Nissan VQ engine

1st gen (1994-)

• VQ20DE
• VQ25DE 1st

The VQ20DE is an aluminium block, aluminium head, DOHC 24-valve 2.0 L (1,995 cc) V6, with a 76 mm × 73.3 mm (2.99 in × 2.89 in) bore and stroke and compression ratio ranging from 9.5 to 10.0:1. In base form it produces 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) to 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 6400 rpm and 137 to 145 lb⋅ft (186 to 197 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm (lean burn).

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 1994–2003 Nissan Cefiro A32 and A33
• 1995–1999 Nissan QX A32
• 1998–2005 Renault Samsung SM5 KPQ/A32

 

The VQ23DE displaces 2.3 L (2349 cc) and is eqontinuously Variable-valve Timing Control). Bore and stroke are 85 mm × 69 mm (3.35 in × 2.72 in), and compression ratio is 9.8:1. It produces 173 PS (127 kW; 171 hp) at 6000 rpm and 166 lb⋅ft (225 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2003–2008 Nissan Teana J31
• Nissan Cefiro (Neo VQ23)
• 2006–2011 Renault Samsung SM7 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) (Neo VQ23)
• 2008–2011 Renault Safrane 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) (Neo VQ23)

 

The VQ25DE is similar to the VQ20DE, but is .5 L larger, at 2.5 L (2,496 cc) displacement. Bore and stroke are 85 mm × 73.3 mm (3.35 in × 2.89 in), with a compression ratio of 9.8 to 10.3:1. It produces 190 to 210 PS (140 to 154 kW; 187 to 207 hp) at 6400 rpm and 174 to 195 lb⋅ft (236 to 264 N⋅m) of torque. Later versions produce 186 PS (137 kW; 183 hp) at 6000 rpm and 171 lb⋅ft (232 N⋅m) at 3200 rpm. In some Nissans, this engine was replaced by the QR25DE.

The VQ25DET is a turbocharged 2.5 L (2,495 cc) engine with CVTC. Bore and stroke are 85 mm × 73.3 mm (3.35 in × 2.89 in), with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. It produces 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6400 rpm and 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) at 3200 rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2001–2004 Nissan Stagea 250t RS FOUR V, 250t RX FOUR and AR-X FOUR (NM-35)
• 2001–2004 Autech Axis (NM35)

 

The 3.0 L (2,987 cc) VQ30DE has a bore and stroke of 93 mm × 73.3 mm (3.66 in × 2.89 in) respectively with a compression ratio of 10.0:1. It produces 192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) to 230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp) at 6400 rpm and 205 to 217 lb⋅ft (278 to 294 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm. The VQ30DE was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list from 1995 through 2001. It is an aluminium open deck block design with microfinished internals and a relatively light weight.

An improved version of the VQ30DE is known by the designation VQ30DE-K. The K designation stands for the Japanese word kaizen which translates to "improvement". The engine was used in the 2000–2001 Nissan Maxima and adds a true dual-runner intake manifold for better high-end performance compared to some earlier Japanese and Middle-East market versions of this engine (2000-2001 Infiniti I30 models added an additional fenderwell intake, boosting power to 230 PS (227 hp; 169 kW)). The VQ30DEK produces 227 PS (167 kW; 224 hp). The 1995–1999 US spec VQ30DE was equipped with only a single runner intake manifold.

The 3.0 L (2,987 cc) VQ30DET is a turbocharged version of the VQ30DE. Bore and stroke remain the same at 93 mm × 73.3 mm (3.66 in × 2.89 in) respectively, and it has a compression ratio of 9.0:1. It produces 270 PS (199 kW; 266 hp) and 271 lb⋅ft (367 N⋅m). From 1998 onwards, it produces 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6000 rpm and 285 lb⋅ft (386 N⋅m) at 3600 rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 1995–2004 Nissan Gloria Y33, Y34
• 1995–2004 Nissan Cedric Y33, Y34
• 1996–1999 Nissan Leopard Y33
• 1996–2001 Nissan Cima Y33
• 2001–2007 Nissan Cima F50

 

The twin-turbo VQ30DETT is an engine used only in Nissan's race cars, primarily in the Super GT (formerly the JGTC). First used on the Skyline GT-R race cars during the 2002 season, this engine subsequently powered the Fairlady Z race cars. Homologation rules allow them to use the VQ30DETT in lieu of the stock VQ35DE. Race output of this engine is estimated at around 480 PS (353 kW; 473 hp).

The VQ30DETT was replaced in 2007 by the VK45DE for use in the Super GT Fairlady Z's and later in the GT-R.

It was utilized in the following vehicles:

• 2002–2003 Skyline GT-R JGTC race cars (Non-Production)
• 2004 Fairlady Z JGTC race cars (Non-Production)
• 2005–2006 Fairlady Z Super GT race cars (Non-Production)

 

 

The 3.5 L (3,498 cc) VQ35DE is used in many modern Nissan vehicles. Bore and stroke are 95.5 mm × 81.4 mm (3.76 in × 3.20 in). It uses a similar block design to the VQ30DE, but adds variable valve timing (CVTCS) for the intake. It produces from 231 to 304 PS (170 to 224 kW; 228 to 300 hp) of power and 246 to 274 lb⋅ft (334 to 371 N⋅m) of torque depending on the application.

The VQ35DE is built in Iwaki and Decherd, TN. It was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list from 2002 through to 2007 and again in 2016. It features forged steel connecting rods, a microfinished one-piece forged crankshaft, and Nissan's nylon intake manifold technology. It has low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons and the intake is a high-flow tuned induction system. Since its inception Nissan has improved upon the VQ35DE with changes keeping it an efficient class leading V6 engine. The engine was updated in 2005 as the VQ35DE Rev-Up. It included variable exhaust timing, a higher rev limit, and a revised oil pump, boosting the output to 297 crank horsepower. This motor was only found in the manual equipped 350z for the 2005-2006 and the manual equipped G35 2005 through 2007 model years.

A modified version of the VQ35DE, called the S1, is produced by Nismo (Nissan's motorsports and performance division) for the Fairlady Z S-Tune GT. It produces 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) at 7,200 rpm, a higher rev-limit than that of the original VQ35DE.

 

The VQ40DE is a 4.0 L (3,954 cc) longer stroke variant of the VQ35DE. Bore and stroke are 95.5 mm × 92 mm (3.76 in × 3.62 in). Compression ratio is 9.7:1

Improvements include continuously variable valve timing, variable length/volume intake system, silent timing chain, hollow and lighter camshafts and friction reduction (microfinished surfaces, moly coated pistons). It is port fuel injected with platinum-tipped spark plugs. It produces 261 to 275 hp (195 to 205 kW; 265 to 279 PS) at 5600 rpm and 281 to 288 lb⋅ft (381 to 390 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm.

The DD series is a variant of the DE series engines with direct fuel injection (NEO-Di) and eVTC (electronically controlled continuously variable valve timing).

 

The 2.5 L (2,495 cc) engine has Bore and stroke of 85 mm and 73.3 mm respectively, with a compression ratio of 11 to 11.3:1. It produces 210 to 215 PS (154 to 158 kW; 207 to 212 hp) at 6400 rpm and 195 to 199 lb⋅ft (264 to 270 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 1999–2002 Nissan Cefiro A33, 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) (JDM)
• 1999–2004 Nissan Cedric/Nissan Gloria
• 2001–2006 Nissan Skyline V35, 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp)
• 2001–2007 Nissan Stagea M35, 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp)

The 3.0 L (2,987 cc) engine has Bore and stroke of 93 mm and 73.3 mm, with a compression ratio of 11.0:1. It produces 230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp) to 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) at 6400 rpm and 217 to 239 lb⋅ft (294 to 324 N⋅m) at 3600 rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 1997–1999 Nissan Leopard Y33 230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp) and 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m)
• 1999–2004 Nissan Cedric Y34
• 1999–2004 Nissan Gloria Y34 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 228 lb⋅ft (309 N⋅m)
• 2001–2004 Nissan Skyline V35
• 2001–2004 Nissan Stagea M35 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) and 239 lb⋅ft (324 N⋅m)

A larger 3.5L with direct-injection is released for 2017 model year.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2017–present Nissan Pathfinder 284 hp (212 kW; 288 PS)
• 2017–present Infiniti QX60 295 hp (220 kW; 299 PS)

A 3.8 L version with direct-injection is released for 2020 model year.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2020–present Nissan Frontier 310 hp (231 kW; 314 PS)
• 2024–present Nissan Patrol 312 hp (233 kW; 316 PS)

The 2.5 L VQ25HR (for "High Revolution" or "High Response") is only offered on longitudinally-mounted engine vehicles which tend to be rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Bore and stroke are 85 mm × 73.3 mm (3.35 in × 2.89 in), with a compression ratio of 10.3:1. It produces 221–228 PS (163–168 kW; 218–225 hp) at 6,800 rpm and 194 lb⋅ft (263 N⋅m) at 4,800 rpm. It has dual CVTC for both intake and exhaust, microfinished camshafts and a redline of 7,500 rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:

 

The VQ35HR engine was first seen in the US with the introduction of the updated 2007 G35 Sedan model, which debuted in August 2006. Nissan updated the VQ line with the addition of the 3.5 L VQ35HR (for "High Revolution"). It produces 315 PS (232 kW; 311 hp) (US market: 306 hp (228 kW; 310 PS) using the revised SAE certified power benchmark) at 6,800 rpm and 37 kg⋅m (363 N⋅m; 268 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm, using a compression ratio of 10.6:1. As of 2009, the Infiniti EX35 produces 297 hp (221 kW; 301 PS) and the same torque presumably due to tighter regulations.

