View Single Post
Old 11-20-2008, 09:33 PM   #7 (permalink)
Peter7307
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Victoria , Australia.
Posts: 499
Thanks: 20
Thanked 46 Times in 33 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
"The US doesn't get efficient powertrain options available elsewhere" is a common refrain heard around here.

It seems like the base (or only) engine options available in many North American spec vehicles are at least mid-range engines in other markets.

I wonder: is it possible there may be ecomodders in some other countries in the world who look at the US market and wish they could get such efficient powertrains?

EG. does Toyota spec all Corollas in Dubai with V6's?
Not sure about the Toytas sent to Dubai but (GM) Holdens badged as Chevrolet cars sent to the Middle East from Australia have the V8 engine and six speed auto as standard fitting.

It was also the car of the year there (Abu Dhabi) last year as an aside.
No small achievement given the price of gasoline and the fact there is no tax on cars there so this truly is the level playing field our politicians keep talking about.

The standard offering here from GM is a 3.5 litre V6 , 4 valve per cylinder , variable valve timing and a five speed auto (made by GM powertrain in France) with the V8 and six speed as an option.
The body is a four door sedan and weighs in at around 3200 lbs or so.

Full details at: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea....holden.com.au
for those really into the tech side of it all.

The Ford match is a 4.0 litre in line six (also with variable vale timing and four valves per cylinder ) with a five speed auto as standard. Body style is the same and weights similar.
Details at: www.ford.com.au
for the tech side of that one.

Cheers , Pete.

Last edited by Peter7307; 11-20-2008 at 09:40 PM..
  Reply With Quote