Service Overview Of

Scion xD Kia Rondo

Nissan Rogue Mercedes-Benz C-Class Service Overview of the 20082008Service Overview of the 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.

he Honda Accord and Toyota Audi TT and A5/S5, plus a small Volvo—the Corolla are the high-volume im- C30. And although the sedan is the Nissan port nameplate introductions for Altima volume leader, there’s also a new Alti- 2008, but there’s also a new Mer- ma sport coupe and even a hybrid version of Tcedes-Benz C-Class (Mercedes’ own sales the sedan. Infiniti’s G series, which intro- leader), a pair of new Scions from Toyota, an duced a new sedan last year (the G35), adds

22 December 2007 Hyundai Veracruz

Volvo XC70 Subaru Impreza

smartsmart fortwofortwo

December 2007 23 SERVICE OVERVIEW OF THE 2008 IMPORTS a new coupe (the G37) for ’08. Subaru move the drain plug and after the oil is offers a redesigned Impreza and Im- out, remove the cover.) preza WRX, the subcompact pony car. The engine does have the common Mitsubishi has come out with a new crank-hold feature, in which the en- Lancer. gine keeps cranking until it starts. There also are new versions of such However, it’s used only with the op- crossovers as the Toyota Highlander tional “smart key” (a keyless system and Volvo XC70, and all-new entries— with a push button). the Nissan Rogue, Infiniti EX35, The 3.5 has a separate knock sensor Hyundai Veracruz and Kia Rondo. for each bank in the valley, and they’re The most novel entry, though, cer- fairly close to each other. If you have to tainly is the smart fortwo, an under 9- disconnect them for other service, be ft.-long city car being imported by sure not to switch the wiring connec- Roger Penske, whose numerous Indy tors, which are interchangeable. 500 winners are legendary. The smart The Highlander’s fuel system goes through a vapor leakage check as part of its OBD II strategy, about five IfIf thethe chartchart If you have to disconnect hours after engine shut- down. This produces a the Highlander’s separate sound—which emanates atat rightright isis from under the luggage knock sensors, be careful compartment—that lasts not to switch the for several minutes. If missing,missing, the owner asks about it, wiring connectors, which just explain it’s normal. The BEAN (Body please circle are interchangeable. Electronics Area Net- please circle work) system is gone, as part of a total data bus reengineering. The #40#40 onon thethe fortwo (there’s also a smart forfour) is Highlander’s new electronic architec- made by Mercedes, and is something ture features: you already see in all the big cities of •the legally required high-speed ProductProduct Europe. CAN (controller area network) for the So here’s an overview of what’s com- powertrain, also used for the vehicle ing out of the import camps for 2008, stability control system, electric power InformationInformation and what you may be seeing in your steering, air bags and communication service bays down the road. with the a/c amplifier; •medium-speed CAN for main Card on Toyota, Scion body electronics (including the “smart Card on Toyota’s major 2008 introduction is the key” and power tailgate); Highlander crossover, which is also •LIN (local interconnect network) available with a hybrid system similar for the smart key, HVAC and informa- pagepage 57.57. to the one used in the previous model. tion display; The Highlander has grown about 4 in. •AVC-LAN (audio-visual local area in overall length, to 188.4 in. It gets a network). 3.5L version of the V6, rated at 270 hp, As this suggests, there are some cas- which replaces the 260-hp, 3.3 V6. To es of two data buses (both CAN and improve idle smoothness, this new en- LIN, for example), talking to the same gine has a diaphragm-type vibration- modules, as the buses operate without canceling mount that operates at un- gateway modules that would permit der 900 rpm. data sharing. The 3.5 is an updated engine in The Highlander has a tire pressure many respects, including the change in monitoring system, of course, but unlike oil filter from a spin-on can to a car- others, it doesn’t do all of its own recali- tridge type built into the oil pan. (Re- bration and initializations. If even one

24 December 2007 SERVICE OVERVIEW OF THE 2008 IMPORTS

Main Liquid Intake Air Chamber Surge Tank

Diaphragm

Vacuum Air Tank Chamber

Engine Vacuum Switching Valve

ECM Rubber

Active Control Side Engine Mount 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, stroke of 80.5x88.3mm (vs. 79x91.5mm periodic checking and adjustment (with the IDs for all the transmitters must be for the base Corolla and 82x85mm for shims) of the previous design, or the registered with the electronic control 180-hp engine used in the Celica and mic-and-replace clearance adjustment module, and you need a scan tool with as a performance option in the Matrix). system of the lobe-on-lifter bucket. specific software for that. The most noticeable change when The intake valve rockers are the In case you hadn’t heard, Toyota you lift the hood is the use of a car- roller bearing type, one of the steps went to a new PC-based factory scan tridge-type oil filter, as opposed to the taken to reduce friction (along with a tool last year. Called Tech- plastic coating on the piston stream, it’s designed for CAN skirt, low-tension rings and lube- and does 2001 and later vehicle retaining micro-grooves in the reprogramming, but also is back- Techstream, Toyota’s main and rod bearings). In addi- ward-compatible to 1989 mod- tion, the crankshaft is slightly off- els. The old Bosch/Vetronix PC-based factory scan set from the bore centers, to re- Mastertech is supported only duce side thrust on the piston as through 2007. tool, is CAN-compatible it moves down on the power The new Corolla is officially for 2001 and later stroke. a 2009 model, but because it’s The new 1.8L Four was intro- coming out this winter, we’re vehicle reprogramming, duced a few months earlier on covering it now, along with a the Scion xD, a new addition to new Matrix. The styling of both and backward-compatible the line that replaces the xA. is similar, appropriate because to 1989 models. While the xA was on a slightly the Matrix is a crossover version shorter wheelbase, the overall of the Corolla. Both have a length of the xA and xD is the brand-new 1.8L four-cylinder same—154 in. However, the xD engine, rated at 132 hp (up 6 hp from previous spin-on type. This engine is de- is much more stylish and upscale, and the previous engine), which is now the rived from the same family as a the 1.8L, with the 1.8’s 128 hp, performance obvi- only one available. However, the mod- 180-hp engine once used in the Celica ously is far better, compared with the est horsepower increase was not the and Matrix. So it has both variable valve 103 hp of the 1.5L engine the xA had reason for a new engine, of course. timing (intake and exhaust) and a rocker been sharing with the ECHO/Yaris. Toyota comes out with new engines to arm system, vs. the direct lobe-on-lifter The xB, the tall box sedan, has grown introduce new features and meet next- “bucket” of the previous Corolla 1.8. a foot to 167 in. in overall length. Since generation emissions standards. The rocker system now also has hy- this new size calls for more power, its This 1.8L Four has a bore and draulic lifters, eliminating the need for 108-hp version of the 1.5L Four also

December 2007 33 SERVICE OVERVIEW OF THE 2008 IMPORTS

has been replaced for 2008, in this case by a 158-horse edition of the 2.4L Camry four-cylinder. Honda The new Accord definitely is a bit big- Oil Filter Case ger 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. Oil Filter Element However, as usual, Honda’s big news Oil Filter is the powertrain. There are two basic Element 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 injec- tors, 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 Drain some Nissan and Toyota models, in- Plug Drain Plug cluding the Highlander. The base Ac- Filter Cap Subassembly cord engine is rated at 177 hp, up 7% from last year. The performance edition produces 190 hp at 7000 rpm. A cartridge filter is built into the oil pan on the Toyota 3.5L V6. The oil drain The extra horsepower comes from a plug is built into the cover. Drain the oil first, then replace the filter element. 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 Plunger Cam active noise cancellation into the car, Lash Adjuster which consists of a pair of microphones (one in the headliner, one in the over- head console) that work with the vehi- No. 1 Valve Rocker cle sound system to broadcast “anti- Arm Subassembly (Roller Rocker Arm) noise” 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. Oil Passage Unlike many other engine compart- ments, the Accord’s is not shrouded in a Check lot of plastic (there’s one cover, but at Ball least you can see most of the parts). The back of the compartment is reasonably Check Ball open, allowing access to the oxygen sen- Spring sor and heater hose connections. All 3.5 V6 engines develop 268 hp Plunger Spring from 3.5 liters, a half-liter increase from a larger bore (86 to 89mm) and stroke (86 to 93mm). However, one Hydraulic lifters replace the shim-adjust system with rocker arms in the version has two-stage cylinder deacti- new version of the 1.8L Four used in the Corolla, Matrix and Scion xD. vation—which means it can go from

