All-New 2008 Toyota Highlander/Hybrid @ Chicago Auto Show
#61
Lexus Connoisseur
*** What is that screen that is on top of the NAVI screen in the 08 Highlander picture? and the article says that a backup camera can be purchased without even having the NAVI screen? where does the image show up at? where the multi-information screen on the insturment cluster is at or that one screen on top of the dash where the NAVI is? just a question ***
#63
Lexus Test Driver
19 inch wheels standard on sport, hybrid and limited models, not even lexus's own LX470 offers 19 inchers, guess the next generation RX, GX, and LX will offer them as standard
#68
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
Suffers from the Solara Syndrome. Ugly as hell on the outside, yet the interior is so nicely done, it belongs in a class above it.
Some cool features, such as that trick second row seat, and I like the fact that you can get a backup camera without Navi, but dont like the small screen its displayed on. I kinda like the exposed cup holders with the chrome ring around it. Has a nice germanic touch to it, a la VW Phaeton which IMO is a splendid interior.
Dont know why anyone was expecting the hybrid model to be mated to the 3.5L. Toyota surely didnt make a big stink about the Hybrid model with the first introductory Highlander Press Release last month. Usually new Hybrid technology warrants its own separate Press Release, and we obviously didnt get any of that.
However the hybrid powertrain is improved and thankfully with a significant weight gain and running on the revised EPA standards, the estimates did not change. Hopefully real world drivers wont notice a significant MPG difference this year either.
Some cool features, such as that trick second row seat, and I like the fact that you can get a backup camera without Navi, but dont like the small screen its displayed on. I kinda like the exposed cup holders with the chrome ring around it. Has a nice germanic touch to it, a la VW Phaeton which IMO is a splendid interior.
Dont know why anyone was expecting the hybrid model to be mated to the 3.5L. Toyota surely didnt make a big stink about the Hybrid model with the first introductory Highlander Press Release last month. Usually new Hybrid technology warrants its own separate Press Release, and we obviously didnt get any of that.
However the hybrid powertrain is improved and thankfully with a significant weight gain and running on the revised EPA standards, the estimates did not change. Hopefully real world drivers wont notice a significant MPG difference this year either.
#69
Lexus Fanatic
If you read my post I suggested the 3.0L not the 3.5L. The 3.0L would've been a terrific candidate for the new hybrid powertrain as it makes more power than the current 3.3L but won't overpower the 3.5L hybrid reserved for the Lexus nameplate.
#70
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
In any case I don't think any other engines besides the 3.3 MZ and 3.5 GR engines have been used with a hybrid powertrain (6-cyl ones anyway). It's extra R&D, why not use an existing platform. I'm sure they'll bring out a newer smaller displacement hybrid (less than 3.5) because the 3.5 isn't exactly an economical engine. The 3.5 hybrid powertrain I would guess will be left up to the hybrid sports cars.
#73
its a bloated rav4..whats good about it? i dont see anything good. not even the interior..that ugly yellow fake wood needs to go..seriously they ned to stop doing that withtheir vehicles. The Santa Fe is a better lookign car even if it is nothing but a convergence of like 4 automakers..lol
#75
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the 4 cyl was dropped because that segment will now be covered by the Rav4. The new Highlander is just too big to have a 4 cyl engine.
And it makes sense, even if it's dissapointing, that Toyota didn't change the Highlander Hybrid powertrain. The HH hasn't been on the market for long, so it would be surprising that Toyota would change the HSD system so soon. Likely a mid-cycle powertrain update will come for the Highlander Hybrid. Let's hope we don't have to wait for the next-gen Highlander for a new hybrid system. Also hoping a 6 speed will be added later on.
The Rav4 is Toyota's entry level CUV. The Highlander is Toyota's midsize CUV. Just as the Camry, I see no reason why it shouldn't have a 6 speed.
And it makes sense, even if it's dissapointing, that Toyota didn't change the Highlander Hybrid powertrain. The HH hasn't been on the market for long, so it would be surprising that Toyota would change the HSD system so soon. Likely a mid-cycle powertrain update will come for the Highlander Hybrid. Let's hope we don't have to wait for the next-gen Highlander for a new hybrid system. Also hoping a 6 speed will be added later on.
The Rav4 is Toyota's entry level CUV. The Highlander is Toyota's midsize CUV. Just as the Camry, I see no reason why it shouldn't have a 6 speed.