It has NDIS (Nissan Direct Ignition System) and CVTC with hydraulic actuation on the intake cam and electromagnetic on the exhaust cam. Reportedly over 80% of the internal components were redesigned or strengthened to handle an increased RPM range sporting a lofty 7,600 rpm redline. A new dual-path intake (two air cleaners, throttle bodies, etc.) lowers intake tract restriction by 18 percent and new equal-length exhaust manifolds lead into mufflers that are 25 percent more free-flowing for all around better airflow. The electrically actuated variable valve timing on the exhaust cams to broaden the torque curve is new over the "DE" engine. The new engine block retained the same bore and stroke, but the connecting rods were lengthened and the block deck was raised by 8.4 mm to reduce piston side-loads. This modification, along with the use of larger crank bearings with main bearing caps reinforced by a rigid ladder-type main cap girdle to allow the engine reliably rev to 7600 rpm. With an increase in compression ratio from 10.3:1 to 10.6:1, these changes add 6 more horsepower (306 hp (228 kW) total + 3 hp ram air effect not measured by SAE testing = 309 hp (230 kW)). Peak torque is up 8 pound-feet (11 N⋅m) from the older "DE" engine at 268 lb⋅ft (363 N⋅m) and the torque curve is higher and flatter across most of the rpm range, and especially in the lower rpm range.

The VQ35HR was utilized in rear-wheel-drive platforms while the VQ35DE continued to power Nissan's front-wheel-drive vehicles. In 2010, Nissan introduced a hybrid version of the VQ35HR, pairing the engine to a lithium-ion battery pack.

 

By 2007, Nissan's ambition to increase the competitiveness of the Z33 chassis in Super Taikyu racing resulted in the development of a larger displacement engine based on the original VQ35HR Block. It featured the same bore but longer-throw crankshaft (bore × stroke: 95.5 mm × 88.4 mm). The end result was the VQ38HR powered Nismo Type 380RS-C which went on to dominate ST class 1 racing. The 3.8-liter racing engine in the 380RS-C develops maximum power of more than 294 kW (394 hp; 400 PS), and maximum torque of 421 N⋅m (311 lb⋅ft).^[2] In order to use this new engine in Super GT GT500, limited numbers of the engine were reproduced in the street-legal Fairlady Z Nismo Type 380RS. The VQ38HR engine mounted in the 380RS is a detuned, street version of the racing engine used in the 380RS-C. The engine displacement remains the same, while the intake manifold and exhaust, air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, VTC and other specs have been optimized for street use. The engine produces maximum power of 257 kW (345 hp; 349 PS) at 7200 rpm, and maximum torque of 397 N⋅m (293 lb⋅ft) at 4800 rpm.^[3]

The VQ38HR fitted to the following vehicles:

• 2007–2008 Nissan Fairlady Z Version Nismo Type 380RS-C
• 2007–2008 Nissan Fairlady Z Version Nismo Type 380RS

The VQ35HR and VQ25HR engines were built at Nissan's Iwaki Plant in Fukushima Prefecture.^[4][5]

The VHR series is a variation of the VQ-HR engine series with Nissan's VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift).

 

It was the first production engine from Nissan using VVEL.
It has a compression ratio of 11.0:1, with a displacement of 3.7 L; 225.5 cu in (3,696 cc), thanks to a bore x stroke of 95.5 mm × 86 mm (3.76 in × 3.39 in) and a redline of 7,500 rpm.
It is rated at 332 bhp (337 PS; 248 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb⋅ft (366 N⋅m) of torque at 5,200 rpm, and up to 350 bhp (355 PS; 261 kW) at 7,400 rpm and 276 lb⋅ft (374 N⋅m) of torque at 5,200 rpm.

Although the engine VQ37VHR gains only 2 lb⋅ft (3 N⋅m) and 8 lb⋅ft (11 N⋅m) in the Nissan 370Z Nismo, torque over the VQ35HR and this higher torque arrives at 5,200 rpm vs 4,800 rpm in the VQ35HR, the torque curve itself is improved and flattened via VVEL variable valve timing for better throttle response and low rpm torque.

• List of Nissan engines
• World series by Nissan

• "Powerful Pair: Nissan says new V6 engines increase power, fuel economy". AutoWeek. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 29 August 2006.

"Home of the VQ series Engine". VQpower. Retrieved 8 December 2012.

•   Media related to Nissan VQ engines at Wikimedia Commons