For more information on Nissan’s VVEL, see: » Nissan’s Alphabet Soup

This is the first application of the VQ37 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL).

• The increase of 200 cc comes via the stroke changing from 81.4 mm to 86 mm.
• Compression ratio is increased from 10.6:1 to 11.0:1.
• Nissan claims VVEL improves performance and fuel economy, and reduces emissions. Hydrocarbon production is reduced about 40%, fuel economy (adjusted to 2008 EPA methodology) is up almost 10%, and power output is 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm.

Two transmissions are offered, a five-speed automatic and a six-speed manual.

• Randy Fior, Infiniti’s senior manager, Product Planning, expects 70% of buyers to order an automatic. Sport models come standard with magnesium paddle shifters.
• The DS mode has higher shifts points, and Automatic Shift Control uses a lateral g-force sensor to prevent the transmission from shifting mid-corner.
• Torque converter lock-up on the automatic has been expanded, and the ECU automatically matches engine revs on downshifts.
• To reduce NVH levels the manual gearbox has a revised dynamic damper, modified shift linkage, and a revised shifter isolator.

As expected, the braking and suspension systems also have been upgraded from the G35 Coupe’s specification.

• Sport models receive 14-in. front and 13.8-in. rear rotors with opposed-piston calipers (four pistons front, two pistons rear). Base cars use sliding calipers and have 13-in. calipers front and rear from the G35 sedan.
• Electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, and ABS are standard on all models.
• Lateral stiffness of the double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspensions are up 45% despite an increase in front and rear tracks.
• Four-wheel active steering (4WAS) is optional on the Sport model and uses an actuator between the rear spring perches to add 1? of steering—in-phase with the front wheels—at about 40 mph. The addition of a front steering actuator to this system gives an effective dynamic steering ratio of 12-20:1.
• “The idea,” says Fior, “is to decrease effort at low speeds, increase nimbleness in the midrange, and slow the ratio down for greater stability at high speeds.”
• Chassis stiffness has been increased 36%.—CAS