Scion xd Kia Rondo Nissan Rogue Mercedes-Benz C-Class Service Overview of the 2008 IMPORTS BY PAUL WEISSLER The market for car-based crossovers has been building, and the import manufacturers have been reworking those models and introducing new ones. That adds up to many all-new 2008 import vehicles to talk about. The Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla are the high-volume import nameplate introductions for 2008, but there s also a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Mercedes own sales leader), a pair of new Scions from Toyota, an Audi TT and A5/S5, plus a small Volvo the C30. And although the sedan is the Nissan Altima volume leader, there s also a new Altima sport coupe and even a hybrid version of the sedan. Infiniti s G series, which introduced a new sedan last year (the G35), adds 22 December 2007
Hyundai Veracruz Volvo XC70 Subaru Impreza smart fortwo December 2007 23
a new coupe (the G37) for 08. Subaru offers a redesigned Impreza and Impreza WRX, the subcompact pony car. Mitsubishi has come out with a new Lancer. There also are new versions of such crossovers as the Toyota Highlander and Volvo XC70, and all-new entries the Nissan Rogue, Infiniti EX35, Hyundai Veracruz and Kia Rondo. The most novel entry, though, certainly is the smart fortwo, an under 9- ft.-long city car being imported by Roger Penske, whose numerous Indy 500 winners are legendary. The smart If you have to disconnect the Highlander s separate knock sensors, be careful not to switch the wiring connectors, which are interchangeable. fortwo (there s also a smart forfour) is made by Mercedes, and is something you already see in all the big cities of Europe. So here s an overview of what s coming out of the import camps for 2008, and what you may be seeing in your service bays down the road. Toyota, Scion Toyota s major 2008 introduction is the Highlander crossover, which is also available with a hybrid system similar to the one used in the previous model. The Highlander has grown about 4 in. in overall length, to 188.4 in. It gets a 3.5L version of the V6, rated at 270 hp, which replaces the 260-hp, 3.3 V6. To improve idle smoothness, this new engine has a diaphragm-type vibrationcanceling mount that operates at under 900 rpm. The 3.5 is an updated engine in many respects, including the change in oil filter from a spin-on can to a cartridge type built into the oil pan. (Remove the drain plug and after the oil is out, remove the cover.) The engine does have the common crank-hold feature, in which the engine keeps cranking until it starts. However, it s used only with the optional smart key (a keyless system with a push button). The 3.5 has a separate knock sensor for each bank in the valley, and they re fairly close to each other. If you have to disconnect them for other service, be sure not to switch the wiring connectors, which are interchangeable. The Highlander s fuel system goes through a vapor leakage check as part of its OBD II strategy, about five hours after engine shutdown. This produces a sound which emanates from under the luggage compartment that lasts for several minutes. If the owner asks about it, just explain it s normal. The BEAN (Body Electronics Area Network) system is gone, as part of a total data bus reengineering. The Highlander s new electronic architecture features: the legally required high-speed CAN (controller area network) for the powertrain, also used for the vehicle stability control system, electric power steering, air bags and communication with the a/c amplifier; medium-speed CAN for main body electronics (including the smart key and power tailgate); LIN (local interconnect network) for the smart key, HVAC and information display; AVC-LAN (audio-visual local area network). As this suggests, there are some cases of two data buses (both CAN and LIN, for example), talking to the same modules, as the buses operate without gateway modules that would permit data sharing. The Highlander has a tire pressure monitoring system, of course, but unlike others, it doesn t do all of its own recalibration and initializations. If even one If the chart at right is missing, please circle #40 on the Product Information Card on page 57. 24 December 2007
