Nissan Skyline V37 2015 is one of the most controversial and discussed models in the line of the legendary Japanese sedan. On the one hand, the car retained its reputation as a reliable and dynamic vehicle, on the other hand, it became less accessible to the Russian market due to changes in customs rules. In this material we will analyze technical specifications, strengths and weaknesses models, and also give practical advice on choosing a used one.
2015 was the last year for Skyline V37 in the back V37 before the 2016 restyling, which brought minimal changes to the appearance and equipment. The car was offered with gasoline engines VQ37VHR (3.7 l) and VR38DETT (3.8 l, only for GT-R), as well as a hybrid installation VQ35HR + electric motor. However, on the secondary market most often there are versions with atmospheric V6 3.7 l (333 hp) — it was this engine that became the hallmark of the generation.
The purpose of this article is to help potential buyers figure out whether it is worth paying attention to Skyline 2015 today, what hidden problems can wait after the purchase, and how to correctly assess the condition of the car before the transaction. We will also compare the model with its main competitors - Infiniti Q50 (based on the same Skyline) and Lexus GS - so you can make informed choices.
Technical specifications Nissan Skyline V37 2015
Basic equipment Skyline 370GT 2015 equipped 3.7 liter V6 engine VQ37VHR with variable valve timing system VVEL and direct fuel injection. This motor developed 333 hp at 7000 rpm And 366 Nm torque. I worked with him 7-speed automatic transmission JR710E with adaptive switching logic.
The transmission distributed torque to the rear wheels (version 370GT) or all four (370GT Type P with the system ATTESA E-TS). Acceleration to 100 km/h occupied 5.6 sec for rear wheel drive version and 5.3 sec - for all-wheel drive. The maximum speed was electronically limited at 250 km/h.
- 🔧 Engine:
VQ37VHR(3.7 l, V6, 333 hp) or hybridVQ35HR + electric motor(364 hp combined) - ⚙️ Gearbox: 7-st. Automatic transmission JR710E with manual mode
- 🚗 Drive: rear (370GT) or all-wheel drive (370GT Type P with ATTESA E-TS)
- ⚡ Fuel consumption:
12.5 l/100 km(city) /8.3 l/100 km(track)
Suspension Skyline V37 built on a multi-link design front and rear multi-link with adaptive shock absorbers DSSC (Dynamic Suspension Control System) in top versions. The braking system included ventilated discs on all wheels (front 355 mm, rear 350 mm) with 4-piston calipers Brembo in sports modifications.
| Parameter | 370GT (RWD) | 370GT Type P (AWD) | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power, hp | 333 | 333 | 364 (cumulative) |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h, sec | 5.6 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1,730 | 1,820 | 1,850 |
| Trunk volume, l | 500 | 500 | 450 |
⚠️ Attention: Hybrid version Skyline with motor VQ35HR and the electric drive was not officially supplied to Russia. Most of these cars on the secondary market are “gray” imported examples with an unknown service history.
Pros and cons of the 2015 Nissan Skyline
Skyline V37 - a car with a pronounced character that you either like at first sight or repel. Let's look at its key advantages and disadvantages, so you can evaluate whether it's right for you.
Advantages of the model
- 🚀 Dynamics: Acceleration to
100 km/hin less than6 secondseven in the basic version - a rare offering in the class of business sedans. - 🎛️ Handling: Precise variable-effort steering rack and balanced suspension make the car predictable at high speeds.
- 🛡️ Engine reliability:
VQ37VHRwith proper maintenance it goes away easily300+ thousand kmwithout major repairs. - 🎧 Noise insulation: Comfort level comparable to Lexus GS — the cabin is quiet even at speed
140+ km/h.
Disadvantages and typical problems
- 💰 Cost of ownership: Fuel consumption in the city exceeds
14 l/100 km, and original spare parts (for example, shock absorbers DSSC) cost50–70 thousand rubles.per piece. - 🔧 Gearbox: Automatic transmission JR710E sensitive to overheating and requires oil changes every
60 thousand km(official regulations -100 thousand km, but it's risky). - 🔋 Electronics: Frequent malfunctions of the multimedia system CarWings and parking sensors.
- 🛂 Legal risks: Many specimens were imported under “gray” schemes, which can lead to problems with registration with the traffic police.
- VQ37VHR (3.7 l, 333 hp)
- VR38DETT (3.8L, GT-R)
- Hybrid (VQ35HR + electric motor)
- I don't know
One of the main hidden flaws is ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. In Russian winter conditions it performs well, but repairing the clutch or control unit costs 150–200 thousand rubles.. In addition, after 2015, Nissan stopped supplying original spare parts for Skyline to Russia, so many parts have to be ordered from Japan or the USA with a long wait.
Options and equipment
In 2015 Nissan Skyline V37 offered in three main trim levels for the Japanese market: 370GT (basic), 370GT Type P (sports) and 370GT Type SP (luxury). Russian dealers most often imported versions Type P And Type SP, as they were better equipped and in demand among enthusiasts.
