Nissan VK engine
The VK engine (formerly known as the ZH) is a V8 piston engine from Nissan. It is an aluminum DOHC 4-valve design.
| Nissan VK | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. |
| Production | 2002–present |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | 90° V8 |
| Displacement | 4.5 L; 274.2 cu in (4,494 cc) 5.0 L; 306.7 cu in (5,026 cc) 5.6 L; 338.8 cu in (5,552 cc) |
| Cylinder bore | 93 mm (3.66 in) 95.5 mm (3.76 in) 98 mm (3.86 in) |
| Piston stroke | 82.7 mm (3.26 in) 87.7 mm (3.45 in) 92 mm (3.62 in) |
| Block material | Aluminium |
| Head material | Aluminium |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves x cyl. with CVTCS and VVEL (some versions) |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1, 10.9:1 |
| Combustion | |
| Fuel system | SFI, GDI |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Cooling system | Water cooled |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Nissan VH |
The VK56 engine was originally based on Nissan's VQ V6 rather than the VH V8 used in previous Q45/Cima models. Changes include: a variable polymer intake manifold, newly designed heads, and a larger drive by wire throttle chamber. The intake manifold directs air through different paths at different engine speeds to optimise low-end torque or high-end horsepower.
VK45DE
The 4,494 cc (4.5 L; 274.2 cu in) VK45DE was introduced in 2002 and is built in Yokohama, Japan. Bore and stroke is 93 mm × 82.7 mm (3.66 in × 3.26 in). Output is 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS) at 6,400 rpm with 46 kg⋅m (451 N⋅m; 333 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. Redline is at 6,600 rpm. It has an aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads. It uses SFI, has 4 valves per cylinder with VVT and features forged steel connecting rods, 4 one-piece cast camshafts, an unusual variable-flow induction system optimizes airflow for low- and high-speed operation, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons, and a microfinished crankshaft.
Motorsport
A flat-plane crankshaft version of the VK45DE was used by Nismo for Super GT races with the Nissan GT-R instead of using the GT-R's VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 engine.[1] The VK45DE was previously used in Nissan's 350Z Super GT car in 2007, replacing the previous VQ30DETT used in that car. In race trim, the Super GT VK45DE produces 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) and 52 kg⋅m (510 N⋅m; 376 lbf⋅ft) of torque.[2] The engine idles at around 3,500 rpm and is restricted to the above specified power output. Without such restrictions, the engine is reputedly capable of producing nearly 800 PS (588 kW; 789 hp).[3] Nismo reasons that by using the engine, they eliminate turbo lag, save weight and generally prefer the torque curve of the atmospheric V8.
Applications
| Years | Model | Power output | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2006 | Infiniti Q45 | 340 hp (254 kW) | 46 kg⋅m (451 N⋅m; 333 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2003–2008 | Infiniti FX45 | 320 hp (239 kW) | 45.5 kg⋅m (446 N⋅m; 329 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2003–2004 | Infiniti M45 | 340 hp (254 kW) | 46 kg⋅m (451 N⋅m; 333 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2006–2010 | Infiniti M45 | 325 hp (242 kW) | 47 kg⋅m (461 N⋅m; 340 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2004–2010 | Nissan Fuga 450 GT | 333 hp (248 kW) | 47 kg⋅m (461 N⋅m; 340 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2003–2010 | Nissan President | 276 hp (206 kW) | 46 kg⋅m (451 N⋅m; 333 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2007 | Super GT Nissan 350Z | 490 hp (365 kW) | 52.5 kg⋅m (515 N⋅m; 380 lbf⋅ft) (Non-Production) |
| 2008-2009 | Super GT Nissan GT-R | 490 hp (365 kW) | 52.5 kg⋅m (515 N⋅m; 380 lbf⋅ft) (Non-Production) |
| 2011–present | Various LMP2 racing cars | 450 hp (336 kW) | 59.4 kg⋅m (583 N⋅m; 430 lbf⋅ft) (Non-Production) |
VK45DD
The VK45DD is a 4,494 cc (4.5 L; 274.2 cu in) V8 engine that is very similar to the VK45DE but adds a direct injection fuel system. This was Nissan's first V8 with direct injection (NEO-Di). It officially produces 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 46 kg⋅m (451 N⋅m; 333 lbf⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm, but it has unofficially over 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp). It has a compression ratio of 11.0:1, and a bore and stroke of 93 mm × 82.7 mm (3.66 in × 3.26 in).
Applications
- 2001–2010 Nissan Cima (JDM)
VK50VE
The VK50VE is a 5,026 cc (5.0 L; 306.7 cu in) V8 engine with 390 hp (291 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 51 kg⋅m (500 N⋅m; 369 lbf⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm and redline is set at 6,800 rpm. Bore x stroke are 95.5 mm × 87.7 mm (3.76 in × 3.45 in) and compression ratio is 10.9:1. The valvetrain is a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design with a continuously variable valve timing control system (CVTCS). The engine also features Nissan's VVEL valve timing technology.[4]
Applications
- 2009–2013 Infiniti FX50
- 2014 Infiniti QX70
- 2015- Various LMP3 racing cars 420 bhp (313 kW) (Non-production)
VK56DE
The VK56DE is a 5,552 cc (5.6 L; 338.8 cu in) version built in Decherd, Tennessee. Bore and stroke is 98 mm × 92 mm (3.9 in × 3.6 in). Output is 317–320 hp (236–239 kW; 321–324 PS) at 4,900 rpm with 522 to 533 N⋅m (385 to 393 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,600 rpm. It has aluminum-alloy block and heads and low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons. The valvetrain is a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design with a continuously variable valve timing control system (CVTCS) on the intake valves. It also has 4 valves per cylinder with micro-finished camshafts and ductile iron cylinder liners for increased durability.
