Nissan VQ Engine makes Ward's 10 Best Engines List for 2005

It is the only engine that has been part of the list every year the award has been presented.

The versatile VQ power plant is offered in a variety of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles for the 2005 model year. These vehicles include the Nissan Altima and Maxima sedans, the Nissan 350Z sports car, the Nissan Murano crossover vehicle, the Nissan Quest minivan, in addition to the Infiniti G35 Sedan and Coupe and the Infiniti FX35 crossover utility vehicle. Ward's award was based on the 3.5-liter VQ engine as used in the Infiniti G35 coupe with a six-speed manual transmission.

The VQ engine has been improved for the 2005 model year. The engine in the G35 when mated to an automatic transmission now produces 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, and 270 kg-m of torque at 4,800 rpm. This represents an increase of 20 horsepower and 10 kg-m of torque in the G35 sedan.

When mated to the six-speed manual transmission, horsepower in both the G35 Sedan and Coupe increases to 298 at 6,200 rpm. The VQ engine sees its highest-ever output with the 35th Anniversary 350Z, which is tuned for 294 hp.

Voting for the best 10 engines was a team of six editors and writers for Ward's AutoWorld magazine and Ward's Engine & Vehicle Technology Update newsletter. The panel judged dozens of engines in a wide variety of vehicles.

Takeshi Nakajima, Regional Director, Nissan Middle East, commented: "The VQ engine proved to be a master piece and an all times winner. It is installed in most of Nissan models as part of Nissan's commitment to its customers not only in terms of expansion but also in offering best quality and performance. The successful engine has encouraged Nissan to expand its Iwaki plant in order to increase production and meet the high demand."

Ward's Communications is a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for nearly 80 years. Ward's AutoWorld is a monthly magazine serving more than 68,000 automotive professionals globally. The twice-monthly newsletter Ward's Engine & Vehicle Technology Update provides analysis of engineering advancements and technical issues.