Basic 370GT included:
- 🔹 Leather interior with electric front seats
- 🔹 Climate control with two zones
- 🔹 Audio system Bose with 11 speakers
- 🔹 Rear view camera and parking sensors
Version Type P added:
- 🔹 All-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS
- 🔹 Sports seats with improved lateral support
- 🔹 19-inch alloy wheels RAYS
- 🔹Adaptive suspension DSSC
Top Type SP differed:
- 🔹 Premium leather interior with wood inserts
- 🔹 All-round viewing system Around View Monitor
- 🔹 Ventilated front seats
- 🔹 Adaptive cruise control ICC (Intelligent Cruise Control)
☑️ What to check when inspecting the Skyline V37 interior
Particular attention should be paid when purchasing multimedia system CarWings. It often "glitches" due to incompatibility with Russian SIM cards (Japanese is required DoCoMo for full-fledged work). Also in versions with Bose Sound amplifiers often fail - replacing them costs 40–60 thousand rubles..
Typical problems and how to avoid them
Nissan Skyline V37 — a reliable car, but with a number of typical "diseases", which every potential owner should know about. Many problems are related to improper use or ignoring routine maintenance.
1. VQ37VHR engine
For all its merits, VQ37VHR has several vulnerabilities:
- 🔥 Overheat: The thermostat and pump require replacement every
100–120 thousand km. When overheating, cylinder head gaskets suffer. - 🛢️ Maslozhor: After
150 thousand kmmany engines begin to “eat” oil (up to1 l/1000 km). The solution is to replace the valve stem seals. - 🔊 Knocking when cold: A common problem is due to wear of hydraulic compensators. Needs adjustment or replacement.
2. JR710E gearbox
7-speed automatic transmission JR710E sensitive to oil quality and overheating. Signs of trouble:
- 🔄 Jerks when switching: Replacement of oil and filters required (cost of work -
15–20 thousand rubles.). - 🛑 Delays when switching from 1st to 2nd gear: Often associated with wear of the clutches. Repair costs
80–120 thousand rubles.. - 🌡️ Overheat: Install an additional automatic transmission cooling radiator if you drive in traffic jams.
What should I do if my Skyline won't start?
If the car does not start, check:
1. Charge the battery (minimum voltage - 12.4 V).
2. Fuses in the block under the hood (especially F30 And F31).
3. Immobilizer - sometimes the keys are reset (requires reprogramming at the dealer).
If the problem is not resolved, diagnose the fuel pump and ignition coils.
3. Suspension and steering
Weak points:
- 🔩 Wheel bearings: They fail by
100 thousand km. The symptom is a hum when moving. - 🔧 Shock absorbers DSSC: Electronic valves become sour with infrequent use. The solution is to activate the sports mode monthly.
- 🚗 Steering rack: Seal leaks after
150 thousand km. Repair costs30–50 thousand rubles..
⚠️ Attention: If, upon purchase, the seller claims that the car has “never been repaired,” this is a reason to be wary. Even with careful use Skyline V37 requires replacement of consumables every 60–80 thousand km. Lack of service history is a red flag.
Comparison with competitors: Infiniti Q50 vs Lexus GS
Main competitors Nissan Skyline V37 on the secondary market is Infiniti Q50 (built on the same platform) and Lexus GS 350. Let's compare them based on key parameters.
| Parameter | Nissan Skyline 370GT | Infiniti Q50 3.7 | Lexus GS 350 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | VQ37VHR (3.7 l, 333 hp) |
VQ37VHR (3.7 l, 333 hp) |
2GR-FSE (3.5 l, 317 hp) |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h, sec | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6.0 |
| Average consumption, l/100 km | 11.2 | 11.5 | 10.5 |
| Maintenance cost (per 100 thousand km), rub. | ~250,000 | ~230,000 | ~200,000 |
| Reliability | High (but expensive parts) | High (same as Skyline) | Very high (cheaper to maintain) |
Why is Skyline better than its competitors?
- 🏁 Dynamics: Faster Lexus GS on
0.5–1 secin acceleration to100 km/h. - 🎯 Handling: Sharper steering rack compared to Q50.
- 🛡️ Status: Legendary name Skyline valued more than Infiniti.
Where does Skyline fall short?
- 💰 Cost of ownership: Lexus GS cheaper to maintain
20–30%. - 🛡️ Electronics reliability: Q50 has more modern multimedia without "glitches".
- 🔧 Spare parts availability: Lexus easier to repair in the regions.
The Nissan Skyline V37 outperforms competitors in dynamics and image, but loses in reliability and cost of ownership. If status and sporty character are important to you, choose Skyline. If efficiency and reliability are your priority, it is better to consider the Lexus GS.
How to choose a used Nissan Skyline 2015: buyer's checklist
Purchase Skyline V37 on the secondary market it is always a lottery. To minimize risks, follow this algorithm:
1. Document verification
- 📄 Customs documents: Make sure that the car was imported legally (there is a declaration and a certificate of conformity).
- 🔍 Ownership history: Ideally, the car has had no more than 2-3 owners.
- 🔧 Service book: It is mandatory to have oil change marks every
10 thousand km.
2. Vehicle inspection
☑️ What to check when inspecting Nissan Skyline V37
Pay special attention to:
- 🔥 Engine: Check the compression (normal -
12–13 barin all cylinders). - ⚙️ Box: The test drive should include sharp accelerations - there should be no jerking.
- 🚗 Suspension: Drive over the speed bumps - there should be no knocks or squeaks.
3. Test drive
During the test drive, be sure to:
- Check your work ATTESA E-TS (if all-wheel drive) - when starting from a standstill, the connection of the front axle should be felt.
- Make sure the steering has no play and is evenly loaded when cornering.
- Listen to the engine at idle speed - extraneous noise (knocking, whistling) is unacceptable.
Before purchasing, order a complete diagnosis from an official Nissan dealer or a specialized service center. Cost of verification (approx. 5–10 thousand rubles.) will pay off if it reveals hidden problems.
⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide the car for independent diagnostics or insists on prepayment, this is a reason to refuse the deal. The risk of running into a “drowned” or broken copy is too high.
Modifications and tuning: what can be improved in the Skyline V37
Nissan Skyline V37 - an excellent basis for tuning, but it is important to understand what modifications acquitted, and which ones can lead to problems. Let's look at the most popular destinations:
1. Increased power
Engine VQ37VHR has the potential to increase power up to 400+ hp without major modifications to the block. Popular options:
- 🔥 ECU firmware: Standard firmware UpRev or EcuTek adds
20–30 hp(cost -30–50 thousand rubles.). - 💨 Exhaust system: Replacement with "spider"
4-2-1and forward flow (for example, HKS Hi-Power) adds15–20 hp. - 🔧 Compressor or turbine: Installation Vortech V-3 or GReddy TD06 raises power to
450+ hp, but requires strengthening the transmission.
2. Suspension and brakes
To improve handling:
- 🔩 Springs and shock absorbers: Kits Tein Super Street or Ohlin’s Road & Track will lower the center of gravity.
- ⚙️ Anti-roll bars: Installation Cusco or Whiteline will reduce roll when cornering.
- 🛑 Brakes: Replacement with kits Brembo GT (6-piston calipers + discs
380 mm).
3. Exterior and interior
Popular improvements:
- 🎨 Vinyl wrap: Matte or glossy vinyl costs
80–150 thousand rubles.(full pasting). - 🔦 Optics: Installation of LED headlights Morimoto or Spec-D.
- 🎧 Audio system: Replacing the standard one Bose on Focal or Hertz (budget - from
100 thousand rubles.).
What happens if you install a turbine on a VQ37VHR without strengthening the engine?
Engine VQ37VHR in stock configuration is not designed for pressures higher 0.5 bar. When installing a turbine without strengthening the pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft, the risk of engine destruction increases significantly. Minimum boost kit:
1. Forged pistons (e.g. JE Pistons).
2. Reinforced connecting rods (Manley or Eagle).
3. Lightweight flywheel.
4. Reinforced grip (Spec or ClutchMasters).
Without these modifications the engine will last no more 10–20 thousand km after installing the turbine.
⚠️ Attention: Any modifications involving changes in power require mandatory modification of the transmission. Stock automatic transmission JR710E not designed for higher torque 400 Nm and will quickly fail.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2015 Nissan Skyline
❓ Is it possible to drive on 92 gasoline?
No, the manufacturer only recommends AI-98. The use of 92 gasoline leads to detonation, which over time destroys the pistons and rings. If it is not possible to fill in 98, 95 with octane-increasing additives is allowed (for example, Liqui Moly).
❓ How much does Skyline V37 maintenance cost per year?
When running 20 thousand km/year and using original spare parts, the average cost of service will be:
- 🔧 Changing oil and filters:
8–12 thousand rubles.(every10 thousand km). - 🔥 Replacing spark plugs:
15 thousand rubles.(every100 thousand km). - 🛡️ Suspension diagnostics:
5 thousand rubles.(once a year). - 💰 Unforeseen expenses (for example, replacing shock absorbers):
30–50 thousand rubles..
Total: 80–120 thousand rubles/year (excluding insurance and tires).
❓ How to distinguish the original Skyline from the Infiniti Q50?
Externally Skyline V37 And Infiniti Q50 very similar, but there are key differences:
- 🔹 Emblem: On Skyline - inscription
SKYLINEon the trunk, on Q50 - emblem Infiniti. - 🔹 Optics: U Skyline headlights with chrome trim, <