34 December 2007 SERVICE OVERVIEW OF THE 2008 IMPORTS all six to four or even three cylinders. needs, and supplies the wheel brakes. get yaw rate based on vehicle stability. The banks are numbered 1, 2 and 3 This should make it clear that you can’t On normal acceleration, the torque is (rear) and 4, 5 and 6 (front). In four- use a lot of Toyota Camry hybrid com- 50-50 front/rear; on cruise it’s almost cylinder mode, cylinders 3 and 4 are ponentry with this model. In fact, the 100% front-drive. deactivated; in three-cylinder mode, electric power steering is not from the rear-bank cylinders 1, 2 and 3 are de- Camry, but is a modified version of a Infiniti activated. system used on the Lexus RX 400. The G series is Infiniti’s top seller, and a Yes, the computer control system for This Altima hybrid is just an inter- new coupe joins the sedan introduced the V6-4-3 is specific, not the one used im step, as Nissan is developing its last year. The key technology is a new with the conventional V6, despite the own hybrids, which obviously will use version of the V6 engine, with a dis- fact that horsepower ratings are the totally specific parts. placement 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 In- finiti 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 Fron- tier pickup, but it isn’t quite smooth enough for a luxury brand. Furthermore, fuel Photo: Paul Weissler Paul Photo: The Camry’s 2.4L Four has been transplanted to provide additional power for the new, economy is an issue even for larger Scion xB, the Corolla XRS and as an option for the Corolla Matrix. luxury performance cars, and the 2008 G37 coupe also same. The conventional V6, used only The Rogue is a small crossover— gets better fuel economy—18 city/24 in the coupe with a six-speed manual slightly larger than the Toyota RAV-4 highway, compared with 16 city/23 transmission, develops more midrange and Honda CR-V. It’s built on a mod- highway for the 2007 G35 coupe (which torque but delivers lower fuel economy. ified version of the transverse front- developed “only” 270 hp). drive platform used for the Sentra The G37 coupe also offers the Nissan sedan, but with an Altima four-cylin- sedan’s optional four-wheel assist steer- The Altima lineup got a major overhaul der powertrain for greater perfor- ing system, an upgrade from the with introduction of the coupe and the mance. The Rogue has the latest JAT- coupe’s previous rear-only assist. It hybrid sedan, although the latter is a CO CVT, with six computer-generat- changes only rear steering up to a de- limited edition sold only in eight states. ed “shift points” controlled by steer- gree, and Nissan doesn’t even specify a The hybrid uses the Altima 2.5L ing wheel paddle shifters. front steering-assist range. What Nis- Four, plus such key Toyota Camry hy- Power steering is a speed-sensitive, san does explain is that the steering ra- brid components as the motor genera- all-electric system, and on models with tio overall may change from as fast as tor, battery pack and computer, brake the optional AWD, the chassis control 12:1 at low-medium speed for agility, actuator and computer and the DENSO system integrates the AWD with the up to 20:1 at high speed for highway electric a/c compressor, so the a/c can vehicle stability system. So instead of stability. The parking ratio is some- operate with the engine on idle stop. torque distribution by steering angle where in the middle. Keep the varia- Nissan programs the Toyota hybrid sensor and accelerator pedal position, tions in mind so you know what’s nor- and brake computers for its specific the computer for the combo sets a tar- mal when you road-test the car.

36 December 2007 SERVICE OVERVIEW OF THE 2008 IMPORTS

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 all- wheel-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 The Accord’s powertrain compartment minimizes the use of plastic covers, seamless and it applies such gentle so technicians will find service access to routine items a little easier. force that the driver almost doesn’t real- ize it’s happening. view mirror to read lane markings and In addition to the warning chime, the The system is a clever extension of analyze road conditions, and tell a com- vehicle stability control/ABS system also the lane departure warning system, puter to sound a warning chime if the is deployed, applying brakes on the op- which uses a camera above the rear- vehicle drifts to the lane marking. posite 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 four- camera system that provides an all- around view of the vehicle surround- ings, 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.

