More powerful VQ engine planned for 2009 Infiniti M35

Posted Tue Sep 2 2008 7:09 PM by Siddharth Raja

Nissan has announced that its updated 3.7L VQ-series engine will make its way into the upcoming G37 Convertible as well as the 2009 G37 Sedan in the North American market, but the company never announced if there were any plans to update the M35 sedan as well. According to a new report, the mid-size sedan misses on the bigger 3.7L mill and will instead feature an updated version of the current 3.5L unit.

The new engine, called the VQ35HR, will output 303hp (225kW) and 262lb-ft (355Nm) of torque – 28 more ponies than the current version. It will appear in both the 2009 M35 and AWD M35x, reports TheCarConnection. The M35 will also be available with a new seven-speed automatic transmission, while the M35x will stick with the older five-speeder.

The VQ35HR is able to rev up to 7,500rpm and uses 10% less fuel than the outgoing motor despite its extra performance. Improvements to the engine design include lighter mass, reduced friction, and reduced piston side-force as a result of asymmetrical piston skirts and longer connecting rods. There’s also variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts.

Reader Comments

Tue Sep 2 2008 8:13 PM
rickybobby says

what about an m50?
Tue Sep 2 2008 8:27 PM
NoNameDenton says

I like the idea of an M50, but with so many people shying away from big engines it might be held off.
Tue Sep 2 2008 9:33 PM
Andrew says

But if it uses less fuel, go ahead.

No point in buying the M45 with its current engine with the HP ratings so close.
Tue Sep 2 2008 10:30 PM
NoNameDenton says

Could always use a turbo 6 to match V8 power without the fuel issue, that is what most companies are doing, unfortunately, I would love to see the V8 survive, in a smaller forced induction way.
Wed Sep 3 2008 6:22 AM
craigs says

Most Infiniti's have terrible fuel consumption and when one compares them to Acura's or Lexus it looks even worse. Time for Infiniti to join the rest of the world and buil some more efficient engines.
Wed Sep 3 2008 6:42 AM
adi says

Sedan again!? Infiniti, you REALLY are a dream spoiler.....

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