ALPHARD

The Toyota Alphard is a luxury MPV produced by the Japanese automaker

Toyota since 2002. It is available as a seven or eight-seater with 2.4 and 3.0-litre gasoline engines in 3 different model lines - Alphard G, Alphard V and Alphard Hybrid. The Alphard is primarily made for the Japanese market, but is also sold in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Singapore Thailand,[2] and Malaysia. The vehicle was named after the Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra.

Toyota states its "E-Four electric 4WD system that regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-propelling electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution to all four wheels. An ECB (Electrically Controlled Brake system) provides efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control."

The full-size Alphard Hybrid MPV qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving levels 75% lower emissions than the Japanese government's 2000 benchmark. The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota's hybrid systems and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction.In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced. It is a luxurious, four-seat version of the Alphard.

Electronic Throttle Controlled System-inteligent (ETCS-i) or "By-wire" technology

The Alphard Hybrid uses "by-wire" technology that monitors brake pedal pressure and vehicle speed in order to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure. By-wire works with the E-Four to maximize the collection of kinetic energy from braking for conversion into electric power.

The Alphard Hybrid Minivan can generate up to 1,500 watts and is equipped with standard 100-volt AC power outlets, allowing a wide range of appliances to be used, such as laptops and emergency lights. The electrical outlets can also be used to recharge items such as power-assisted bicycles and electric carts, adding a new dimension to leisure activities.

The Alphard Hybrid also offers some advanced safety features not seen on other hybrids. In fact, standard on the "G edition" and optional on standard grades are ( with a G-BOOK compatible DVD voice navigation system):Blind Corner Monitor, which indicates the approach of other vehicles or pedestrians from the left and right

Back Guide Monitor with a color CCD camera and voice-guidance function, which uses signals from a steering sensor to calculate the likely reverse path during reversing and display it on the monitor screenLane-monitoring system that uses images from the Back Guide Monitor camera to measure the lateral distance to white or yellow lines on major highways and triggers an alarm when the distance falls below a pre-set levelRadar Cruise Control, which uses laser radar sensors and steering sensors to keep track of the vehicle's lane and any preceding vehicle and ensures that a safe distance is maintained in accordance with vehicle speed

Built-in electronic toll collection

In addition, optional on all grades is a built-in electronic toll collection unit that allows for quick tollgate pass-through (only available with a navigation system). The Alphard Hybrid achieves approximately 42 mpg and boasts an insulated body and newly developed two-way compressor that is incorporated in the motor to optimize the use of the air conditioner, conserving fuel. The Alphard Hybrid's specially developed windshield glass also reduces the amount of solar radiation penetration. In addition, the roof and roof panels contain an insulating material to reduce cabin temperature, which helps conserve energy when the air conditioner is operating.

History

1st Generation (2002-2008)

Alphard produced by Toyota in 2002 to fight against Nissan Elgrand and Honda Elysion. With full electrical component features and complete comfort and safety features. Alphard is Toyota's best seller MPV in Japan. Alphard was facelifted in 2005 with new design of rear lamp and use alumunium alloy wheel of 16 and 17 inch this was the first time Toyota made the hybrid version of Alphard.

Engine

2AZ-FE 2.400 cc 4 cylinders 16 valve VVT-i 160 PS 195 Nm1

MZ-FE 3.000 cc V6 24 valve VVT-i 220 PS 310 Nm

Transmission4&5 speed automatic super ECT

DrivetrainFWD4WD

Dimension and weight

Length : 4.865 mm

Width : 1.830 mm

Height : 1.935 mm

Wheelbase : 2.900 mm

Weight : 1800 kg

2nd Generation (2008-present)

April 2008, that's the time when Alphard redesigned. With more elegant style of exterior, luxurious interior. And there is also another variant called Vellfire, which has slightly different exterior designs (such as the different grill and headlights) and interior decoration. Here are the detalis of Alphard 2nd generation.

Engine

2AZ-FE 2.400 cc 4 cylinders 16 valve VVT-i 170 PS 235 Nm2

GR-FE 3.500 cc V6 24 valve 280 PS 330 Nm

Transmission

6 speed automatic super ECT

7 speed automatic super CVT

Drivetrain

FWD4WD

Dimension

Length : 4.890 mm

Width : 1.830 mm

Height : 1.915 mm

Wheelbase : 2.915 mm

Weight : 1815 kg

From Wikipedia

Nissan Elgrand

First Generation

The first generation of the Nissan Elgrand is similar to the second with the VG33E engine matched with an older 4 speed automatic transmission. It housed an Inline four 16 valve engine with a DOHC valve train. Yet lacks the more modest technology of the new Elgrand and does not have Keyless go, xenon headlamps etc.

