Meet Toyota’s new premium drivetrain.
When you hearken to the Client Information Automotive Stuff Podcast, you recognize about our first rule of selling: By no means model one thing that sucks. This rule applies particularly to Volkswagen’s Cariad division, which most likely didn’t want a trademarked identify, and has been nothing however a humiliation for the corporate. A lot so, that VW has been pressured to license electric-car software program structure from Chinese language firms.
What’s Hybrid Max?
However, branding a characteristic or expertise that represents demonstrable buyer worth can work wonders for a carmaker—or actually any services or products retailer.
Branded Engines
Within the automotive world, branding engines and engine expertise will not be unusual. A number of examples embody Hemi (Jeep and Ram), EcoBoost (Ford), and VC-Turbo (Nissan). Of those, Hemi might be the most effective identified model, whereas the VC-Turbo represents the most-specific—and much reaching—software of expertise.
For Toyota, naming engines isn’t precisely a behavior, however the maker has often seen match to baptize a powerplant with a proper moniker. A number of examples:
- Valvematic (used exterior the U.S.)
- i-Power (utilized principally to the maker’s now retired 5.7-liter V8)
- i-Power Max (now present in Toyota vans)
- Hybrid Max (premium engine present in quite a few Toyota and Lexus fashions)
The Hybrid Max is among the many maker’s latest branded powerplants, and it performs an fascinating position in each the Toyota and Lexus lineups as a premium engine that can be environment friendly.
Hybrid Max Fundamentals
An enhancement of the two.4-liter turbocharged engine which has been used for a few years now as a substitute for the maker’s well-loved however dated 3.5-liter V6, the Max engine is surprisingly totally different from most different Toyota hybrid engines.
Whereas most Toyota hybrids are designed for max gasoline economic system, the Max is designed for energy first, and gasoline economic system as a secondary attribute. And in Client Information testing, the powerplant shines in each regards.
Hybrid Max Specs
Now supplied in a pair every of Toyota and Lexus fashions, the engine is technically fascinating for quite a few causes. Listed below are a couple of noteworthy options:
- Displaces 2.4-liters (2393 cubic centimeters)
- At all times fitted with a 6-speed computerized transmission and AWD
- Runs on common fuel* regardless of its excessive energy output
- Peak turbo increase between 15-17 psi
- In contrast to most different Toyota hybrid engines, the Max doesn’t make use of Atkinson Cycle valve-management expertise
- Horsepower and torque output varies by software
- Regardless of the applying, produces at the least 400 pound-feet or torque
Hybrid Max Energy and Gasoline Financial system
The Max engine gives a wholesome bump in horsepower and gasoline economic system in each software it sees service. Take the Lexus RX, for instance. The RX 350 AWD employs Toyota’s standard turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, and boasts 275 horsepower, and an EPA mixed fuel-economy estimate of 24 mpg.
The sporty RX 500h, nevertheless, is supplied with the Max powertrain, and boasts 366 horsepower and a formidable 27 mixed mpg ranking.
Functions
The Hybrid Max engine is at present supplied within the Toyota Crown and Grand Highlander, in addition to the Lexus RX and TX. And, in contrast to VW’s troubled software program operation, we’d say that the Hybrid Max engine was completely value branding.
i-Power Max
Notice that the 4-cylinder i-Power Max engine is mechanically just like the Hybrid Max, however is designed for north/south installations (not transverse), in Toyota’s extra rugged vans. Toyota additionally produces a V6 engine dubbed i-Power Max; it may be discovered within the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia large vans.
Premium Gasoline
*And about that common fuel factor: Phrase is that utilizing premium-grade fuel within the Max will enhance energy output and gasoline economic system, although solely marginally. Hitting the hills, or doing a little bit trailering? Couldn’t damage to prime off with the good things.
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Hybrid Max Photos
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