Intake Air Surge Tank Main Liquid Chamber Diaphragm Vacuum Tank Air Chamber Engine Vacuum Switching Valve ECM Rubber Active Control Engine Mount Side Branch A diaphgram-type mount, previously used only by Toyota on Lexus models, makes it to the Highlander in 2008. It creates a countervibration to that developed by the engine at idle, to cancel it. wheel transmitter/tire valve is replaced, the IDs for all the transmitters must be registered with the electronic control module, and you need a scan tool with specific software for that. In case you hadn t heard, Toyota went to a new PC-based factory scan tool last year. Called Techstream, it s designed for CAN and does 2001 and later vehicle reprogramming, but also is backward-compatible to 1989 models. The old Bosch/Vetronix Mastertech is supported only through 2007. The new Corolla is officially a 2009 model, but because it s coming out this winter, we re covering it now, along with a new Matrix. The styling of both is similar, appropriate because the Matrix is a crossover version of the Corolla. Both have a brand-new 1.8L four-cylinder engine, rated at 132 hp (up 6 hp from the previous engine), which is now the only one available. However, the modest horsepower increase was not the reason for a new engine, of course. Toyota comes out with new engines to introduce new features and meet nextgeneration emissions standards. This 1.8L Four has a bore and stroke of 80.5x88.3mm (vs. 79x91.5mm for the base Corolla and 82x85mm for 180-hp engine used in the Celica and as a performance option in the Matrix). The most noticeable change when you lift the hood is the use of a cartridge-type oil filter, as opposed to the Techstream, Toyota s PC-based factory scan tool, is CAN-compatible for 2001 and later vehicle reprogramming, and backward-compatible to 1989 models. previous spin-on type. This engine is derived from the same family as a the 1.8L, 180-hp engine once used in the Celica and Matrix. So it has both variable valve timing (intake and exhaust) and a rocker arm system, vs. the direct lobe-on-lifter bucket of the previous Corolla 1.8. The rocker system now also has hydraulic lifters, eliminating the need for periodic checking and adjustment (with shims) of the previous design, or the mic-and-replace clearance adjustment system of the lobe-on-lifter bucket. The intake valve rockers are the roller bearing type, one of the steps taken to reduce friction (along with a plastic coating on the piston skirt, low-tension rings and luberetaining micro-grooves in the main and rod bearings). In addition, the crankshaft is slightly offset from the bore centers, to reduce side thrust on the piston as it moves down on the power stroke. The new 1.8L Four was introduced a few months earlier on the Scion xd, a new addition to the line that replaces the xa. While the xa was on a slightly shorter wheelbase, the overall length of the xa and xd is the same 154 in. However, the xd is much more stylish and upscale, and with the 1.8 s 128 hp, performance obviously is far better, compared with the 103 hp of the 1.5L engine the xa had been sharing with the ECHO/Yaris. The xb, the tall box sedan, has grown a foot to 167 in. in overall length. Since this new size calls for more power, its 108-hp version of the 1.5L Four also December 2007 33
has been replaced for 2008, in this case by a 158-horse edition of the 2.4L Camry four-cylinder. Oil Filter Element Drain Plug A cartridge filter is built into the oil pan on the Toyota 3.5L V6. The oil drain plug is built into the cover. Drain the oil first, then replace the filter element. Plunger Spring Plunger Check Ball Check Ball Spring Filter Cap Subassembly Lash Adjuster Oil Passage Cam Oil Filter Case Oil Filter Element Drain Plug No. 1 Valve Rocker Arm Subassembly (Roller Rocker Arm) Hydraulic lifters replace the shim-adjust system with rocker arms in the new version of the 1.8L Four used in the Corolla, Matrix and Scion xd. Honda The new Accord definitely is a bit bigger in all key dimensions, At 194.1 in. overall, the sedan is the longest in its market class and actually moves into the large-car category with its 120-cu.