Second Generation

In Hong Kong presently (2007), 2 models are offered, the Elgrand XL and the Elgrand Highway Star which is an eight passenger variant. The Elgrand is packed with options including the AFS (Active Front Lighting System) that can also be found in the third generation Toyota Previa/Estima.The Elgrand comes in 6 different colors and is equipped with twin sunroofs and Xenon headlamps with the Auto on-off system. The base price of both the Elgrand XL and the Highway Star are the same at $486,800 Hong Kong Dollars.

The exterior of the Elgrand has changed a lot since its predecessor and is now equipped with remote controlled electronic doors, side mirrors with signal lights, a rear roof spoiler, and 16 (XL) or 17 (HWS) inch Aluminium Alloy rims. The new front styling (including new chrome front grill) gives the Elgrand an enhanced sporty look.

The interior features include captain seats, a nine speaker Bose sound system, and a DVD player with a nine inch screen. The Elgrand is also equipped with an eight inch LCD monitor at the front in the dashboard that provides Vehicle Information and is part of the Vehicle Information System (also known as VIS). Both versions also come with a heated drivers seat and a heated front passenger's seat as well. Electronic curtains can also be found on the Elgrand along with a genuine wood-grained leather steering wheel.

Like most of the newer models produced by Nissan, the Elgrand comes with the "Keyless-go" feature. This enhances convenience for the user. An optional GPS system for the Hong Kong and China Guandong province can be installed into the eight inch LCD screen in the dashboard.

The Elgrand uses a V6 3.5 liter VQ35DE engine from Nissan's VQ engine series combined with a five speed automatic transmission with manumatic shifting. It uses Multi link rear suspension along with a four-wheel ventilated disc brakes as the braking system.

From 1997 to 2002, the E50 Elgrand was rebadged as Isuzu Filly for the Japanese market exclusively. A filly is a young female horse, the male equivalent being colt.
From: Wikipedia

CONTROL

ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle Control System-intelligent)

The throttle body consists of a throttle valve, throttle position sensor that detects the throttle valve opening, throttle control motor that opens and closes the throttle valve, and a return spring that returns the throttle valve to a fixed position. The throttle motor employs a DC motor that has good responsiveness and consumes little power.The engine ECU controls the amount and direction of the current flowing to the throttle control motor, turns or holds the motor, and opens and closes the throttle valve via the reduction gear. The actual throttle valve opening is detected by the throttle position sensor, and this is fed back to the engine ECU.When current is not flowing to the motor, the return spring opens the valve to a fixed position (approx. 7°). However, during idling the valve is closed more than this fixed position.When the engine ECU detects a malfunction, it turns ON the malfunction indicator lamp in the combination meter while cutting off the power to the motor, but because the throttle valve is kept open to approx. 7°, the vehicle can still be driven to a safe location.The initial model with the ETCS-i used a magnetic clutch between the motor and the throttle valve, which could be used to connect to and disconnect from the motor. The ETCS-i controls the throttle valve opening angle to the optimum amount in accordance with the amount which the accelerator pedal is depressed.1.Normal-mode control, Power-mode control and Snow-mode controlBasically, the normal-mode is used, but the control switch can be used to switch to the snow-mode or power-mode.Normal-mode controlThis is the basic control that maintains a balance of easy operation and smooth driving.Snow-mode controlThis control keeps the throttle valve opening smaller than when in the normal-mode to prevent slipping when driving on a slippery road, such as a snowy road.Power-mode controlIn this mode the throttle valve is open much wider than in the normal-mode. Therefore, this provides a more direct response against the accelerator pedal operation and more powerful driving than the normal-mode. This mode is only provided in some models.

The ETCS-i controls the throttle valve opening angle to the optimum amount in accordance with the amount which the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Normal-mode control, Power-mode control and Snow-mode control

Basically, the normal-mode is used, but the control switch can be used to switch to the snow-mode or power-mode.

Normal-mode control

This is the basic control that maintains a balance of easy operation and smooth driving.

Snow-mode control

This control keeps the throttle valve opening smaller than when in the normal-mode to prevent slipping when driving on a slippery road, such as a snowy road.

Power-mode control

In this mode the throttle valve is open much wider than in the normal-mode. Therefore, this provides a more direct response against the accelerator pedal operation and more powerful driving than the normal-mode. This mode is only provided in some models.

