are in bed with the Saudi government it could appear very suspicious.

Texas is a red state and so I can see how we are not in agreement because I am from a blue state.

It's amusing the rival gangs in LA were the bloods (red) and the crips (blue)

The rival political party system in this country is red (republicans) and blue (democrats)

Neither one is better. The point I am trying to make is that people show so much allegiance to a party that they are sometimes unable to see any mistakes their leaders have made and that goes for both sides whether you are red or blue and thus if we are to be united then there really can only be one politcal party with the same ideals as we are so defined and divided by politcal party lines as a distraction for Corporate America to buy and sell out it's citizens to the lowest bidder

So, you believe that Bush wants to screw the American people in his last days of office? So, for 7.999 years of Bush's term, gas prices were reasonable, but for that last 0.0001 year of Bush term, he suddenly decided to screw Americans and raise the gas prices all by himself???? Does that really make sense to you?!!

(Hint: Gas prices started to go down way before Obama won the presidential election. You knew this, right?)

You claim that Obama has something to do with it, right? Well, he is not even in office to make policy changes, nor has he even talked with Saudi govt. If you think that the President has THAT much influence, then why hasn't the economy gone up??

When gas prices go up, people use Bush as scapegoat. When prices go down, no one even mentions Bush...and now, you have already credited Obama for the gas price fall........even before he signs his first policy!

This is not about red or blue...you're right. This is about having common sense and paying attention to the big picture. What you said above is honestly ridiculous and embarrassing. It is pretty amazing what some Americans think...it is even more amazing to see how the news media and downright propaganda have affected what Americans think. No one does any research anymore.

That has to be one of the longest sentence i have read in a long while!! And i am not too sure what you were trying to say....

Lets see...turn the clock back 8-12 months. At that time, most "experts" predicted that gas prices will be $6.00-7.00/gallon by this time of year. Everyone was in a panick. Car companies were running to their scientists to build electric cars. People were selling their SUVs and trucks. (I stopped off-roading.)

What does this tell you about these "predictions"?? Well, for one, NO ONE HAS A FREAKING CLUE ABOUT THE FUTURE. The sooner you accept this, the better you are off in the future.

I never credited Obama or mentioned Obama. How could I credit Obama he is not even in Office yet. (you proved my point you are so allied with your political party that you obviously did not read my post and you assumed I credited Obama, when I never even mentioned him that is why I think political parties are like gangs people get so defensive that they come out ready to pounce. Nobody thinks for themselves anymore, we just pick our favorite color and put on blinders) All politicians even Obama have been bought and are owned by Corporate America. Americans have been sold out. AKA $750 billion bailout. Banks are getting the bail out money but they are not freeing up credit markets and thus passing releif on to the small businesses who need capital to cover overhead operating expenses.

I have a 751 fico score and was turned down on a car loan with 10%down. Does that tell you Banks are still not wanting to lend money.

When I bought my 4Runner in 05 I had a Fico of 698 and put only $1500 down and got the loan

I have noticed that the red states have two types of conservatives.

1. Wealthy and so they are not in touch with the finacial struggles of the average Joe and thus gas being $5.00 a gallon is of no consequence.

2. Republicans bow to the moral majority religeous fanatics who beleive god wants us to be in Iraq and that our president talks to Jesus. Bush has publicly said he answers to a higher power; god.

More on bailouts:

As for the big 3 let them go under because if they made a quality product like Toyota, Lexus , Etc. they would not need to be bailed out because people would be buying their product. I thought that was capitalism he who builds the best mouse trap wins

Toyota has been succesful in the U.S because they built their plants in right to works states that do not have to hire union workers and so their costs to operate are less

So, what administration are you talking about here:

Are you talking about Toyota administration? GM administration?? Maybe i am naive, but i thought that you referred to Obama's win in the presidential election.

Why are we even talking about bailouts and Corporate America?? Weren't you giving your 2 cents about gas prices, Bush being in bed with Saudis, and "administration change"??? When the hell did this become a topic about Republicans and religion?? (BTW, i have no religius affiliation.) So, which type of conservative am i??

When did this hijack subject get hijack again??!!

You never answered me...do you really think Bush is the cause of the high gas prices recently...in his last few months of office?? It seems that you think so. Proof?? Facts to back it up?? If you think so, then why didn't Bush increase the gas price 7 years ago?????? Why did he choose to do it now at the end of his term?? I am curious.

Let's just agree to disagree. You are in the 25% group of the Americans that thought Bush was the greatest President ever in the midst of the worst financial meltdown next to the depression that our country has ever encountered.

Bush bankrupted 5 compaines before he was President and he almost succeeded in bankrupting our country.

You'll probably say it's the financial institutions CEO's greed but where was the legislative oversight to step in from preventing these banks from lending money without any income verification. Oh that's right republicans like to de-regulate I forgot that part