- ft. interior dimension. However, as usual, Honda s big news is the powertrain. There are two basic versions both of the 2.4L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6, each in two different emissions levels one ULEV-2 (ultra low emissions), one PZEV (partial zero emissions) rated. The PZEV rating (for California and northeastern states) is achieved in part by specific fuel injectors, variable lift that leaves the exhaust valve closed at low rpm and dual-probe spark plugs. These plugs, which are new for Honda, are being used on some Nissan and Toyota models, including the Highlander. The base Accord engine is rated at 177 hp, up 7% from last year. The performance edition produces 190 hp at 7000 rpm. The extra horsepower comes from a larger, freer-flowing exhaust system with a variable-flow valve in the muffler. The engine and its high rpm limit would normally be noisy, but Honda has put active noise cancellation into the car, which consists of a pair of microphones (one in the headliner, one in the overhead console) that work with the vehicle sound system to broadcast antinoise into the cabin. So if the engine sound level suddenly rises sharply, the noise cancellation (versions of which also are used on Honda V6s with cylinder deactivation) would be suspect. Unlike many other engine compartments, the Accord s is not shrouded in a lot of plastic (there s one cover, but at least you can see most of the parts). The back of the compartment is reasonably open, allowing access to the oxygen sensor and heater hose connections. All 3.5 V6 engines develop 268 hp from 3.5 liters, a half-liter increase from a larger bore (86 to 89mm) and stroke (86 to 93mm). However, one version has two-stage cylinder deactivation which means it can go from 34 December 2007
all six to four or even three cylinders. The banks are numbered 1, 2 and 3 (rear) and 4, 5 and 6 (front). In fourcylinder mode, cylinders 3 and 4 are deactivated; in three-cylinder mode, rear-bank cylinders 1, 2 and 3 are deactivated. Yes, the computer control system for the V6-4-3 is specific, not the one used with the conventional V6, despite the fact that horsepower ratings are the same. The conventional V6, used only in the coupe with a six-speed manual transmission, develops more midrange torque but delivers lower fuel economy. Nissan The Altima lineup got a major overhaul with introduction of the coupe and the hybrid sedan, although the latter is a limited edition sold only in eight states. The hybrid uses the Altima 2.5L Four, plus such key Toyota Camry hybrid components as the motor generator, battery pack and computer, brake actuator and computer and the DENSO electric a/c compressor, so the a/c can operate with the engine on idle stop. Nissan programs the Toyota hybrid and brake computers for its specific needs, and supplies the wheel brakes. This should make it clear that you can t use a lot of Toyota Camry hybrid componentry with this model. In fact, the electric power steering is not from the Camry, but is a modified version of a system used on the Lexus RX 400. This Altima hybrid is just an interim step, as Nissan is developing its own hybrids, which obviously will use totally specific parts. The Camry s 2.4L Four has been transplanted to provide additional power for the new, larger Scion xb, the Corolla XRS and as an option for the Corolla Matrix. The Rogue is a small crossover slightly larger than the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V. It s built on a modified version of the transverse frontdrive platform used for the Sentra sedan, but with an Altima four-cylinder powertrain for greater performance. The Rogue has the latest JAT- CO CVT, with six computer-generated shift points controlled by steering wheel paddle shifters. Power steering is a speed-sensitive, all-electric system, and on models with the optional AWD, the chassis control system integrates the AWD with the vehicle stability system. So instead of torque distribution by steering angle sensor and accelerator pedal position, the computer for the combo sets a target yaw rate based on vehicle stability. On normal acceleration, the torque is 50-50 front/rear; on cruise it s almost 100% front-drive. Infiniti The G series is Infiniti s top seller, and a new coupe joins the sedan introduced last year. The key technology is a new version of the V6 engine, with a displacement of 3.7 liters and developing 330 hp, up from 306 in the sedan. The boost is provided largely by a variable intake valve lift system infinitely variable between.9 and 12mm, to go with a 65 range in variable intake valve timing. The engine does not vary exhaust valve timing there s no real return on that, say Infiniti engineers. The lift adjustment is made by a computer-controlled electric motor that turns a shaft clockwise or counterclockwise, to