Motorsport
Nismo also uses the VK56DE for FIA GT1 racing. In race trim, it produces 600 hp (447 kW) and 650 N⋅m (479 lbf⋅ft) of torque.[5]
The Nissan Motorsport VK56DE was launched in Australia for the V8 Supercars Championship in 2013 by Kelly Racing in Melbourne. The engine has been reduced in capacity to 4,990 cc (5.0 L; 304.5 cu in) to fit the V8 Supercars regulations. It has a bore and stroke of 102.69 mm × 75.31 mm (4.04 in × 2.96 in). It will be fitted to a Nissan Altima version of the V8 Supercars "Car of the Future" specification that will compete from 2013 onwards.[6]
Applications
| Years | Model | Power output | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2015 | Nissan Armada | 305 to 317 hp (227 to 236 kW) | 53.2 kg⋅m (522 N⋅m; 385 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2004–2015 | Nissan Titan | 305 to 317 hp (227 to 236 kW) | 52.5 to 53.2 kg⋅m (515 to 522 N⋅m; 380 to 385 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2004–2010 | Infiniti QX56 | 315 to 320 hp (235 to 239 kW) | 54 to 54.4 kg⋅m (530 to 533 N⋅m; 391 to 393 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2010–2016 | Nissan Patrol | 320 hp (239 kW) | 54.4 kg⋅m (533 N⋅m; 393 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2008–2012 | Nissan Pathfinder | 310 hp (231 kW) | 53.5 kg⋅m (525 N⋅m; 387 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2012–2016 | Nissan NV2500 HD | 317 hp (236 kW) | 53.2 kg⋅m (522 N⋅m; 385 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2012–2016 | Nissan NV3500 HD | 317 hp (236 kW) | 53.2 kg⋅m (522 N⋅m; 385 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2012–2016 | Nissan NV Passenger | 317 hp (236 kW) | 53.2 kg⋅m (522 N⋅m; 385 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2009–2011 | Nissan GT-R GT1 | 600 hp (447 kW) | 66.3 kg⋅m (650 N⋅m; 480 lbf⋅ft) (Non-Production) |
| 2013–2019 | Nissan Altima, Supercars Championship | 650 hp (485 kW) | 67 kg⋅m (657 N⋅m; 485 lbf⋅ft) (Non-Production) |
Notes:
- The Titan, Armada, and Pathfinder power figures are for regular 87 octane fuel. The 320 hp (239 kW) Infiniti QX56 & Nissan Patrol are tuned for premium (91+ octane) fuel.
- Some VK56DE powered vehicles are E85 capable.
VK56VD
The VK56VD is a 5,552 cc (5.6 L; 338.8 cu in) 32-valve, DOHC, Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) aluminum-alloy V8 and features Nissan's advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift System). The direct injection system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and controlling injection more precisely.
Applications
| Years | Model | Power output | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–present | Nissan Patrol | 400 hp (298 kW) | 57.1 kg⋅m (560 N⋅m; 413 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2016–present | Nissan Patrol Nismo | 428 hp (319 kW) | 57.6 kg⋅m (565 N⋅m; 417 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2011–present | Infiniti QX80 | 400 hp (298 kW) | 57.1 kg⋅m (560 N⋅m; 413 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2011–2013 | Infiniti M56 | 420 hp (313 kW) | 57.6 kg⋅m (565 N⋅m; 417 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2014–2019 | Infiniti Q70 | 420 to 436 hp (313 to 325 kW) | 57.1 to 57.6 kg⋅m (560 to 565 N⋅m; 413 to 417 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2017–present | Nissan NV2500 HD | 375 hp (280 kW) | 53.5 kg⋅m (525 N⋅m; 387 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2017–present | Nissan NV3500 HD | 375 hp (280 kW) | 53.5 kg⋅m (525 N⋅m; 387 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2017–present | Nissan NV Passenger | 375 hp (280 kW) | 53.5 kg⋅m (525 N⋅m; 387 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2017–present | Nissan Titan | 400 hp (298 kW) | 57.1 kg⋅m (560 N⋅m; 413 lbf⋅ft) |
| 2017–present | Nissan Armada | 390 hp (291 kW) | 54.6 kg⋅m (535 N⋅m; 395 lbf⋅ft) |
References
- "Autocar article about the Super GT Nissan GT-R". Archived from the original on September 27, 2011.
- "NISMO Japan's Super GT GT-R spec sheet in Japanese".
- "YouTube video of NISMO engineer interview regarding the Super GT Nissan GT-R".
- "Iconicweb FX Specs" (PDF).
- "Nissan GT1 GT-R news - GT-R goes GT1 - 20090 - BBC Top Gear". Topgear.com. 2009-04-08. Retrieved 2012-01-27.
- "Nissan Unveils 2013 V8 Supercar Engine". v8supercars.com.au. 2012-09-04. Archived from the original on 2012-11-07. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
