Is it a new V6 or just a larger one from the MDX/Pilot?

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=100775

 

Most likely a J series as it is still quite new. If a new V6 were to debut it would have been in the '05 RL or at least I would assume so.

I wonder if its the basic J35 stroked or what...

 

240 HP?

It should be at LEAST 280.

Is the J-series US-made?

 

I believe the J series is 100% US made. Unless the new '05 RL has its engine (a j series) made in Japan.

 

trucks aren't really tuned for high hp

 

It's a high torque engine. I'm guessing 280 lb-ft or somewhere in that neighborhood. Is that the norm for engines this size, 3.8L?

 

MDX has 265 with only 3.5L. I don't think 15 more is out of the question. Especially if it has the "high torque" they're predicting.

 

It's the 3.8L people been predicting for MDX to upgrade to ever since Pilot came out. It is still based on the J series engine,

 

Only high torque over time = high horsepower. I doubt the pickup will be tune that way since most of the meat will be low end only.

Also take notice the new Nissan 4.0L V6 with bigger stroke has output of 250 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque compare to 3.5L V6 that range from 240 hp - 295 hp.

 

If we're going to talk about how trucks are tuned differently, then let's compare truck engines to truck engines. In which case the 3.5L V6 range is 240HP - 245HP.

 

The nissan 4.0 is rated at 270 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque.