VQ37VHR, the new designation for Nissan's naturally aspirated 3.7L VQ.

This time they are back on the variable valve lift bandwagon with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). Some may recall the now defunct VVL system, a virtual VTEC copy, that enabled the SR16VE to generate ~108hp/L (or an astounding 128hp/L for the N1 version), but have since gone the wayside. The new system works nearly identical to BMW's Valvetronic setup, only faster and more efficient according to Nissan. I'm very glad to finally see such an incorporation in Nissan's arsenal. It will only be a matter of time before VVEL is also implemented on the exhaust side (currently only adopted on the intake valves).

While I love the relatively fat low-mid power of the VQ, the top end has always left A LOT more to be desired. On the track, past VQs are simply uninspiring. I expect the VHR to be a lot better in that respect.

 

we will see! I do believe from what i have read that nissan has spent a pretty penney developing the new motor.

-sean

 

I think it will not disappoint... it looked really fast on the track video

 

if it's anythign like valvetronic from BMW, get ready for an NA gasoline engine that sounds a bit like a diesel at idle. the valve lift system used by BMW is a bit noisy, maybe nissan will solve that

 

I've read the Edmunds comparison blurb against the BMW 335i. There is a 30lb torque difference in favor of BMW which results to straight line performance that the new G37 coupe will probably not beat.

The test track that Nissan setup for the journos allowed them to showcase the G's better suspension and handling setup ahead of BMW, but I can't imagine the typical driver on this board getting such a chance to race a BMW on a curvy track.

 

the 335 doens't have valvetronic. twin turbo inline 6 with double vanos. the suspension will be the real deciding point for which is better

 

I don't think there were any implications here that 335i came w. Valvetronics.

 

outgoing m series? anyone know any links to videos or articles of the shocase from nissan?

 

check here ...

http://my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257946

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but the valvetronic is not found on the higher performance BMW engines becasue despite offering more power overall due to the infinite variability, the top end suffered from the increased valvetrain load. Thus, being that the top end is critical for sport models, BMW doesn't implement it in such models as the M3 because of its high rpm ineffeciency. In comparison Hondas VTEC although not conitinuously variable does not suffer from this because of its more simple design (non-infinitely variable) and therby allowing for more of a top end benefit. With this in mind I am curious to see if the top end as you describe it will actually have a significant kick if it is in fact comaparible to bmw's valvetronic. Hopefully Nissan has discovered a way to effectively improve the effeciency at high rpms.

 

Good catch! I stand corrected. Indeed Valvetronic was not implemented for any of the M-series engines. I was well aware of the inherent high rpm inefficiencies of Valvetronic's design, but was under the false impression that they [BMW] somehow managed to make it work @ 8500 rpm, subsequently wining my high praises. In light of this oversight (mine), I'm now far less impressed with BMW.
The M series engine in fact only utilizes the less radical VANOS system for cam timing/phasing.

I would not expect VVEL to give that wonderful surge of power towards the top half like Honda's VTEC. Instead expect 37VHR to feel less asthmatic than the 35DE variation. The revelation would have liken the 35DE + spacer mod, where the once dismal upper band is now alive, but still not to be mistaken as an over achiever.

 

Well, that's the benefit of a turbo engine, (which we are finding bmw is having problems with). I don't expect the g37 to be faster in a straight line or in the 1/4 than the 335i, but we'll see.

 

the M3 didn't have valvetronic but it should be noted the M3 was released a year before the engines with valvetronic were released. the new M5 doesn't have it for reasons stated above

 

You guys are right about valvetronic. Honestly the N54 doesn't really need it with direct injection, and like you mentioned, the downsides at high rpms aren't really worth it.

 

direct injection helps. it was dropped becuase the engine is turbo. the other engines have it still