Photos: Paul Weissler Paul Photos: Sales of touch-up paint for the new Sufficient clearance at rear of the Accord’s powertrain compartment pro- EX35 should be low, as it’s the first vides good access to oxygen sensor and heater hose connections. vehicle with a new topcoat paint that

38 December 2007 Also available is an “agility pack- Nut DC Motor age”—to improve handling with electronically controlled suspension— shocks and ride height, plus a faster steering ratio, stiffer springs and sway Ball Screw Shaft bar. The driver will be able to select Rocker Arm sport or comfort modes.

Control Volvo Control Shaft Shaft The XC70 crossover could be consid- ered 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 contin- ues on other Volvo models). The I-6 develops more horsepower (235 vs. 218 Output Cam Input (oscillating cam) Drive for the turbo I-5), plus 236 ft.-lbs. of Camshaft Output Cam torque—same as the 2.5 turbo. (oscillating cam) The XC70 handles well for a crossover, particularly with the optional 4C suspension system adapted from the The variable lift intake valve system on the Infiniti 3.7L V6 uses an electric high-performance Volvo S60R sedan. motor that turns a control shaft clockwise or counterclockwise to change That suspension, with three active driv- the relationship between the rocker arm and the oscillating output cam. As ing settings, uses race-developed elec- the input drive camshaft turns, the lift changes as the drive goes through tronically controlled shocks. In “tune” the rocker arm and oscillating cam. Lift is infinitely variable from .9 to 12mm. with off-road operation, the XC70 now has hill descent control, which operates “heals” over minor scratches. It takes mufflers. The fifth is in the center, and in reverse, too. about a half hour or so after the dam- exhaust from both banks goes through The blind spot detection system, age is inflicted, but it really works. it to smooth out exhaust pulsations which turns on an interior side lamp if There’s a lot of research in the area of and reduce noise. a vehicle is detected at either side, was 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 in- creases 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 Photo: Paul Weissler Paul Photo: with the standard front suspension. Spe- A camera above the rear-view mirror on the Infiniti EX35 takes continuous cial parts were required to install the pictures of the road ahead, reading lane markings to detect vehicle drift. A previous edition. computer turns on a warning chime and signals the ABS/vehicle stability The 3.5 has a dual exhaust with five computer to activate the wheel brakes to guide the vehicle back into its lane.

December 2007 39 SERVICE OVERVIEW OF THE 2008 IMPORTS

introduced on the S80 and is an option rivets. Body shops are really going to on the XC70. And on the list of Volvo have to learn this model before they do safety/security features is a heartbeat any work on it. sensor, used with the remote/keyfob, to The Audi A5 AWD coupe is more warn of someone hiding in the vehicle. than just a beautiful body. The 3.2 V6 The XC series also has the XC90, a direct-injection engine produces 265 three-row model, and another XC, hp/254 ft.-lbs. of torque, and does 0 to built on the S60 platform that will be out next year. The C30 hatchback Hyundai’s midsize Veracruz coupe also makes its de- crossover offers damped but, and although it has- n’t caught on yet, this is tripod joints in the front a very appealing, high- performance sports axle shafts and three coupe with the 2.5L I-5 computer-controlled engine turbo (rated at 227 hp/236 ft.-lbs. of torque). mounts, features designed The car shares a platform with the S40 sedan to smooth out the idle. and even the Mazda 3 (hey, it’s all Ford family, for now anyway). The S40 has the 2.4L 62 mph (based on 0 to 100 kph) in 6.1 I-5 as the base engine, naturally aspirat- seconds. Not quick enough? The S5 ed and rated at just 168 hp. performance edition has a 4.2L V8 that turns out 354 ponies/338 ft.-lbs. and Audi does 0 to 62 in 5.1 seconds. Unlike the Audi is breathing hard down the deck- TT, both engines are installed north- lids of BMW and Mercedes, and its new south, the configuration used in all TT and A5/S5 models will surely im- larger Audi models. prove its sales and eventually its ranking. The new TT is 5.4 in. longer at Hyundai 164.5 in. overall, but it’s still a small The midsize Veracruz is a three-row and stylish sports coupe and convert- crossover with enough features to con- ible. The 200-hp/2.0L 4-cylinder turbo vince anyone that Hyundai is in the and 250-hp, 3.2L V6 continue as the first tier of carmakers. The transverse powerplant choices, both with direct 3.8L V6 produces 260 hp and 257 ft.- fuel injection. Quattro AWD is stan- lbs. of torque, which is close to the dard with the V6, optional with the 4- competition but for significantly less cylinder on this transverse front-drive money. There’s lots of acoustic damp- car, which shares a lot of componentry ing and four layers of carpeting, both with the Audi A3. Quattro can switch of which help produce a really quiet up to 100% of the torque from front to interior. rear, although under normal operation And such engineering features as the limit is about 85%. damped tripod joints in the front axle The torsion beam rear suspension is shafts and three computer-controlled gone, replaced by a four-link indepen- hydraulic engine mounts smooth out dent design, with coil springs and shocks the idle on the Veracruz. separated. Audi has installed on the TT The V6 has variable intake valve a system similar to GM’s Magne-Ride. timing and a staged intake manifold for The flip of a switch changes its charac- a broad torque band, which also con- teristics from Standard to Sport. tribute to reasonable fuel economy— The TT space frame combines alu- 18 city/25 highway for the FWD, 17/24 minum and steel, an engineering first. for AWD. To prevent corrosion, the joints use The optional electronic all-wheel- both a special adhesive and isolating drive automatically transfers torque to

