The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 known as the VQ35DE, delivering about 260 horsepower (and roughly 260 lb-ft of torque) in the 2002 Infiniti I35.
Engine at a glance
The 2002 I35 is powered by Infiniti/Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 from the VQ engine family. This DOHC, 24-valve powerplant was designed to provide a smooth, confident driving experience in a mid-size luxury sedan, with a balance of performance and refinement that fit Infiniti’s market positioning at the time.
Technical specifications
Displacement: 3.5 liters. Configuration: V6. Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves. Output: approximately 260 hp and around 260 lb-ft of torque. Transmission: typically paired with a five-speed automatic transmission in the early 2000s I35 models.
Context and significance
The VQ35DE engine represented a core Nissan/Infiniti powerplant that appeared across multiple models in the era, chosen for its blend of power, smoothness, and reliability. In the 2002 I35, the engine helped deliver a refined driving experience aligned with Infiniti’s luxury sedan image, while maintaining competitive performance for its class.
Summary
The 2002 Infiniti I35 relies on the VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6, offering roughly 260 horsepower and about 260 lb-ft of torque. As a member of the VQ family, it underscored Infiniti’s emphasis on a capable, smooth V6 to power its mid-size luxury sedan lineup in the early 2000s.