So trading my 08 ES 4WD for brand new 2012 XLS with SatNav.
Was wondering what's new in 2012 from 2011 and if the 2012 has FUSE?
Also why does the V6 recommend premium fuel?
I don't remember the 07 or 08 V6 recommending premium fuel!
Isn't the engine the same just with some extra HP added in 2010?

 

The extra HP and torque come from an increase in compression ratio hence the need for premium.

You can live nicely with regular as it has two knock sensor but you will have lost the extra power.

Also, my experience, since regular contain 10 to 15% ethanol your fuel economy will be lower.

 

the extra HP added in 2010 came from them changing out the pistons. As discussed in a recent timing belt thread, the old pistons had divots so that if the timing belt broke, you didn't break your valves. In 2010, they removed the divots, which increased the compression ratio. With a higher compression ratio, you need a higher octane fuel so that detonation does not occur. you can still put regular unleaded fuel in, but you will get less HP & MPG. The removal of the divots also means that if you break your belt, you bend your valves too.

I suggest you check out Edmunds.com and read about the previous years. they tell you what generally changed year to year.

 

Thanks guys. So the v6 has a belt as opposed to a chain like the i4?
Edmunds is a good source for U.S. models.....Canadian models don't always follow at the same time it seems.

Any idea how much power I will lose with regular fuel?
5% or more?

 

About 5%

And premium has more cleaning additive and corrode less than ethanol laden regular.

I also noticed a sharper throttle.

It's your choice. In fact you should test yourself to see what you prefer.

 

Thanks guys.
Picked it up this evening and messed with the gadgets.
Not sure what fuel the dealership filled it with.
I wish that the Canadian model didn't have the body coloured middle grill strip.
Would have preferred it to be black like the American GT.

Also I thought I read somewhere that the XLS goes to neutral when at a full stop to save on fuel.....I don't seem to see it change to Neutral!

Any ideas?

 

Not much.

I switch between premium, mid-grade and regular and am avereging-according to the onboard computer- 20 MPH + or -, and really can't tell about a loss in power.

 

Thanks.

Anyone know what the latest available map version is?
My car was built in January of 2012 and was hoping there is a newer version so I can go get it upgraded for free.

I don't remember exactly what version i have at the moment but it think I saw 2010 as part of the number.

 

It does change, though you won't see D-N-D animation.
Just listen to the engine, you'll notice the change when transmission goes on neutral (actually rather torque converter is being disengaged).

Doesn't work with cold engine/transmission.

 

Thanks I do feel the change but wasn't sure.

Any idea how to know for sure if the Canadian model has FUSE? Does not mention on the site.
Any way I can test?