Nissan VQ engine

The VQ is a family of V6 automobile petrol engines developed by Nissan and produced in displacements varying from 2.0 L to 4.0 L. Designed to replace the VG series, the all-aluminium 4-valve per cylinder DOHC design debuted with Nissan's EGI/ECCS sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) system. Changes from the VG engine include switching to a timing chain from a timing belt, and relocating the water pump from the outside of the engine to inside the timing cover where the pump is driven by the timing chain. Later versions featured various improvements, such as variable valve timing, and NEO-Di designated VQ engines replace MPFI with direct fuel injection.

The VQ series engine was honored in a record 14-straight selections by Ward's 10 Best Engines from the list's inception until 2008.

Versions
1st gen (1994-)
 * VQ20DE
 * VQ25DE 1st

VQ20DE
The VQ20DE is an aluminium block, aluminium head, DOHC 24-valve 1995 cc V6, with a 76x73.3 mm bore and stroke and compression ratio ranging from 9.5 to 10.0:1. In base form it produces 150 PS to 160 PS at 6400 rpm and 137 to 145 lbft 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

VQ23DE


The VQ23DE displaces 2.3 L (2349 cc) and is eqontinuously Variable-valve Timing Control). Bore and stroke are 85x69 mm, and compression ratio is 9.8:1. It produces 173 PS at 6000 rpm and 166 lbft 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 (Neo VQ23)
 * 2008–2011 Renault Safrane 170 PS (Neo VQ23)

VQ25DE


The VQ25DE is similar to the VQ20DE, but is .5 L larger, at 2496 cc displacement. Bore and stroke are 85x73.3 mm, with a compression ratio of 9.8 to 10.3:1. It produces 190 to 210 PS at 6400 rpm and 174 to 195 lbft of torque. Later versions produce 186 PS at 6000 rpm and 171 lbft at 3200 rpm. In some Nissans, this engine was replaced by the QR25DE.


 * 1994–1998 Nissan Cefiro (A32)
 * 2000–2003 Nissan Cefiro (A33)
 * 1996–1999 Nissan Leopard (FY33)
 * 1997–1999 Nissan Cedric (Y33)
 * 2004–2007 Nissan Fuga (Y50)
 * 2004–2007 Infiniti M (Y50)
 * 2004–2010 Nissan Elgrand (E51)
 * 2008–2011 Nissan Teana (J32)
 * 1998–2005 Renault Samsung SM5 (KPQ/A32)
 * 2010–2019 Renault Samsung SM5 (L43) 178 PS
 * 2010–2015 Renault Latitude (L43) 178 PS

VQ25DET
The VQ25DET is a turbocharged 2495 cc engine with CVTC. Bore and stroke are 85x73.3 mm, with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. It produces 280 PS at 6400 rpm and 300 lbft 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)

VQ30DE


The 2987 cc VQ30DE has a bore and stroke of 93x73.3 mm respectively with a compression ratio of 10.0:1. It produces 192 PS to 230 PS at 6400 rpm and 205 to 217 lbft 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). The VQ30DEK produces 227 PS. The 1995–1999 US spec VQ30DE was equipped with only a single runner intake manifold.


 * 1994–1998 Nissan Cefiro (A32), 220 PS and 206 lbft
 * 1995–1999 Nissan QX (A32)
 * 1995–1999 Nissan Maxima (A32), 192 PS and 205 lbft
 * 1996–1999 Infiniti I30 (A32), 192 PS and 205 lbft
 * 2000–2001 Nissan Maxima (A33), 225 PS and 217 lbft; 227 PS for Anniversary Edition SE
 * 2000–2001 Infiniti I30 (A33), 230 PS and 217 lbft
 * 1999–2003 Nissan Bassara U30, 223 PS and 206 lbft
 * 1998–2003 Nissan Presage U30, 223 PS and 206 lbft
 * 2002–2004 Dallara SN01, World Series by Nissan
 * 1995–1999 Nissan Gloria (Y33)

VQ30DET
The 2987 cc VQ30DET is a turbocharged version of the VQ30DE. Bore and stroke remain the same at 93x73.3 mm respectively, and it has a compression ratio of 9.0:1. It produces 270 PS and 271 lbft. From 1998 onwards, it produces 280 PS at 6000 rpm and 285 lbft 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

VQ30DETT
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.

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)

VQ35DE


The 3498 cc VQ35DE is used in many modern Nissan vehicles. Bore and stroke are 95.5x81.4 mm. 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 of power and 246 to 274 lbft 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 at 7,200 rpm, a higher rev-limit than that of the original VQ35DE.

North American

JDM and other markets

VQ40DE
The VQ40DE is a 3954 cc longer stroke variant of the VQ35DE. Bore and stroke are 95.5 ×. 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 at 5600 rpm and 281 to 288 lbft at 4000 rpm.

DD series
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).

VQ25DD
The 2495 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 at 6400 rpm and 195 to 199 lb·ft at 4400 rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:
 * 1999–2002 Nissan Cefiro A33, 210 PS (JDM)
 * 1999–2004 Nissan Cedric/Nissan Gloria
 * 2001–2006 Nissan Skyline V35, 210 PS
 * 2001–2007 Nissan Stagea M35, 215 PS

VQ30DD
The 2987 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 to 260 PS at 6400 rpm and 217 to 239 lb·ft at 3600 rpm.

It is fitted to the following vehicles:
 * 1997–1999 Nissan Leopard Y33 230 PS and 217 lb·ft
 * 1999–2004 Nissan Cedric Y34
 * 1999–2004 Nissan Gloria Y34 240 PS and 228 lb·ft
 * 2001–2004 Nissan Skyline V35
 * 2001–2004 Nissan Stagea M35 260 PS and 239 lb·ft

VQ35DD
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
 * 2017–present Infiniti QX60 295 hp

VQ38DD
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

VQ25HR
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 85x73.3 mm, with a compression ratio of 10.3:1. It produces 221-228 PS at 6,800 rpm and 194 lbft 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:

VQ35HR
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 (US market: 306 hp using the revised SAE certified power benchmark) at 6,800 rpm and 37 kgm at 4,800 rpm, using a compression ratio of 10.6:1. As of 2009, the Infiniti EX35 produces 297 hp 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. Redline is 7,600 rpm. 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 total + 3 hp ram air effect not measured by SAE testing = 309 hp). Peak torque is up 8 pound-feet from the older "DE" engine, 260 lbft vs 268 lbft 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.

VQ38HR
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, and maximum torque of 421 Nm. 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 at 7200 rpm, and maximum torque of 397 Nm at 4800 rpm.

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

Production
The VQ35HR and VQ25HR engines were built at Nissan's Iwaki Plant in Fukushima Prefecture.

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

VQ37VHR


It was the first production engine from Nissan using VVEL. It has a compression ratio of 11.0:1, with a displacement of 3696 cc, thanks to a bore x stroke of 95.5x86 mm and a redline of 7,500 rpm. It is rated at 332 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 270 lbft of torque at 5,200 rpm, and up to 350 bhp at 7,400 rpm and 276 lbft of torque at 5,200 rpm.

Although the engine VQ37VHR gains only 2 lbft and 8 lbft 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.