Quote:
Originally Posted by RM7
Well, all vehicles are going to be at some level of boost under load. That level is going to be a result of the engine capability. If you're asserting that you're going to be towing constantly...well yeah, and a vehicle towing is going to get crap mileage most of the time. All vehicles can't be diesel because of the % of a barrel of oil that cracks into diesel vs. gasoline. Diesel makes sense for some applications and people, maybe those who are constantly towing, but for many other applications, gasoline is fine. Going too far in one direction will affect supply/demand and the price will go up.
And while you might reach those torque numbers you quote, it's the curve that becomes most important, not necessarily peak. I have my doubts as to whether you'd easily reach them (with independent dyno testing) with the normal hardware that has to meet reliability standards for mass-production. I think around a GM DI 6.2 is the minimum, where mine makes about 460tq and around 300lb/ft at ~1000rpm. If you can't match those types of numbers, turbo/hybrid is a great way to go and it gets you the pull when you need it. The giant engine gets thirsty when you add the drag and weight of a truck.
Fords issue for years has been not boring over 3.6. Mustang is a great example of an engine that is not suitable for a truck, needs to be wrang way out to make decent torque. Basically the opposite of the GM.
People want torque and pull, apart from going bigger and bigger, turbo and hybrid is the way to do it. Smaller ICE is never going to make sense, except for situations where you don't intend to ever have much load.
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I hear ya. Yes, low rpm torque is king in towing. That's why I keep noting a 8 speed transmission for my Tundra argument. The extra torque multiplication with the extra gear spread and plus being able to run a looser stall torque converter all add to a lot more torque to get going and move a heavier load. The torque converter then locks after 1st gear improving MPGs and power to the wheels. The 6 speed auto used in the V8 Tundras was woefully long geared, labored in gears killing MPGs, and the torque converter being pretty tight compared to the stuff that's available now.