The 4.5L (4494cc) VK45DE was introduced in 2002 and is built in Yokohama, Japan. Bore is 93mm (3.7in) and stroke is 82.7mm (3.26in). Output is 340hp (254kW) at 6400rpm with 333ftlbf (451Nm) of torque at 4000rpm. Redline is at 6600rpm. It has an aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads. It uses SFI fuel injection, has 4 valves per cylinder with VVT and features forged steel connecting rods, 4 one-piece cast camshafts, and an unusual variable-flow induction system optimizes airflow for low- and high-speed operation and low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons and microfinished crankshaft.
Motorsport
The VK45DE is used by Nismo for Super GT races with the Nissan GT-R instead of using the GT-R's VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 engine. The VK45DE was previously used in Nissan's 350Z Super GT car, replacing the previous VQ30DETT used in that car in 2007. In race trim, the Super GT VK45DE produces 500PS (490hp) and 52kgm (380ftlbf) of torque. The engine idles at around 3500 RPM and is restricted to the above specified power output. Without such restrictions, the engine is reputedly capable of producing nearly 800PS (790hp). Nismo reasons that by using the engine, they eliminate turbo-lag, save weight and generally prefer the torque curve of the atmospheric V8.
This engine is used in the following vehicles:
20022006 Infiniti Q45, 340hp (250kW)
20032008 Infiniti FX45, 315hp (235kW) and 446Nm (329ftlbf)
20032004 Infiniti M45, 340hp (250kW) and 451Nm (333ftlbf)
2006resent Infiniti M45, 325hp (242kW) and 461Nm (340ftlbf)
2004resent Nissan Fuga 450 GT, 333hp (248kW) and 461Nm (340ftlbf)
2003-present Nissan President 280PS (280bhp) and 451Nm (333ftlbf)
2007 Super GT Nissan 350Z, 490hp (370kW) and 52kgm (510Nm; 380ftlbf)
2008 Super GT Nissan GT-R, 490hp (370kW) and 52kgm (510Nm; 380ftlbf)
VK45DD
The VK45DD is the same as the VK45DE but adds an direct injection fuel system. This was Nissans first V8 with direct injection. It produces (officially) 280PS (206kW; 276hp) @6000rpm and 451Nm (333ftlbf) @3600rpm. But it has unofficially over 300PS (221kW; 296hp). It has a compression ratio of 11.0.
It was used in the following:
2001resent Nissan Cima
VK50VE
The VK50VE is a 5.0L V8 engine with 390hp @6500rpm and 500Nm @4400rpm and redline is at 6800rpm. Bore x stroke (mm) are 95.5 x 87.7 and compression ratio is 10.9:1. It has Nissans VVEL technology.
The VK56DE is a 5.6L (5552cc) version built in Decherd, TN. Bore is 98mm (3.9in) and stroke is 92mm (3.6in). Output is 317hp - 320hp (227kW) at 4900rpm with 375 to 390ftlbf (509-522Nm) of torque at 3600rpm. It has aluminum-alloy block and heads and low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons. The valvetrain is a dual overhead cam (DOHC). It has 4 valves per cylinder with micro-finished camshafts and ductile iron cylinder liners for increased durability.
Motorsport
Nismo also uses the VK56DE for FIA GT1 racing. In race trim, it produces 600 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.
Applications:
2004resent Nissan Armada, 317hp (236kW)
2004resent Nissan Titan, 317hp (236kW)
2004resent Infiniti QX56, 320hp (240kW)
2008resent Nissan Pathfinder, 310hp (230kW)
2009 Nissan GT-R GT1, 600hp (450kW)
Note: the Titan numbers are for 87 octane fuel. The 320hp (240kW) number for the Infiniti was using premium (91 octane) fuel. Using 91 octane fuel equalized the hp number.
VK56VD
The VK56VD is a 5.6 L (5552 cc) 32-valve, DOHC, Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) aluminum-alloy V8 and features Nissan's advanced VVEL (Varible Valve Event & Lift System). The new DIG direct injection system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offered more precise injection control. In the Infiniti M56, it is rated at 420hp (310kW) and 417ftlbf (565Nm) of torque.
Applications:
2010-present Nissan Patrol, 400hp (300kW) and 413ftlbf (560Nm)
2011-present Infiniti M56, 420hp (310kW) and 417ftlbf (565Nm)
References
^ "Autocar article about the Super GT Nissan GT-R". http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Nissan-GT-R/230696/.
^ "NISMO Japan's Super GT GT-R spec sheet in Japanese". http://www.nismo.co.jp/motorsports/race/SUPERGT2008/specifcation.html.
^ "YouTube video of NISMO engineer interview regarding the Super GT Nissan GT-R". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaowvWwD-Rs.
