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 engine|VG] series, the all-aluminium 4-valve per cylinder DOHC design debuted with Nissan's EGI/ECCS sequential multi-point fuel injection 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
  • VQ20DE
  • VQ25DE 1st

DE series

VQ20DE

The VQ20DE is an aluminium block, aluminium head, DOHC 24-valve V6, with a bore and stroke and compression ratio ranging from 9.5 to 10.0:1. In base form it produces to at 6400 rpm and at 4400 rpm.
It is fitted to the following vehicles:

VQ23DE

The VQ23DE displaces 2.3 L. Bore and stroke are, and compression ratio is 9.8:1. It produces at 6000 rpm and at 4400 rpm.
It is fitted to the following vehicles:

VQ25DE

The VQ25DE is similar to the VQ20DE, but is.5 L larger, at displacement. Bore and stroke are, with a compression ratio of 9.8 to 10.3:1. It produces at 6400 rpm and of torque. Later versions produce at 6000 rpm and at 3200 rpm. In some Nissans, this engine was replaced by the QR25DE.

VQ25DET

The VQ25DET is a turbocharged engine with CVTC. Bore and stroke are, with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. It produces at 6400 rpm and at 3200 rpm.
It is fitted to the following vehicles:
  • 2001–2004 Nissan Stagea 250t RS FOUR V, 250t RX FOUR, AR-X FOUR and Autech AXIS

VQ30DE

VQ30DE
displacement2,988 cc
bore & stroke93 mm × 73.3 mm
compression ratio10.0:1
produces PS193 ~ 230 at 6400rpm
produces torque 28.35 ~ 29.98 @ 4400rpm
produces torque 278 ~ 294 at 4400rpm

The VQ30DE has a bore and stroke of respectively with a compression ratio of 10.0:1. It produces to at 6400 rpm and 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. The VQ30DEK produces. The 1995–1999 US spec VQ30DE was equipped with only a single runner intake manifold.

VQ30DET

The VQ30DET is a turbocharged version of the VQ30DE. Bore and stroke remain the same at respectively, and it has a compression ratio of 9.0:1. It produces and. From 1998 onwards, it produces at 6000 rpm and at 3600 rpm.
It is fitted to the following vehicles:

VQ30DETT

The twin-turbo VQ30DETT is an engine used only in Nissan's race cars, primarily in the Super GT. 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.
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:

VQ35DE

The VQ35DE is used in many modern Nissan vehicles. Bore and stroke are. It uses a similar block design to the VQ30DE, but adds variable valve timing for the intake. It produces from of power and 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.
A modified version of the VQ35DE, called the S1, is produced by Nismo for the Fairlady Z S-Tune GT. It produces at 7,500 rpm, a higher rev-limit than that of the original VQ35DE.
North American
YearsModelPower output
2001–2004Nissan Pathfinder
2013–2016Nissan Pathfinder
2001–2003Infiniti QX4
2001–2004Infiniti I35
2002–2018Nissan Altima
2002–2023Nissan Maxima
2002–2006Nissan 350Z
2002–2007Infiniti G35 Coupe
2002–2006Infiniti G35 Sedan
2002–2008Infiniti FX35
2002–2024Nissan Murano
2003–2016Nissan Quest
2004–2008Infiniti M35
2012–2013Infiniti JX35
2013–2016Infiniti QX60

JDM and other markets
YearsModelPower output
2000–presentNissan Elgrand
2001–2007Nissan Stagea and above
2001–2009Renault Vel Satis
2002–2006Nissan Skyline 350GT Sedan
2003–2007Nissan Skyline 350GT Coupe
2003–2018Nissan Teana/Cefiro
2003–2009Nissan Presage
2003–2014Renault Espace
2003–2004Tatuus Formula V6, Formula Renault V6 Eurocup
2004–2007Nissan Fuga 350 GT
2005–2006Nismo Fairlady Z S-Tune GT
2006–2020Renault Samsung SM7
2008–2015Renault Laguna Coupé
2009Renault Mégane Trophy
2010–2015Renault Latitude
2012Alpine A110-50

VQ40DE

The VQ40DE is a longer stroke variant of the VQ35DE. Bore and stroke are. 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. It is port fuel injected with platinum-tipped spark plugs. It produces at 5600 rpm and at 4000 rpm.
YearsModelPower outputTorque
2005–2019Nissan Frontier (D40) at 5600 rpm at 4000 rpm
2005–2015Nissan Xterra at 5600 rpm at 4000 rpm
2005–2012Nissan Pathfinder at 5600 rpm at 4000 rpm
2009–2013Suzuki Equator at 5600 rpm at 4000 rpm
2012–2021Nissan NV1500 at 5600 rpm at 4000 rpm
2012–2021Nissan NV2500 HD at 5600 rpm at 4000 rpm
2012–2021Nissan NV Passenger at 5600 rpm at 4000 rpm
2017–2024Nissan Patrol at 5600 rpm at 4000 rpm

DD series

The DD series is a variant of the DE series engines with direct fuel injection and eVTC.