This is the best Control of Throttle valve From Toyota, and out of Toyota we know is called Drive by wire

FUEL SYSTEM

ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION ( EFI )
Description
The EFI system uses various sensors to detect the engine condition and vehicle running condition. And the engine ECU calculates at the optimum fuel injection volume, and causes the injectors to inject the fuel.The figure shows the basic EFI configuration.
Engine ECU
This calculates the optimum fuel injection duration based on the signals from the sensors.
Air flow meter or manifold pressure sensor
This detects the intake air mass or manifold pressure.
Crankshaft position sensor
This detects the crank angle and engine speed.
Camshaft position sensor
This detects the standard crank angle and the camshaft timing.
Water temperature sensor
This detects the coolant temperature.Throttle position sensorThis detects the throttle valve opening angle.
Oxygen sensor
This detects the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas.

Types of EFI
There are two types of EFI system classified by the amount of the intake air detection method.
1.L-EFI (Air-flow control type)
This type uses an air flow meter to detect the amount of the air flowing in the intake manifold.There are two types of detection methods: One directly measures the intake air mass, and one makes corrections based on the air volume.
2.D-EFI (Manifold pressure control type)
This type measures the pressure in the intake manifold to detect the amount of the intake air using the intake air density.
Air Flow Meter
The L type of EFI is Used Air Flow Meter to measures the intake air mass, and one makes correction based on the air volume.The air flow meter is one of the most important sensors because it is used in L-type EFI to detect the intake air mass or volume.Signal of the intake air mass or volume is used to calculate the basic injection duration and basic ignition advance angle.The air flow meter is largely classified into two types, mass air flow meters that detect the intake air mass, and volume air flow meters,intake air mass, and volume air flow meters, respective types include the following.Mass air flow meter:Hot-wire typeVolume air flow meter:Vane type and optical Karman vortex type
Currently, most models use the hot-wire type of air flow meter because it has superior measurement accuracy, lighter weight, and better durability.

IGNITION SYSTEM

ELECTRONIC SPARK ADVANCE
Description

The ESA (Electronic Spark Advance) system is a system that uses the engine ECU to determine the ignition timing based on the signals from the various sensors.The engine ECU calculates the ignition timing from the optimum ignition timing stored in memory to match the engine conditions, and then sends the ignition signal to the igniter.The optimum ignition timing is basically determined using engine speed and intake air mass (manifold pressure).

The engine ECU (Electronic Control Unit) determines the ignition timing based on the G signal, NE signal and the signals from other various sensors.When the ignition timing has been determined, the engine ECU sends the IGT signal to the igniter.While the IGT signal sent to the igniter is ON, the primary current flows to the ignition coil. While the IGT signal turns off, the primary current to the ignition coil is shut off.At the same time, the IGF signal is sent to the engine ECU.Currently, the main ignition circuitry used is the DIS (Direct Ignition System).The engine ECU distributes the high-voltage current to the cylinders by sending each IGT signal to the igniters in the order of ignition.This makes it possible to provide highly accurate ignition timing control.

IGNITION SYSTEM

ELECTRONIC SPARK ADVANCE
Description
The ESA (Electronic Spark Advance) system is a system that uses the engine ECU to determine the ignition timing based on the signals from the various sensors.The engine ECU calculates the ignition timing from the optimum ignition timing stored in memory to match the engine conditions, and then sends the ignition signal to the igniter.The optimum ignition timing is basically determined using engine speed and intake air mass (manifold pressure).

The engine ECU (Electronic Control Unit) determines the ignition timing based on the G signal, NE signal and the signals from other various sensors.When the ignition timing has been determined, the engine ECU sends the IGT signal to the igniter.While the IGT signal sent to the igniter is ON, the primary current flows to the ignition coil. While the IGT signal turns off, the primary current to the ignition coil is shut off.At the same time, the IGF signal is sent to the engine ECU.Currently, the main ignition circuitry used is the DIS (Direct Ignition System).The engine ECU distributes the high-voltage current to the cylinders by sending each IGT signal to the igniters in the order of ignition.This makes it possible to provide highly accurate ignition timing control.

BASIC AOTOMOTIVE (Gasoline Engine)

General Description
All gasoline engines mounted on Toyota automobiles are four-stroke engines.Four-stroke engines operate by continuous and regular repetition of the following sequence:
1. Intake stroke
2. Compression stroke3. Combustion stroke
4. Exhaust stroke
Basic principle of four-stroke engine
In order for an engine to operate smoothly under a wide range of operating conditions, the following three conditions must be satisfied:
1. Good air-fuel mixture
2. Good compression
3. Good spark

