OK I have an 06 w/ 65k on it, and while I've only had it for about four months, I've noticed that anytime I hit MPH I get a really wierd smell coming from the engine...every time practically.

Now and less is no problem, so I'm sorta guessing this has something to do w/ the fact that it's the base model and the smell is telling me the engine is getting hot/towards it's limit.

But I just would like some feedback to make sure my assumptions are right or any help possible IF it's a sign of a bigger problem

 

Although you are in a big hurry when doing 90MPH, it might be worthwhile to pull over and raise the bonnet to try and determine the source of the odor. The cooling system could be reaching its limit and if there is a problem it isn't likely to cure itself.

Under inflated tires should be pretty hot too.

Can we assume you have checked the oil and coolant levels?

Heater core leaking?

When I'm doing 90MPH, I'm in a free fall and there's nothing but fresh air to smell.

 

Does it smell like rubber? Is it an acidic or sweet smell? Describe this smell best you can. How do you know it's coming from the engine and not say the forward wheel wells? Things to look for: unusual fluid discharges on other engine parts (look for dirt built up on parts that have an oily look), doplets under the car where a fluid has leaked (smell them, look at the color), etc.

 

I wonder if what he's smelling is exhaust, at 90 mph he's going to be pretty much wide open....the cat will be working pretty hard then and might be producing the smell he's getting. A bad hatch seal or improperly adjusted hatch would suck that right in too....

Where can you legally drive 90 mph in the states that you would encounter this?

 

80 in Texas and Utah, 85 it Tx soon if not already.
I’m not sure about Wyoming etc.
With a 10% +/- speedometer error it’s pretty easy to be doing 75 or 85 in Tx or Utah and not know it.

A co-worker started complaining about a really bad smell.
We found a dead cat under her hood….. cooking cat hair really smells bad!

ab

 

Usually at a local track day I go to from time to time (just cause some friends have minis that race them) I don't really drive 90 any other time of course, but l've just noticed the smell at 90. I mean I think it might just be that w/a 115 hp motor 90 is probably near the max it can do so the engine is having a hard time coping (since it's stock) Cause really my car runs perfectly otherwise all coolant levels are fine, no leaks, no underinflated tires, recently changed the oil,etc

maybe it is a seal or something,cause mind you I haven't noticed/seemed to get it every time I've gone, or at least there are times where it is more noticeable than others if it is every time.

still it'd be nice to know what it is for sure