Probably not as much as you think. Ford was getting 265 HP out of the 2
Valve fixed valve timing 4.6L Mustang GT Engine. The three valve GT
engine with variable timing gets only 300. The 4 valve version got 320.
Given the absurd complication of some Japanese engines, they are have
very poor power outputs - particularly at lower rpms when you actually
need the power to use them as street cars.

The 3.8L 2 Valve, push rod V-6 GM sells its larger front wheel drive
cars is an amazing engine. WIthout all the cool stuff the Japanese
love, it produces good power and good gas mileage numbers. I don't
expect to see Buick LaSabres winning any races againt G35s, but I also
don't see many Buick owners complaining about the power or gas mileage.


Many people buy things becasue they sound cool and don't know or even
care if the cool sounding stuff is needed (or even useful). Latest
proof of this is the success of the latest Chrysler "Hemi." Nobody
seems to know or care that the engine is not really a "Hemi" (at least
in the way a 426 Hemi was a hemi) or that it is second rate compared to
the GM Corevette engine or that even Chrysler enginers admit the deisgn
chossen is an inferior choice when it comes to meeting emmission and
fuel economy requirements. Just saying hemi is cool and is selling
cars. The Japanese figured this out long ago. That is why their cars
lead the world in marginally useful but cool sounding stuff.
Particualrly in Japan it is irrelevant whether the stuff actually
improves performance. Most of the people who buy cars with variable
valve timing or rear wheel steering, or whatever will never come close
to utilizing the potential of a 1960 Falcon, much less a 2005 G35.

Ed