Good Air-fuel Mixture
1.Good air-fuel mixture for automobiles
In order for gasoline to completely burn, it must be sufficiently vaporized and mixed with air.
Automobiles are used under various operating conditions and there is a change in the engine operating condition, the required air-fuel mixture changes as well.When the air temperature changes from high to low.When the driving surface changes from flat ground to a steep incline and a heavy load is applied to the engine.When the engine speed changes widely from idling to high speed for acceleration.
2.Air-fuel ratio
The air-fuel ratio is the ratio of the mass of air to fuel.When the amount of air is too great or too small, the gasoline does not burn well, resulting in incomplete combustion.
There is a minimum of 14.7 parts air required to completely burn 1 part gasoline.
This is called the theoretical air-fuel ratio.However, in actual gasoline engines, even though the gasoline is injected to meet the theoretical air-fuel ratio, not all the gasoline can be vaporized and mixed with the air. For that reason, under some conditions a richer air-fuel mixture is necessary.
3.Air fuel ratio and driving conditions
At starting:
At starting, the walls of the intake manifold, the cylinders and the cylinder head are cold, causing the fuel sprayed by the injectors to adhere to them. In this case, the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber becomes lean. Therefore, the rich air-fuel mixture is required.
Warming-up:
The lower the coolant temperature is, the vaporized condition of the gasoline becomes worse, causing ignition worse. Therefore, the rich air-fuel mixture is required.
When accelerating:
When the accelerator pedal is depressed, a fuel supply lag occurs by load change, resulting in a leaner fuel mixture. Therefore, an additional amount of fuel is injected to the mixture.
When cruising (constant speed):
After the engine is completely warmed up, the fuel mixture supplied to the engine is very close to the theoretical air-fuel ratio.
Under heavy loads:
When a higher output of power is needed, a slightly richer fuel mixture is supplied to the engine to lower the burning temperature and ensure that all of the intake air is used in combustion.
When decelerating:
As engine output is not needed, fuel is cut-off in a part of this driving condition in order to clean exhaust gasses.
Good Compression
Necessity of compressing the air-fuel mixture
When an uncompressed air-fuel mixture is ignited, it burns slowly due to the low density of fuel and air. However, when compressed air-fuel mixture is ignited, the high density causes the mixture to suddenly burn (explode). Even when the fuel mixture is the same, a compressed mixture will release more power than an uncompressed mixture when ignited.Furthermore, compressing the air-fuel mixture causes the fuel and air to mix more thoroughly, resulting in a higher rate of vaporization of the gasoline and higher temperature when ignited. The compressed air-fuel mixture also burns more easily than before.The level of compression of the air-fuel mixture is expressed in the compression ratio. Generally, the greater explosive pressure can be attained when the compression pressure is higher. However the knocking occurs if the pressure is too high. Therefore, the compression ratio of the gasoline engine is normally designed to be between 9 to 11.
Good Spark
The gasoline engine converts the combustion of the air-fuel mixture to motive force.In order for the air-fuel mixture to burn well, it is important to have a powerful enough spark with proper ignition timing.
Ability to generate a powerful spark enough for the air-fuel mixture to burn (explode)
The spark plug in a gasoline engine generates a spark to burn the air-fuel mixture. If the spark is weak, there will not be enough energy to ignite the air-fuel mixture. For that reason, a powerful spark is essential
Ability to keep the proper ignition timing for every engine condition
The ignition timing changes according to engine speed or load to ensure that there is always proper ignition timing.
Description
The three essential elements of a gasoline engine are: good air-fuel mixture, good compression, and good spark.The ignition system generates a powerful spark through proper ignition timing in order to ignite the air-fuel mixture.
1.Powerful sparks
In the ignition system, sparks are generated between the electrodes of the spark plugs to burn the air-fuel mixture. Because even air has electrical resistance, when it is compressed highly, tens of thousands of volts must be generated to ensure the generation of powerful sparks that can ignite the air-fuel mixture.
2.Proper ignition timing
The ignition system must provide proper ignition timing at all times to accommodate the changes in engine speed and load.
3.Sufficient durability
The ignition system must be able to provide sufficient reliability to withstand the vibrations and heat that are generated by the engine.

BASIC AOTOMOTIVE (Diesel Engine)

Description

The diesel engine uses diesel fuel.A four-stroke diesel engine operates with the same cycle of four strokes as the gasoline engine: Intake, compression, combustion and exhaust.One merit of the diesel engine is that the fuel consumption is better than that of the gasoline engine because the pumping loss is less and compression ratio is high. On the contrary, there are demerits such as the vibration and noise during the operation are greater. Also, the amount of harmful substances in the exhaust gas is greater than that of the gasoline engine.

1. Intake Stroke

Air only is drawn into cylinder.

2. Compression Stroke

The piston compresses the intake air and increases the temperature enough for the fuel to ignite.The compression ratio of the diesel engine is higher than that of the gasoline engine.Compression ratio:Gasoline engine: 9 - 11Diesel engine: 14 - 23

3. Combustion Stroke

Fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. The fuel ignites by the compressed air, which is high temperature, and burns.

4. Exhaust Stroke

The piston forces exhaust gases out of cylinder.