The base Millenia and Millenia with leather are powered by a 2.5-liter V6, offering 170 hp at 5800 rpm and 160 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. The Millenia S's most significant technological edge is the Miller-cycle engine, which, in simple terms, lowers the engine's compression ratio without diminishing power. It's supercharged by way of a Lysholm air compressor, which forces extra pressure into the cylinders. Consequently, the Millenia S's moderately sized 2.3-liter engine yields an impressive 210 hp at 5300 rpm, and an equally handsome 210 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm - best in its class. But fuel economy isn't sacrificed at the altar of added thrust: All Millenias boast EPA fuel economy numbers of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway (the S model goes one better at 28 mpg on the highway). Once on the open road, the Miller-cycle engine's horsepower boost translates into assertive acceleration - 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. And depending on the heaviness of your foot, the transmission automatically chooses whether to engage the normal or power shift modes. The engine redlines at 6000 rpm and hovers at around 1500 rpm at 45 mph. The Millenia's rack-and-pinion steering allows for effortless one-finger lane maneuvers, even at 75 mph. The 108.3-in. stance, MacPherson struts and multi-link suspension conspire to ensure a taut, uneventful 90-degree turn at 25 mph. The 4-wheel ABS brakes - ventilated in the front, solid disc in the rear - assure a controlled, surefooted stop. And the Millenia's windswept lines and superior drag coefficient make for a serenely quiet ride. Even when a semitrailer pulled alongside us, noise was minimal.
|