adjust the operating relationship between an oscillating cam and a rocker arm. There s a 4.0L version of the V6 engine, used in the Pathfinder, Xterra and Frontier pickup, but it isn t quite Photo: Paul Weissler smooth enough for a luxury brand. Furthermore, fuel economy is an issue even for luxury performance cars, and the 2008 G37 coupe also gets better fuel economy 18 city/24 highway, compared with 16 city/23 highway for the 2007 G35 coupe (which developed only 270 hp). The G37 coupe also offers the sedan s optional four-wheel assist steering system, an upgrade from the coupe s previous rear-only assist. It changes only rear steering up to a degree, and Nissan doesn t even specify a front steering-assist range. What Nissan does explain is that the steering ratio overall may change from as fast as 12:1 at low-medium speed for agility, up to 20:1 at high speed for highway stability. The parking ratio is somewhere in the middle. Keep the variations in mind so you know what s normal when you road-test the car. 36 December 2007
The new Infiniti EX35 is a compact crossover, more than 6 in. shorter than the FX35 and FX45 but with almost as much interior room. It also delivers much better V6 performance and fuel economy. So why would Nissan produce such a formidable competitor for its own vehicle? Well, the new model does show how the march of engineering works, and at some point very soon, we suspect the FX series will get a major makeover. Meantime, the EX35 has 123 cu. ft. of interior space (including 107.1 for the passengers) compared to 132.4 for the FX (but only 105 for the passengers). So you d pick the FX if you want more cargo space, a big muscular look and a torquey 320-hp V8. The EX has only the 3.5L V6, although it s tuned to 297 hp. Both the EX and FX have rear-wheel-drive with optional allwheel-drive systems. The EX35 has some interesting safety technology, the most important being the lane departure prevention system not just a mild chime warning if the vehicle drifts, but an active control to force it back into lane. The operation is seamless and it applies such gentle force that the driver almost doesn t realize it s happening. The system is a clever extension of the lane departure warning system, which uses a camera above the rearview mirror to read lane markings and analyze road conditions, and tell a computer to sound a warning chime if the vehicle drifts to the lane marking. Sufficient clearance at rear of the Accord s powertrain compartment provides good access to oxygen sensor and heater hose connections. The Accord s powertrain compartment minimizes the use of plastic covers, so technicians will find service access to routine items a little easier. Photos: Paul Weissler In addition to the warning chime, the vehicle stability control/abs system also is deployed, applying brakes on the opposite side, which gently forces the wheels on the drifting side to steer away from the lane marking. The prevention system or both warning and prevention can be turned off. The location of the camera requires a clear view ahead, so a streaking wiper could confuse the camera computer. When the driver signals a lane change, the chime won t sound. If he turns the steering wheel for a lane change but doesn t signal, the chime will sound but the ABS won t deploy. For those challenged by parallel parking, the EX35 also offers a fourcamera system that provides an allaround view of the vehicle surroundings, displayed on the dashboard. The cameras are small, and those built into bumpers and fascia can be affected by road film, a dent, etc., so if a system fails, look there first. Sales of touch-up paint for the new EX35 should be low, as it s the first vehicle with a new topcoat paint that 38 December 2007
