As a fan of the Skyline from a young age, the G35 doesn't really look like a Skyline from the old days, but I didn't think it was an insult to it. It's a nice, more powerful car.

But I seem to get the impression that some people think that the G35 is an offense to the Skyline lineage, I remember specifically reading that on several forums, with very passionate, emphatic vocabulary...

Of course, I don't really see what they are complaining about because they also took out the turbo in the Nissan Z line in the 350z...just accept it, you know?

Questions:
What is special about the inline-6 as opposed to the V-6?
I saw something on youtube about Falken choosing to tune a G35 for drifting...why a G35 over a 350z? Better balance?

And trying to see the other side, what are some other reasons out there y people would be hating on the V35

 

To be honest, i've never been into Skylines. However, i've liked G35's ever since they came out. When i discovered they were the US Skyline, and also had a 4-door version, i was shocked. Seemed uncharacteristic IMHO for what should have been called a skyline.

 

You first have to understand there is a difference between a Skyline and a Skyline GT-R. The R32-R34 models of the Skyline came in many different trim levels. The non-GT-R models came with a myriad of engines, from a 91-hp CA18I inline 4 (R32 Skyline GXi) to the 280-hp RB25DET (R34 Skyline 25GT Turbo), this is what I would consider the lineage of the V35 Skyline aka G35. The R32-R34 GT-R is the sport model, this is what I would consider as the predecessor to the new R35 GT-R not because they had twin turbo I6's or V-6's but because they were and are the flagship models for their generations.

Non GT-R model Skylines are used around the world not as sports cars generally (except for select turbo models) but just regular passenger cars, they are even used as taxi's in places. The Skyline has had a sport version and a regular grocery getter model since at least the R30 generation. Take a look below at some of the R32-R33 Skyline non GT-R's that are available, many of these you may not find particularily attractive compared to GT-R's.

http://list1.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp...ale=0jp&mode=1

You will note that this is the Japanese equivilant of ebay and that the catagory breakdown puts the V35 Skyline into the non-GTR catagory. The bottom line is that the G35 was not a replacement for a GT-R, it was a replacement for the Skyline model, the GT-R was a replacement of the Skyline GT-R.

Here are the other two GT-R links for fun...
http://list1.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp...ale=0jp&mode=1
http://list1.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp...ale=0jp&mode=1

Anyway back to your questions, the inline-6 is an older technology that was less environmentally friendly than the new VQ engine series. This series of newer engines worked so well as a cross platform engine that it has been stuffed into many different Nissan's and Infiniti's. Why did Falken go with the G35, I don't know, probably the "Balla" status.

 

What does changing the inline-6 to a a V6 do in terms of torque curve? If it is more "environmentally friendly" then I assume the V6 is more efficient.

Also, the V35 was the most powerful naturally aspirated engine the Skyline ever had (pretty much the same case with the 350Z)...a huge engine upgrade like what they did to the Z and G is worth losing the turbos cuz u can always put on turbos later yourself...calling a powerful car like the G35 a "taxi" or something like that...it is a tuned car, is in many ways "a better Z than the Z" (Motortrend), and deserves to be considered a GT-R successor.

 

people just do not know how to distinguish between a SKYLINE and a GT-R.

 

The torque curve of the two engines would be like comparing apples and oranges to get any really helpful info. The RB26 is a 2.6 liter twin turbo engine that was pretty much detuned to dall in line with the Japanese 280hp cap that existed. The VQ is a significantly larger 3.5 liter engine that even in HR form is at the end of its potential without major upgrades ie forced induction.

If you want to make things relatively equal then compare the R34 RB25DE to the V35 VQ25DD. Both are NA 2.5 liter engines. Produced around the same, the RB makes 200 hp, the VQ makes 215. So if you feel you need to say the VQ is more powerful or efficient then I suppose it is, ever so slightly.

However the RB26 can produce much more power with less modifications than the VQ35 can, the parts are generally cheaper and more readily available.

While you may think the G35 is a worthy successor to the Skyline GT-R is your opinion, I would assume most consider the new Nissan GT-R to be the successor to the Skyline GT-R. Im not sure what your definition of a tuned car is, but a stock G35 does not strike me as a tuned car.

 

flame suit....on

 

i just love it , no matter what, I thought it was cool the G35 would replace the R34

 

My last car was a R32 Nissan Skyline GTS-t. RB20DET, 215hp standard 2 litre turbocharged inline six. My present car is a V35 Nissan Skyline 250GT. VQ25DD 215/220 hp standard 2.5 litre NA V6.

The R32 was a 4-door, just like the V35. Both are near luxury cars for their time period - the R32 in the early 90's came with features not seen on anything less than a 5 series BMW or an E-Class Benz, for less money. The V35 is the same for its era (a decade later, early 2000's).

When the V35 came out I thought that it was a horrible successor, and that the US market had spoiled a great car. It certainly made it different. What was a car with serious potential as a race/track car (close to the heritage of the R32 GTR which decimated the track in the period 1989 to 1992 until it was banned for winning too much), became a luxury sports sedan with no particular claim to fame.

My R32 was lightly modded - front mount intercooler, increased boost, minor suspension tweaks - maybe 250 horses in a lightweight car. When it was automatic I could hold my foot on the brake and generate clouds of tire smoke at will . I converted it to manual, and used to drift it out of as many corners as I could. It was cramped inside, 17 years old and a sinful hoot to drive.

The V35, on the other hand, can't be modded without big bucks - the most I could get out of it and remain NA is maybe 225hp. It will not smoke the tires, and it can't really drift. It's roomy and comfortable, quiet and luxurious. I love it but I miss my little beastie.

 

Straight six motors are mechanically simpler designed than v configs, are usually able to accommodate bigger cylinders, valves, etc... and therefore reducing vibrations, increasing efficiency, while producing more torque.

It's the same reason why you'll never see a successful v4 on any car.

 

The RB20/RB26 straight 6 is an iron block, alloy head engine that's nearly bulletproof. 20's have been known to push well over 600bhp with internal mods but no block mods, while the 1300bhp RB26 is legendary. (the RB25 is a bit more delicate for some reason).

Try that on a VQ35DE...

PS the head of my RB20DET weighed as much as a Corolla engine...

 

Wrx?

 

The Boxer engines are a horizontally opposed four cylinder, similar to what Porsche uses. Completely different from a V configuration.

 

Ill speak from first hand knowledge. I have owned a twin turbo'd G35 and currently driving a 95 gts-t. The straight 6 engine is a Torque Monster!!!! Its unbelievable how much power this engine can put to the ground and I have a RB25DET with a TO4E upgrade. I cant imagine a somewhat modded GTR. The R32-R34 GTR's would smoke any twin turbo G35 imo with a compareable build. The R33 GTS-T feels a lot more powerful then the G35 twin turbo. Heres a picture of my skyline here in japan!




Morale of the story
RB straight 6 > VQ35

 

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