January 2006 – The Nissan 3.5-liter VQ V6 engine has been named to the annual Ward’s 10-Best Engines list for the 13th straight year by Ward’s Communications, Inc. It is the only engine that has been part of the list every year the award has been presented.
The new, fourth generation VQ series, 24-valve 3.5-liter DOHC V6 powerplant, which is built at Nissan manufacturing facilities in Iwaki, Japan, and Decherd, Tenn., is offered in a variety of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. These vehicles include the Nissan Altima, Maxima, Murano and 350Z, in addition to the Infiniti G35 Sedan and Coupe, and FX35. Ward’s award was based on the new 3.5-liter VQHR engine in the all-new 2007 Infiniti G35 with a six-speed manual transmission.
As equipped in the Infiniti G35 sedan, the fourth-generation VQ-series V6 has been significantly rethought, with approximately 80% of major parts (except bolts, O-rings and clips) redesigned. The block features ladder frame construction for greater rigidity and crank journal and pin diameters have been increased. The block height has been increased by 8.4 millimeters to reduce piston side force and the engine center is now 15 millimeters lower, which also contributes to the G’s improved dynamic performance.
“The new VQ-series V6 has had some major reworking done, helping it provide better performance in terms of power, emissions and fuel economy” commented Mustansir Lakdawala, Infiniti Brand Manager at Infiniti Middle East. “The new engine deservedly takes its place on this year’s ‘Ward’s 10-Best Engines list’ for the 13th straight year, a testament to our engineering prowess and innovation.”
The G sedan’s engine now has 327 horsepower and 38.6kgm of torque (a significant power improvement from the previous generation VQ), an exciting engine sound and improvements in emissions and fuel economy.
Voting for the best engines was a team of ten editors and writers for Ward’s Auto World magazine and Ward’s Engine & Vehicle Technology Update newsletter. The Award will be presented on January 9, 2007 at the Renaissance Center Marriott during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