DC Motor Output Cam (oscillating cam) Nut Control Shaft heals over minor scratches. It takes about a half hour or so after the damage is inflicted, but it really works. There s a lot of research in the area of paints that automatically cover up scratches, but the EX35 is the first to bring it to market. Mercedes-Benz The C-Class is a new model, with increases in wheelbase, width and overall length in the 2-in. range. It s powered by a pair of familiar V6s the 3.0L that develops 228 hp (221 ft.-lbs. of torque) and the 3.5L that produces 268 hp/258 ft.-lbs. Both engines have variable intake and exhaust valve timing of the four-valve systems. The 3.0 is available with a six-speed manual, but most C-Class models will have the seven-speed automatic. There s an all-new 4Matic All-Wheel-Drive that s designed to attach to the automatic with the standard front suspension. Special parts were required to install the previous edition. The 3.5 has a dual exhaust with five Output Cam (oscillating cam) The variable lift intake valve system on the Infiniti 3.7L V6 uses an electric motor that turns a control shaft clockwise or counterclockwise to change the relationship between the rocker arm and the oscillating output cam. As the input drive camshaft turns, the lift changes as the drive goes through the rocker arm and oscillating cam. Lift is infinitely variable from.9 to 12mm. Photo: Paul Weissler Ball Screw Shaft Rocker Arm Control Shaft Input Drive Camshaft mufflers. The fifth is in the center, and exhaust from both banks goes through it to smooth out exhaust pulsations and reduce noise. Also available is an agility package to improve handling with electronically controlled suspension shocks and ride height, plus a faster steering ratio, stiffer springs and sway bar. The driver will be able to select sport or comfort modes. Volvo The XC70 crossover could be considered the original of its type, a car-based vehicle with sufficiently good off-road manners. The latest version has both an upgraded interior and major changes under the skin. The new 3.2 naturally aspirated in-line Six replaces the 2.5L in-line 5-cylinder turbo (which continues on other Volvo models). The I-6 develops more horsepower (235 vs. 218 for the turbo I-5), plus 236 ft.-lbs. of torque same as the 2.5 turbo. The XC70 handles well for a crossover, particularly with the optional 4C suspension system adapted from the high-performance Volvo S60R sedan. That suspension, with three active driving settings, uses race-developed electronically controlled shocks. In tune with off-road operation, the XC70 now has hill descent control, which operates in reverse, too. The blind spot detection system, which turns on an interior side lamp if a vehicle is detected at either side, was A camera above the rear-view mirror on the Infiniti EX35 takes continuous pictures of the road ahead, reading lane markings to detect vehicle drift. A computer turns on a warning chime and signals the ABS/vehicle stability computer to activate the wheel brakes to guide the vehicle back into its lane. December 2007 39
introduced on the S80 and is an option on the XC70. And on the list of Volvo safety/security features is a heartbeat sensor, used with the remote/keyfob, to warn of someone hiding in the vehicle. The XC series also has the XC90, a three-row model, and another XC, built on the S60 platform that will be out next year. The C30 hatchback coupe also makes its debut, and although it hasn t caught on yet, this is a very appealing, highperformance sports coupe with the 2.5L I-5 turbo (rated at 227 hp/236 ft.-lbs. of torque). The car shares a platform with the S40 sedan and even the Mazda 3 (hey, it s all Ford family, for now anyway). The S40 has the 2.4L I-5 as the base engine, naturally aspirated and rated at just 168 hp. Audi Audi is breathing hard down the decklids of BMW and Mercedes, and its new TT and A5/S5 models will surely improve its sales and eventually its ranking. The new TT is 5.4 in. longer at 164.5 in. overall, but it s still a small and stylish sports coupe and convertible. The 200-hp/2.0L 4-cylinder turbo and 250-hp, 3.2L V6 continue as the powerplant choices, both with direct fuel injection. Quattro AWD is standard with the V6, optional with the 4- cylinder on this transverse front-drive car, which shares a lot of componentry with the Audi A3. Quattro can switch up to 100% of the torque from front to rear, although under normal operation the limit is about 85%. The torsion beam rear suspension is gone, replaced by a four-link independent design, with coil springs and shocks separated. Audi has installed on the TT a system similar to GM s Magne-Ride. The flip of a switch changes its characteristics from Standard to Sport. The TT space frame combines aluminum and steel, an engineering first. To prevent corrosion, the joints use both a special adhesive and isolating rivets. Body shops are really going to have to learn this model before they do any work on it. The Audi A5 AWD coupe is more than just a beautiful body. The 3.2 V6 direct-injection engine produces 265 hp/254 ft.