I don't see how one actual head of a 6.0L V12 would be any bigger than the head of a 3.0L I6. I mean, they're basically the same thing. the only difference with the V12 is there's another one next to it.

 

A thought Just crossed my mind. With the discovery that the 5.0 in the IS-F will have 'G' series heads (2UR-GSE), I think its pretty certain that this engine will utilize this new technology to better performance and help the IS-F have anywhere from acceptable to class leading fuel mileage. Why? VVT technology debuted in the 4AGE, VVT-i in the 3SGE BEAMS engine and VVTL-i in the 2ZZ-GE... all engines with G series heads. With Yahmaha in the mix doing the tuning, and this being the next step, it's my guess that we will see valvematic in the IS-F after the technology debuts in a few months on whatever 2.0 engine they plan on premiering it with.

What do you guys think?

 

Very good point. The letter G has to be there for a good reason. Let's hope for a pleasantly unsurprising surprise.

 

Don't take my word for it, but this is just what I have heard from various BMW mechanics and I think once some BMW engineers mentioned the same thing.

Whatever the reason is, we simply do not see direct injection and Valvetronic paired together in BMW engines, with the exception of the V12.

Interesting point, and I think it's a likely possibility the 2UR-GSE could have Valvematic. On the other hand, reports from Japan are saying all Valvematic engines will have a new (different) engine code. For instance, the 2.0L Valvematic is supposed to be the 3ZR-FAE. The "A" apparently symbolizes Valvematic. The IS-F's engine code doesn't have an "A", but then again the rumours have yet to be confirmed by Toyota.

What is another possibility is that the IS-F could feature continously variable valve lift on both the intake and exhaust cams. Valvematic and Valvetronic both function only on the intake cam.

 

A surprising update from Japan:

http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/07/0627.html

Two redesigned vans, the Noah and Voxy have been released in Japan, and both vehicles feature two engine choices; a 2.0L 3ZR-FE making 141HP and 143 lb-ft, and a 2.0L 3ZR-FAE Valvematic engine, making 156HP and 145 lb-ft. That's about a 10% HP increase, and a small torque increase just by adding Valvematic on an identical engine. Not only that, but based on the Japanese test cycle, fuel economy is increased by about 6% on the Valvematic engine.

The 3ZR-FAE was originally rumoured to first appear this winter on the Premio/Allion sedans in Japan, but looks like Toyota surprised everyone, as this 2.0L Valvematic is available now in Japan on the Noah and Voxy.

With this in mind, there is a high chance we will see a Valvematic engine available on the upcoming USDM Corolla.

 

That's a solid 10+% increase in horsepower right there indeed. Can't wait to see something like a 2GR-FASE with 306hp + 10% = 337hp in the next IS350 refresh.

 

Don't be surprised at all to see it on future Toyota engines. Plus, adding Valvematic to a small engine likely makes less of a difference than it would on a big engine with more valves. With Valvematic, the 3.5L 2GR-FSE can easily make over 330HP and over 280 lb-ft torque. What makes me think then is why Infiniti's G37 makes *only* 330HP, considering it had a 0.2L displacement increase, it got the addition of VVEL, and peak HP is reached at a rather high 7000 RPM, compared with the G35 sedan. The G35 already makes 306HP from the 3.5L VQHR V6. Purely by bumping up the displacement to 3.7L, HP then should increase to about 323HP. By adding VVEL, HP should have increased to well over 330HP.

Now that Nissan and Toyota both have their variable valve lift systems on the market, the pressure is on Honda to get it's own A-VTEC system to the market soon.