I wouldn't really call the torque/power curve an 'issue' when you realistically think about it. Put it this way. For when the engine was used, the comparative Holden/Ford 6-cylinder engines were putting out close to the same amount of power/torque as the 2GR-FE, however their peak torque was achieved from quite low revs. Notice that the fuel consumption for these cars were also higher. I reckon by keeping the peak torque a little higher like they have means that for your day to day cruising where you aren't going to be using all that torque, you end up being more fuel efficient. I'm no expert on the subject of physics and how it all ties together, but I see it that way.