-lbs. of torque, and does 0 to Hyundai s midsize Veracruz crossover offers damped tripod joints in the front axle shafts and three computer-controlled engine mounts, features designed to smooth out the idle. 62 mph (based on 0 to 100 kph) in 6.1 seconds. Not quick enough? The S5 performance edition has a 4.2L V8 that turns out 354 ponies/338 ft.-lbs. and does 0 to 62 in 5.1 seconds. Unlike the TT, both engines are installed northsouth, the configuration used in all larger Audi models. Hyundai The midsize Veracruz is a three-row crossover with enough features to convince anyone that Hyundai is in the first tier of carmakers. The transverse 3.8L V6 produces 260 hp and 257 ft.- lbs. of torque, which is close to the competition but for significantly less money. There s lots of acoustic damping and four layers of carpeting, both of which help produce a really quiet interior. And such engineering features as damped tripod joints in the front axle shafts and three computer-controlled hydraulic engine mounts smooth out the idle on the Veracruz. The V6 has variable intake valve timing and a staged intake manifold for a broad torque band, which also contribute to reasonable fuel economy 18 city/25 highway for the FWD, 17/24 for AWD. The optional electronic all-wheeldrive automatically transfers torque to 40 December 2007
Connector Intake Manifold Bores Solenoid Vacuum Pressure Pistons RPM Signal Controller Cable to Electrical Control Device Battery Connector The Audi TT version of magnetic-rheological shocks has magnetic coils in the pistons, to change the viscosity of an iron powder/fluid mixture as it flows through the coil orifice. A service diagnostic procedure permits the technician to operate a dash-mounted control button to produce the maximum strength in the coils. the rear as needed, and there s a lock switch to hold the system in 50-50. Electronic vehicle stability control is used almost across the board on Hyundai, including the Veracruz, of course. Six air bags are standard two fronts, two front sides and roof curtains for all three rows. Subaru The subcompact Impreza and its pony car spinoff, the WRX, are restyled and performance is upgraded. But the peak numbers for horsepower and torque remain at 170/170 ft.-lbs. for the naturally aspirated 2.5 Flat-Four, and 224/226 for the 2.5 turbo in the WRX. The torque comes in earlier on the naturally aspirated Four thanks to a redesign of the intake ports. The turbo has a new intake manifold, intercooler and turbo, and peak torque is developed at 2800 rpm, compared to 3600 for the previous model. The engine sits lower, creating a lower center of gravity, and the independent rear suspension is a new double-wishbone that protrudes less into the luggage area. The wheelbase is 103.1 in., up 3.7 in. from the 2007. The four-door is 180.3 in. long overall (plus 4.5 in. from the 2007). The five-door is about 1 1 2 in. longer at 175.8. The Tribeca crossover now offers a 3.6L Flat Six, vs. the previous 3.0L. The engine was reworked, including variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust (previously, on just intake), a longer stroke from a shortened connecting rod that has canted bearing caps for service access. Horsepower is up 11 to 256, torque 32 ft.-lbs. to 247. The cooling system uses a common rail with individual flow to each cylinder, as opposed to cylinder-to-cylinder flow. This design was part of a number of changes made to enable regular fuel operation. An electronically controlled solenoid vacuum valve operates a diaphragm to control an orifice in each of three hydraulic engine mounts on new Hyundai Veracruz. And Two for the Road Two other import offerings for 2008 deserve a mention here as well. The new Kia Rondo is a compact crossover (179 in. overall) that offers a choice of a 162-hp, 2.4L Four or a 182-hp, 2.7L V6. It s based on the Optima sedan platform. The new Mitsubishi Lancer powertrain is Mitsubishi s 2.0L interpretation of the world four-cylinder shared with Chrysler and Hyundai. And like Chrysler s Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber, it also has a JAT- CO CVT. Unlike those Chrysler models, however, the CVT dipstick tube actually contains a dipstick, and you ll like the well-laid-out powertrain compartment from a service standpoint. Visit www.motor.com to download a free copy of this article. 42 December 2007