The four-cylinder Highlander will be among the leaders in fuel efficiencyin the gas mid-size SUV segment with EPA fuel economy estimates of 27 MPGhighway, 20 MPG city and 22 MPG combined. In addition, it will be EPA-ratedas an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEVII).

Highlander's new four-cylinder powertrain will produce impressive power,while greatly reducing noise and vibration to levels normally expected in a V6or larger engine. It will generate 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft.of peak torque at 4,100 RPM on regular 87 octane fuel.

The state-of-the-art powerplant is equipped with a variable intakemanifold and dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), whichcontrols phasing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to maximize fuelefficiency and torque. Both of these technologies help give the 2.7-literengine a broad torque curve providing enhanced fuel efficiency, loweremissions and a strong response at all engine speeds. A dual exhaust manifoldwill also help achieve exceptional low-end torque and maximize power output.

The new engine will be mated to an all-new six-speed electronically-controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) that isone of the lightest and most compact in its class. The new transmissiondelivers a smooth shifting, remarkably quiet ride that is on par with a V6,and acceleration that is surprisingly quick for a four-cylinder. Internalpreliminary 0-60 mph testing was timed at 9.7 seconds, nearly one secondquicker than the average four-cylinder mid-size SUV. When equipped with a towpackage, the new powerplant will achieve a maximum towing capacity of 3,500pounds.

The new engine will come standard on the well-equipped Highlander gradetwo-wheel-drive model with two rows of seats, contributing to its all-aroundexcellent value. Adding to its appeal is an array of standard conveniencefeatures that include air conditioning; an AM/FM/CD audio system withsix-speakers; front seats with height-adjustable active head rests andeight-way adjustable driver's seat; power door locks and windows with driver'swindow jam protection and auto-up/down feature; cruise control; amulti-function keyless entry system; UV-reduction windshield and rear privacyglass; a digital clock; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors and slidingextensions; a conversation mirror; an illuminated entry system; manual tiltand telescopic steering wheel; scheduled maintenance indicator light;full-size spare tire; and much more.

Along with its long list of standard features, a third-row seat packagewill also be available for families requiring additional seating capacity.Other key optional equipment will include an eight-way power driver's seat,manual rear air conditioning, and an AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with satelliteradio capability, MP3/WMA capability and six speakers.

With the new four-cylinder engine, Highlander will be the only mid-sizeSUV in the current market to offer three powerplant choices. The 3.5-literHighlander V6, available in two- and full-time four-wheel drive, is among theleaders in fuel efficiency among V6 gas engines in its segment. The full-time4WD-i Highlander Hybrid, equipped with a V6 powerplant with front and rearelectric motors, stands above all others for fuel efficiency among all mid-size SUVs.

Since it first launched in 2001, Highlander continues to be one ofToyota's most popular vehicles, setting the standard for car-based SUVs ininnovation, refinement and comfort. Driver and passenger comfort isaccomplished with segment-leading seating flexibility for up to seven people.Comfort is complemented with one of the highest levels of standard safetyfeatures in the small- and mid-size SUV market including a segment-leadingtotal of seven airbags.

2009 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FOUR-CYLINDER PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE TYPE 2.7-liter, four-cylinder, double-overhead cam, 16-valve w/ Dual VVT-i VALVETRAIN DOHC, four-valve/cylinder HORSEPOWER 187 @ 5,800 RPM MAXIMUM TORQUE 186 ft.-lbs. @ 4,100 RPM EPA FUEL ECONOMY ESTIMATES 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined FUEL SYSTEM EFI DISPLACEMENT 163.1 cubic inches BORE X STROKE 3.54 x 4.13 inches COMPRESSION RATIO 10.0:1 OCTANE RATING 87 or higher 0-60 TIME 9.7 seconds TRANSMISSION LAYOUT 2WD TRANSMISSION TYPE six-speed ECT automatic GEAR RATIOS 1st 3.300 2nd 1.900 3rd 1.420 4th 1.000 5th 0.713 6th 0.608 REVERSE 4.148 DIFFERENTIAL RATIO 4.356 WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES GVWR 5,500 pounds Curb Weight 4,050 pounds (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030501/TOYLOGO)SOURCE Toyota