Quote:
Originally Posted by serialk11r
Hmmm reading cyde01's comment in another thread about how the D-4S system is the next gen system and how they were apprehensive about sharing it with Subaru...I take back what I said about this engine being disappointing because they didn't have time to make it as good as possible. New theory: the engine sucks because Toyota didn't want to share all of their tech with Subaru, and it is not very likely a revised engine will come out. Well this seems disappointing.
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I should clarify. I don't
really mean it sucks. It just doesn't seem to meet expectations based on prior motors. Without the BEAMS or 2GRFSE references, it slightly beats the 2.0L volume production standard set by Honda with the K20Z in terms of driveable powerband.
I don't think there is an issue of sharing tech with Subaru, it will be about product placement. Toyota's percentage ownership is indicative of a long-term relationship. (this is VERY different that what happened with Geely) But Toyota is (to a certain degree) or will be (more so in the future) the boss. It doesn't make a lot of sense for them to place an acquisition with a perceived niche market on an equal perceived value level than the parent.
I do think we will see a revised engine. And am hoping that my missing torque may be found there...
Edit: Some of the things I have thought about as to the 'why' are:
A) The previously discussed deliberate 'nerfing' so sell more stuff. There is precedent for this with the Anti-Lag systems in Mitsubishi and Toyota rally homologation specials as well as in bikes involving secondary 'shower-head' injectors. But this would be a purely commercial issue and would piss me off royally. "Buy the TRD Platinum Nurburgring-edition power-tuner for $2000 and unlock MOAR POWAH!"
B) I even thought about if this were a 5 valve engine. I dismissed this quickly due to what I feel would be cost and sheer practicality issues with the direct injection. But looking at the spec sheet they don't actually say it is a 16 valve motor... I don't know enough about 5 valve behaviour to make as confident of a statement regarding power delivery. I do know that the direct injection would fix one of the short comings (balanced fuel/air mixture), and possible two (the divided combustion chamber), if the head gets more radial valve placement and the direct injector nozzle. Valves would have to be TINY though... Long shot, but who knows...
C) They tuned it to act like a high duration/overlap cam'ed engine but with tiny ports to choke power. So it's delivery would feel more like a big-cam S2K's but still run at sensible revs/airflow.
D) Subaru did do it all, and refused help from Yamaha beyond using the D4-S, and they suck...
E) They want to re-create the history of the 4AGE, and have an over-ported (slow intake velocity and high rpm needed for torque) intro head, and the better small port comes later.
Who knows...?