Less Can Be More

Cadillac—Cadillac’s 3.6–liter V6—a high-tech, dual-overhead-cam power plant with unlimited potential—is my favorite General Motors engine. It’s overshadowed in Cadillac’s fleet by the NorthStar V8 and the Corvette pushrod V8. However, when test-driving the STS or SRX insist on trying the base engine, the superlative 3.6 V6. More than adequate for power, it offers benefits in price and fuel economy. The STS’s V8 is less than a second quicker to 60 miles per hour than the V6, but the lighter V6—which costs $6,500 less—ran Motor Trend’s slalom course at 64.3 miles per hour, beating the V8’s 62.5. A 2.8–liter version of the 3.6 V6, tuned to 210 horsepower and with a six-speed manual shifter, drops the base CTS to $30,000—bargain territory.

Chrysler Group—The Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and new Dodge Charger feature the rumbling power of the Hemi V8, which reduces gas consumption some by cutting out four cylinders when cruising. The flashy cars start with a 3.5–liter overhead-cam V6, which most drivers would find adequate, and are available with all-wheel drive instead of rear-drive (the Charger is rear-drive only). The 300 Touring AWD V6, which lists for $7,000 less than the Hemi, can’t match the 0 to 60 acceleration of the V8 (8.0 seconds compared with 6.2), but it was a tick faster in Motor Trend’s

Honda—When Honda developed its impressive V6 engines, the “variable timing and electronic control” four-cylinder often was overlooked. Not anymore. The larger Civic, all new for 2006, only comes with four-cylinders; the new Civic Hybrid can hit fifty miles per gallon in either city and highway driving. In the top-selling Accord, the VTEC four-cylinder has V6-like power and commonly tops out at thirty miles per gallon. Honda has improved the V6—half the cylinders deactivate for cruising—which helps the Odyssey minivan and other V6-powered units, but if the VTEC four is available, who needs more.

Lexus—Toyota has durable, fuel-efficient engines throughout its upscale Lexus line. Among several new models are the GS300 and GS430 family sedans. The GS430, with a 4.3-liter V8 with 300-horsepower, has quicker acceleration, but the GS300’s 245-horsepower 3.0-liter V6, even with optional all-wheel drive, is still adequately quick.

Mercedes—Mercedes has redesigned its ML-Class SUV and also introduced a new R-Class hybrid sedan/SUV/wagon. Both offer a 5.0-liter V8 with the familiar single overhead camshaft design and three valves—two intake and one exhaust—on each cylinder, developing 302 horsepower. All new is the base 3.5-liter V6 with four valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams, which makes a hearty 268 horsepower. The costlier V8 has more power and better towing capacity, but for normal usage the ML–350’s V6 is sufficient and has the latest technology and less thirst for fuel.

Infiniti—Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 is the engine in the 350Z sports car and numerous larger applications. Nissan also makes a powerful 4.5-liter V8 for its upscale Infiniti Q45. The new Infiniti M45 has a V8 and is impressively powerful, but the M35 has a 3.5-liter V6, offers all-wheel drive, and costs $7,000 less. The V6 is not as quick from 0 to 60, but is more agile; the M35 beat the M45 around Motor Trend’s slalom, 64.4 miles per hour to the M45’s 63.8. The M45 is great; the M35 looks the same and is quick, agile, and more cost-efficient.

Head for the show rooms and admire the intoxicating power of the high-powered models. Remember, though, that in many cases less (power) can be more (logical).

Reach John Gilbert at jwgilbert.com. He talks new cars with Charlie Boone on WCCO AM–  830 Saturdays at 7 a.m.