Yes. The VQ35 is a 3.5-liter V6 engine developed by Nissan, and it is a member of Nissan’s VQ engine family used in several Infiniti and Nissan models in the 2000s.
Overview
The VQ35 is a V-shaped six-cylinder powerplant, designed to balance smoothness with strong mid-range torque. It became a common powertrain in a range of performance-oriented and family-friendly models during its production years.
Key attributes of the VQ35 include its displacement, cylinder arrangement, and valvetrain configuration that allow for robust performance and refined operation.
- Configuration: V6 (60-degree V-angle typical of the VQ family)
- Displacement: 3.5 liters (approximately 3,498 cc)
- Valvetrain: DOHC with 24 valves (4 per cylinder)
- Induction and timing: Naturally aspirated with variable valve timing on the intake cam in many variants (VVT-i)
- Materials: All-aluminum block and heads for reduced weight
- Power delivery: Generally around 280–300 hp in stock form, depending on model and year
- Notable applications: Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35, and FX35 among others in the 2000s
Taken together, these attributes confirm that the VQ35 is indeed a V6 engine and a central part of Nissan’s VQ engine lineage during its era.
Design and technology
Engineers designed the VQ35 to emphasize smooth operation, reliable performance, and broad usability across front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive layouts. Its aluminum construction and modern valvetrain reflect the standards of its time while aiming for durability in everyday driving and sportier applications.
- 60-degree V6 configuration
- All-aluminum construction (block and heads)
- 24-valve DOHC valvetrain
- Sequential multi-point fuel injection
- Variable valve timing on the intake cam (VVT-i) in many variants
- Coil-on-plug ignition and contemporary electronic control
These design choices helped the VQ35 deliver a smooth, linear power curve and reliability that owners came to expect from Nissan and Infiniti during the mid-2000s.
Variants and typical usage
The best-known versions were the VQ35DE (the standard 3.5-liter variant) and the higher-output VQ35HR used in later models. The VQ35 family powered popular models such as the Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35/FX35, contributing to the era’s reputation for performance balanced with practicality. Over time, Nissan’s lineup shifted toward larger V6 displacements (e.g., VQ37) as models evolved.
In practice, the VQ35 served as a cornerstone for Nissan and Infiniti’s V6 strategy in the 2000s, offering approachable performance, good reliability, and broad applicability across multiple body styles.
Summary
Yes—the VQ35 is a V6 engine. It is a 3.5-liter, aluminum-bodied V6 from Nissan’s VQ family, widely used in models such as the Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35 in the 2000s. Its blend of smooth power, broad torque, and reliability made it a defining powertrain of its era.
Is the VQ35DE a good engine?
The VQ35DE (2002-2006 / 2016 Ward's Best Engines Winner)
It was slightly larger in capacity than the 3.0-liter engine, offering more power and torque. This made it suitable for SUVs such as the Nissan Pathfinder and Murano, Infiniti QX4, as well as the Maxima and luxury sedans such as the Infiniti G35.
What is the difference between a V6 and a VQ?
Nissan's VQ refers to a family of V6 engines with displacements varying from 2.0L to 4.0L. Each variant is a versatile powerhouse engine that you'll find in a number of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Nissan's VQ engine is lauded for its power, good mileage, and fuel efficiency.
Is a VQ the same as a V6?
The VQ is a family of V6 automobile petrol engines developed by Nissan and produced in displacements varying from 2.0 L to 4.0 L. Designed to replace the VG series, the all-aluminium 4-valve per cylinder DOHC design debuted with Nissan's EGI/ECCS sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) system.
What type of engine is a VQ35?
Under the hood, the 350Z was powered by Nissan's VQ35DE engine, a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that initially produced 287 horsepower.