The 2006 350Z uses Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6, known as the VQ35DE, producing about 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque.
In 2006, this powertrain was part of the VQ engine family and was designed as a naturally aspirated, dual-overhead-camshaft V6. It could be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance of performance and everyday usability for the Z sports car.
Engine specifications
Key technical details for the 2006 350Z’s powerplant are listed below.
- Engine code: VQ35DE
- Displacement: 3.5 L (3498 cc)
- Configuration: 60-degree V6, DOHC, 24-valve
- Horsepower: 287 hp (213 kW) at 6,800 rpm
- Torque: 274 lb-ft (372 Nm) at 4,400 rpm
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Valvetrain: Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) on the intake cam
This engine is noted for smooth power delivery and reliability, forming the core performance package of the 2006 model year.
Context and evolution
For context, Nissan refreshed the Z lineup in 2007 with the VQ35HR engine, which offered higher output and updated internals. The 2006 model thus sits at the end of the DE-era, preceding the more powerful 2007+ variants.
2007 upgrade: the VQ35HR
The 2007 model year introduced the VQ35HR variant, delivering around 306 hp with revised valvetrain and intake/exhaust tuning. This marked a notable performance increase over the 2006 DE engine while maintaining the same general 3.5-liter displacement and naturally aspirated configuration.
Summary
The 2006 Nissan 350Z is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 known as the VQ35DE, producing approximately 287 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque. It remained the standard powerplant for that year until the introduction of the higher-output VQ35HR in 2007.