What is up with some manufacturers the race to higher and higher coolant temperatures?
I just browsed RockAuto's catalog looking for thermostat temperature ratings and have seen thermostats of current models of Mercedes:212F, GM:207F, Chrysler/Dodge:203F
Meanwhile Ford and Toyota are still using 180F thermostats and Honda even as low as 170F. VW/Audi/Porsche are using 189F.
OK, yes, I get it, economy and emissions.
BUT, if Ford, Toyota and Honda can do it, then why can't or won't the others?
On a related note, on top of all that these hot new engines are supposed to use 5W-20 oil. To me this defies everything we ever new.
By the way, many of these engines are using oil-to-coolant engine oil coolers.
Which of course means operating oil temperatures will always be above those crazy coolant temperatures.
Still, the oil viscosity some manufacturers recommend us (these days) for those elevated oil temperatures? 5W-20
Higher temps also equals more power, less radiator surface, better drag coefficient. I'm sure they are desinigning cars to be throw away. Basically, just to cover warranty period and I believe they are obliged to have replacement parts for 10 years
