Power comes From page 2 lamps. Driving impressions Whereas the previous 3.3- litre engine felt anemic at times, the aew 3.5-litre V6 offers a broader power range and more torque, particularly at highway passing speeds. However, the difference in performance is not as much as I expected because the 3.5-litre engine develops its maximum horsepower and torque at higher engine revo- lutions. Though less power- ful, the 3.3-litre engine reached its maximum power sooner. I'm not sure why, but the 2001 Pathfinder’s VQ engine is nut quite as smooth as the ’ Maxima’s three-litre VQ engine. It’s a bit noisier and a Technical } bit rougher during accelera- tion, though reasonably quiet on the highway and around town. The All-Mode 4WD sys- tem works seamlessly, so there’s no need to change in and out of 4WD depending on the road conditions. However, since drivers have the option of choosing ovo- wheel-drive, it makes sense to use this mode during dry summer months when 4WD is not really needed — and you'll use less gas when run- ning in rear-wheel-drive only. New to the four-speed automatic transmission is a computer-controlled adaptive shifung mechanism that reduces gear-hunting on long grades and improves shifting smoothness. 1 found this automatic transmission to be @ good match to the new, Technical Data: 2001 Nissan Pathfinder SE Base PFice (XE): sasssessseessssee Price as tested (SE): Freight: ........00000 eeten ‘Type: ........four-door, five-passenger compact sport utility vehicle Layout::...............J0ngitudinal front engine/all-wheel-drive _Engine: 3.5-litre V6, DOHC, 24 valves, variabie vaive timing — “Horsepower: sessecestennensesteseerineconerineeene O40 @ 6,006 rp.m. Heights BCAA, AFA, 10.8.6, Approved SUMMER SPECIALS