VQ25DD

The 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 at 6400 rpm and at 4400 rpm.
It is fitted to the following vehicles:

VQ30DD

The engine has Bore and stroke of 93 mm and 73.3 mm, with a compression ratio of 11.0:1. It produces to at 6400 rpm and at 3600 rpm.
It is fitted to the following vehicles:

VQ35DD

A larger 3.5L with direct-injection is released for 2017 model year.
It is fitted to the following vehicles:

VQ38DD

A 3.8 L version with direct-injection is released for 2020 model year.
It is fitted to the following vehicles:

HR series

VQ25HR

VQ25HR
displacement2,496 cc
redline7,500 rpm
bore & stroke85 mm × 73.3 mm
compression ratio10.3:1
produces PS235 @ 6,800 rpm
produces torque 26.82 @ 4,800 rpm
produces torque 263 @ 4,800 rpm

The 2.5 L VQ25HR is only offered on longitudinally-mounted engine vehicles which tend to be rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Bore and stroke are, with a compression ratio of 10.3:1. It produces at 6,800 rpm and 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:
YearsModelPower output
2006–2012Nissan Skyline V36 250GT Sedan
2006–2012Nissan Fuga 250GT
2006–2012Infiniti M25 V6 Sedan
2010–2012Infiniti EX25 Crossover SUV
2011–2012Infiniti G25 Sedan
2012Mitsubishi Proudia 250 VIP

VQ35HR

VQ35HR
displacement3,498 cc
redline7,500 rpm
bore & stroke95.5 mm × 81.4 mm
compression ratio10.6:1
HP302 ~ 311 @ 6,800 rpm
torque 342~358 @ 4,800 rpm
torque 252.43 ~ 264.01 @ 4,800 rpm
torque 34.9 ~ 36.5 @ 4,800 rpm

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. It produces at 6,800 rpm and at 4,800 rpm, using a compression ratio of 10.6:1. As of 2009, the Infiniti EX35 produces and the same torque presumably due to tighter regulations.
It has NDIS 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 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. Peak torque is up from the older "DE" engine at 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.
YearsModelPower output
2007–2008Infiniti G35
2006–2008Nissan Skyline V36 350GT Sedan
2007–2008Nissan 350Z; US Market using revised SAE certified power benchmark -
2006–2008Nissan Fuga 350 GT
2008–2012Infiniti EX35 Crossover SUV
2009–2012Infiniti FX35 Crossover SUV
2009–2010Infiniti M35
2011–2013Infiniti M35hEngine:, Combined:
2010–2022Nissan Fuga HybridCombined:
2012–2022Nissan CimaCombined:
2012–2016Mitsubishi DignityCombined:
2014–2018Infiniti Q50 HybridCombined:
2014–2025Nissan Skyline V37 350GT HybridCombined:
2014–2019Infiniti Q70 HybridCombined:

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. 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, and maximum torque of. 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 at 7200 rpm, and maximum torque of at 4800 rpm.
The VQ38HR fitted to the following vehicles:

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.

VQ37VHR

VQ37VHR
displacement3,696 cc
redline7,500 rpm
bore & stroke95.5 mm × 86 mm
compression ratio11.0:1
produces PS337 @ 7,000 rpm
produces torque 37.32 @ 5,200 rpm
produces torque 366 @ 5,200 rpm
produces torque 269.94 @ 5,200 rpm

It was the first production engine from Nissan using VVEL.
It has a compression ratio of 11.0:1, with a displacement of, thanks to a bore x stroke of and a redline of 7,500 rpm.
It is rated at at 7,000 rpm and of torque at 5,200 rpm, and up to at 7,400 rpm and of torque at 5,200 rpm.
Although the engine VQ37VHR gains only and 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.
YearsModelPower output
2008–2013Infiniti G37 Coupe
2008–2014Nissan Skyline V36 370 GT Coupe
2009–2014Infiniti G37 Sedan
2009–2014Nissan Skyline V36 370 GT Sedan
2009–2013Infiniti G37 Convertible
2009–2022Nissan Fuga 370GT
2009–2013Infiniti FX37
2009–2013Infiniti EX37
2009–2020Nissan 370Z/Fairlady Z
2009–2020Nismo 370Z NISMO
2011–2013Infiniti M37
2011–2016Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe
2012–2016Mitsubishi Proudia 370GT
2013Infiniti IPL G37 Convertible
2015Infiniti Q40 Sedan
2014–2015Infiniti Q50 Sedan
2014–2016Infiniti Q60 Coupé
2014–2015Infiniti Q60 Convertible
2014–2019Infiniti Q70
2014–2017Infiniti QX50
2014–2017Infiniti QX70