AIM OF DEVELOPMENT

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External View

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Vehicle Outline

Engine

L3

•  Mechanical

―  L3 (2.3 L) 4-cylinder engines have been adopted.

―  The lightweight, aluminum alloy cylinder block and lower block provide superior vibration resistance. Superior crank support stiffness combined with lightweight pistons and connecting rods have been adopted for a comfortable, liner drive feel.

―  Low-tension piston rings, and shimless tappets have been adopted, minimizing friction losses and improving fuel economy.

―  With the adoption of the variable valve timing mechanism, optimum valve timing corresponding to the engine operation condition is achieved.

―  An auto-tensioner that automatically adjusts the belt to compensate for stretching has been adopted to minimize maintenance requirements.

•  Intake and exhaust controls

―  With the adoption of the variable intake air system, high torque is obtained from the lower-medium to high engine speed ranges.

―  The variable tumble system has been adopted to promote the atomization of the air-fuel mixture and to improve emission gas purification efficiency.

―  With the adoption of the variable valve timing system that controls intake valve timing in accordance with driving conditions to attain highly efficient air charging, maximum torque is achieved at all engine speeds.

―  An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has been adopted for all models resulting in cleaner exhaust emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

AJ (3.0L Duratec)

•  Mechanical

―  An aluminum-alloy cylinder head and cylinder block have been adopted.

•  Intake and exhaust controls

―  An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has been adopted for all models resulting in cleaner exhaust emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

Suspension and steering

•  Front suspension

―  A strut suspension has been adopted.

•  Rear suspension

―  A multi-link suspension has been adopted.

•  Power steering

―  With the adoption of an engine speed sensing power steering mechanism, handling stability has been improved.

Brakes

•  A tandem-type master cylinder has been adopted, improving braking force.

•  A large diameter, tandem diaphragm power brake unit has been adopted, improving braking force.

•  A large diameter, ventilated disc-type front brake has been adopted, improving braking force.

•  A large diameter, solid disc-type rear brake has been adopted, improving braking force.

ABS

•  The ABS HU/CM, integrating both the hydraulic unit (HU) and control module (CM), has been adopted, resulting in size and weight reduction.

Transaxle/Transmission

Automatic transaxle [GF4AX-EL]

•  GF4AX-EL automatic transaxles have been adopted for L3 engine vehicles.

―  Duty cycle solenoid valves have been adopted to provide optimal hydraulic pressure control according to driving conditions.

―  A 3-2 timing solenoid valve has been adopted to provide engagement timing control of the 2-4 brake band and 3-4 clutch to soften shift shock.

―  A variable displacement, trochoid gear oil pump has been adopted to provide quiet and high-efficiency oil discharge.

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Automatic transaxle [LA4AX-EL (CD4E)]

•  LA4AX-EL (CD4E) automatic transaxles have been adopted for AJ (3.0L Duratec) engine vehicles.

•  The automatic transaxle is a four-speed, front wheel drive automatic transaxle with electronic controls for:

―  Electronic pressure control for shift quality

―  Shift scheduling

―  3-2 shift timing

―  Engine braking using coast clutch

―  TCC control

•  The transaxle features a four element torque converter with a TCC and a geartrain that includes:

―  Compound planetary gear set

―  Chain drive

―  Planetary gear set final drive

―  Pinion and side gear differential

•  The hydraulic control system of the transaxle has five solenoids that control:

―  Shift feel, through line pressure control

―  Shift scheduling, through shift valve positioning control

―  Modulated application of the TCC

―  Timing of 3-2 shifts

―  Engine braking using coast clutch

Safety

•  An immobilizer system has been adopted. This anti-theft device prevents the engine from being started unless the encrypted identification code, transmitted from a special electronic chip embedded in the key, corresponds with the identification code registered in the vehicle.

•  Side air bags that effectively protect the chest area have been adopted for the seats.