40 December 2007 SERVICE OVERVIEW OF THE 2008 IMPORTS

Intake Manifold Connector

Bores Vacuum Pressure Solenoid

RPM Signal

Pistons

Controller

Cable to Electrical ϩ 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 An electronically controlled solenoid vacuum valve oper- technician to operate a dash-mounted control button ates a diaphragm to control an orifice in each of three to produce the maximum strength in the coils. hydraulic engine mounts on new Hyundai Veracruz. the rear as needed, and there’s a lock model. The engine sits lower, creating a And Two for the Road switch to hold the system in 50-50. lower center of gravity, and the inde- Two other import offerings for 2008 Electronic vehicle stability control is pendent rear suspension is a new dou- deserve a mention here as well. The used almost across the board on ble-wishbone that protrudes less into new Kia Rondo is a compact cross- Hyundai, including the Veracruz, of the luggage area. The wheelbase is over (179 in. overall) that offers a course. Six air bags are standard—two 103.1 in., up 3.7 in. from the 2007. The choice of a 162-hp, 2.4L Four or a fronts, two front sides and roof curtains four-door is 180.3 in. long overall (plus 182-hp, 2.7L V6. It’s based on the for all three rows. 4.5 in. from the 2007). The five-door is Optima sedan platform. 1 about 1 ⁄2 in. longer at 175.8. The new Mitsubishi Lancer pow- Subaru The Tribeca crossover now offers a ertrain is Mitsubishi’s 2.0L interpre- The subcompact Impreza and its pony 3.6L Flat Six, vs. the previous 3.0L. The tation of the “world four-cylinder” car spinoff, the WRX, are restyled and engine was reworked, including variable shared with Chrysler and Hyundai. performance is upgraded. But the peak valve timing on both intake and exhaust And like Chrysler’s Jeep Compass numbers for horsepower and torque re- (previously, on just intake), a longer and Dodge Caliber, it also has a JAT- main at 170/170 ft.-lbs. for the naturally stroke from a shortened connecting rod CO CVT. Unlike those Chrysler mod- aspirated 2.5 Flat-Four, and 224/226 for that has canted bearing caps for service els, however, the CVT dipstick tube the 2.5 turbo in the WRX. The torque access. Horsepower is up 11 to 256, actually contains a dipstick, and you’ll comes in earlier on the naturally aspirat- torque 32 ft.-lbs. to 247. The cooling like the well-laid-out powertrain com- ed Four thanks to a redesign of the in- system uses a common rail with individ- partment from a service standpoint. take ports. The turbo has a new intake ual flow to each cylinder, as opposed to manifold, intercooler and turbo, and cylinder-to-cylinder flow. This design Visit www.motor.com to download peak torque is developed at 2800 rpm, was part of a number of changes made a free copy of this article. compared to 3600 for the previous to enable regular fuel operation.

42 December 2007