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Old 01-02-2008, 04:49 PM
PineywoodsPete PineywoodsPete is offline
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Real Name: Pete Berry
Hybrids: '06 Highlander 4Wi Standard, 34,000 mi
Posts: 56
Default Re: A silly question.....maybe.

Quote:
Originally Posted by shiba3420 View Post
I thought the HiHy was an atkinson cycle engine, and I was certain I read it from a reliable source. Ends up Wikipedia's entry on atkinson used to list the HiHy...incorrectly.

Does anyone know what are the differences (if any) between the hybrid & non-hybrid version of the highlander engine which help provide better ICE mileage (if any)?

The hybrid 3.3L V6 is a somewhat de-tuned version of the standard's V6, with max. power and torque at significantly lower RPM's, increasing efficiency and flexibility. I am convinced that the CVT of the hybrid is a large contributer to FE, in that it is always in the "right" gear with its continually variable gear ratio, keeping the engine at max efficiency under low or high demand conditions, and without the power loss (heat generation) of an oil-filled torque converter.

Pete
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