Well, I found some numbers for the Nissan 3.5L V6 (aka Maxima) engine. This engine has been one of the best automotive engines in the world for several years, so I think it's a good "example" to use.
Sometimes I love LLBs! 2522Whatever you call it, it boils down to buttuming the worst about somebody. So it should come as no surprise that some people automatically buttume the worst about cops, too. ;) Except no cops (besides...
Redline is 8000, so maximum fuel efficiency should be about 3200RPM, for that particular Otto Cycle engine (8000 X .4). Peak horsepower is 265 at 5800RPM and peak torque is 255 at 4400RPM. Nissan does use variable valve timing, but this would tend to favor lower RPMs, as higher RPMs don't need the valve timing trick to produce more power or torque.
SO, peak fuel efficiency RPM for that particular Otto Cycle engine seems to be below -both- the horsepower and torque peaks, which makes sense. You don't need MAXIMUM horsepower or torque to keep a car moving, but more torque will be helpful for acceleration.
Now I want to hear from Nissan Maxima 3.5L owners . . . what speed (MPH) is equivalent to 3200RPM engine speed in your Nissan Maxima in top gear (O-D enabled, if it's an automatic)? If you pay attention to RPM or MPH, have you noticed an increase in fuel efficiency at that speed??? Since it's an Otto Cycle engine with an 8000RPM redline, it should be most fuel efficient around 3200RPM (8000 X .4). IS IT most fuel-efficient near 3200 RPM? -Dave
