Residing to the right of the sizable brake pedal is the drive-by-wire throttle, which is connected to the only powerplant Toyota
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| The only powerplant Toyota bolts into the Sequoia is a 32-valve, 4.7-litre (285 cu in) V8. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
bolts into the Sequoia, a 32-valve, 4.7-litre (285 cu in) V8. This petro-dynamo is capable of effortlessly discharging 282-horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm. That's an increase of 42 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque over last year's version. Toyota's intelligent variable valve timing assists in generating the extra power, which thrusts the 2005 Sequoia from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.0 seconds, a healthy improvement over the 9.5 seconds needed in 2004. With its newfound fortification, the Sequoia is a competent highway performer, passing slower traffic with ease and climbing hills with little struggle.
The engine's greater potency hasn't diminished its exceptionally high level of refinement. Its polished operation meets luxury car standards, although perhaps slightly more audibly so than in Toyota's aforementioned Lexus division SUVs. This year's stronger engine is affixed to a wonderfully smooth, five-speed
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| The Sequoia is a competent highway performer, passing slower traffic with ease and climbing hills with little struggle. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
automatic transmission featuring an overdrive cancel switch, as well as a transmission cooler for long, reliable service under severe conditions. When those conditions include the need for maximum traction, Toyota's Multi-Mode four-wheel drive technology permits shifting on the fly from rear-wheel drive to 4WD. When the vehicle is stationary, a low-range set of gears can be engaged with the push of a dash-mounted button. The central differential connecting the front and rear axle is also electronically controlled and can be locked or unlocked depending upon off-road needs.
