On the face of it a press release detailing a new powerplant isn't, in isolation, anything to get massively excited about. But to see a mainstream company like Infiniti parent Nissan investing in a whole new generation of (relatively) large capacity V-engines with more than four cylinders, a couple of turbos and built for rear-wheel drive platforms does at least offer hope for those fearing the march of downsizing, diesels and hybridisation.
Built in Japan and, for now at least, exclusively for Infiniti models (specifically the Q50 and related
Q60 coupe
) the engine is designated VR30, displaces 2,997cc and has a 'square' 86mm bore and stroke. Where it gets a little fancier is with electronic wastegate control for the two turbos, variable valve timing (electrically operated on intake), an integrated cylinder head and exhaust manifold and direct fuel injection. It'll be offered in 300hp and 400hp versions with 295lb ft and 350lb ft respectively, the latter using an additional water pump for the intercooler circuit and an 'optical' turbine speed sensor that permits higher turbine speeds of 240,000rpm in transient conditions over the 220,000rpm steady state limit. Apparently this alone is worth nearly a third more power than the standard version. For the full geek-out there's a very detailed run-through of the engine's features on the
Infiniti website
Engines of this size and power range are going to be a key battleground for the premium marques in coming years, demonstrated by Mercedes throwing its weight behind a new range of '43 sub-AMG models using an equivalent 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with 367hp and 383lb ft. BMW looks to be sticking with the TwinPower straight-sixes based on its modular engine design, as seen in the 340i and others and rated at 326hp and 332lb ft. Audi's UK range is TDI dominated still but it does have an equivalent 3.0-litre supercharged V6 with 333hp and 324lb ft in the A7 while Jaguar's supercharged 3.0-litre V6 as featured in the XE S, F-Pace and XF runs 340hp and 332lb ft.
Does a new engine mean there's hope for this?
So, all is not lost for relatively big and decently powerful petrol engines with more than four cylinders. Phew. For Infiniti you have to see further opportunities too; if there's headroom for 450hp or more then it has a powerplant suitable for building M3 and M4-chasing variants of the Q50 and Q60, a
long-stated aim
teased by the GT-R engined
Q50 Eau Rouge
concept. Given how jealously Nissan guards the VR38DETT engine a souped up VR30 would seem more likely for that role.
For Nissan generally it also offers a successor to the long-lived VQ-range of V6s that have powered the 350Z and 370Z. It may be a way off but having a twin-turbo V6 with this kind of power opens up the options for building a new generation of rear-driven Z cars with the firepower to chase the Boxster, Cayman and Toyota-powered Lotus Evoras. By sticking with six cylinders as Porsche downsizes to four there's an opportunity there to mop up customers not convinced by smaller engines. Nissan has been here before of course - the 300ZX was also a twin-turbo V6 - so there is a precedent to draw on.
Plenty of reasons to be cheerful, in short!