Nissan Skyline 36 body: Legendary V36 era

When car enthusiasts talk about iconic Japanese sedans, the thought inevitably turns to the model Nissan Skyline. Among all generations, the V36 version, produced from 2006 to 2014, occupies a special place. This was the period when the legendary car finally split into two paths: sports GT-R and a more elegant, but no less powerful sedan and coupe.

The V36 body is a true embodiment of the Nissan Design Language. Designers abandoned the aggressive angles of previous generations in favor of smooth, streamlined shapes that looked both strict and dynamic. Under the hood were both time-tested in-line sixes and new naturally aspirated V6 engines, which changed the idea of ​​comfort and controllability.

Owners of this car often note the unique combination of a premium interior and sporty character. However, like any complex mechanism, Nissan Skyline V36 requires a competent approach to operation and repair. Understanding the design nuances will help you avoid costly mistakes when buying a used one.

History of creation and design concept

Development of the V36 body began in the mid-2000s, when Nissan sought to regain leadership in the D class. Engineers set the task of creating a car that would be comfortable for city driving, but not inferior in dynamics to European competitors. The result was the emergence of the FM (Front Midship) platform, which made it possible to place the engine as close to the center of the car as possible.

The exterior design was designed by legendary designer Alberto Garcia. His work on Nissan Skyline The V36 has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Good Design Award. The lines of the body became softer, but retained that same recognizable “mask” with large headlights and a characteristic radiator grille. The side line extending upward towards the rear creates the illusion of movement even when the car is stationary.

The interior has also undergone dramatic changes. Instead of the usual “plastic” solutions for Japanese cars, high-quality materials, wood and metal, appeared here. The dashboard has a distinctive design with three dials, which emphasizes the sporty status of the model. The center console has been moved towards the driver, creating the effect of a pilot's cockpit.

Engines and transmission: The heart of the V36

The heart of most versions Nissan Skyline V36 became a new naturally aspirated engine of the VQ series. This is a 3.7-liter V6 unit, which received the index VQ37VHR. It was equipped with a variable valve timing system VARIS and phase shifters on the intake and exhaust camshafts. The power of such an engine reached 325 horsepower, which was an excellent indicator for an aspirated engine.

An inline six-cylinder engine was offered for earlier versions and specific markets. RB25DE NEO. This motor was the latest evolutionary development of the legendary RB series. Despite the fact that it was less powerful than the VQ37, many enthusiasts preferred it for its deep tuning capabilities and the presence of a mechanical timing drive.

The transmission in most cases was a 7-speed automatic transmission 7AT with the possibility of manual switching. It was distinguished by high switching speed and smooth operation. Some trim levels, especially those with all-wheel drive, used the ATTESA E-TS system, which could redistribute torque between the axles depending on driving conditions.

• 🚀 The VQ37VHR engine accelerates to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds.
• ⚙️ The RB25DE NEO inline engine remains a favorite among tuning enthusiasts.
• 🛣️ ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system guarantees stability on slippery roads.
• 📉 Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 11-13 liters per 100 km.

It is important to note that the VQ37VHR engine is equipped with a variable valve lift system. This allows it to work efficiently at both low and high speeds. However, when purchasing a used car, it is necessary to carefully check the condition of the timing chain, since replacing it is a labor-intensive and expensive process.

Many owners are faced with the problem of “oil burnt” at high mileage. This is due to wear on the piston rings or coking of the oil separator. Regular oil changes every 7-8 thousand kilometers are critical to the long life of the VQ37VHR engine. Ignoring this rule can lead to major repairs already within 150 thousand kilometers.

Features of the body and configuration

The V36 body was offered in three main versions: sedan, coupe and convertible. The sedan has become the most popular option, available in various trim levels from basic to top-end 370GT. The coupe had a shorter wheelbase and sporty character, while the convertible was aimed at lovers of open skies and comfortable rides.

An interesting feature of the Japanese version (JDM) is the presence of a navigation system with a hard drive and a rear view camera, which was standard on most trim levels. These features were often missing or simplified in export versions. It is also worth paying attention to the blind spot monitoring system and adaptive cruise control, available in rich trim levels.

Suspension Nissan Skyline V36 built according to the “double wishbone” design at the front and “multi-link” at the rear. This provides excellent directional stability and comfort. Depending on the configuration, the car could be equipped with adaptive shock absorbers that change the stiffness of the suspension depending on driving style and road conditions.

When choosing a car, you should pay attention to the condition of the paintwork. The V36 body is susceptible to corrosion in chip areas, especially on the front arches and sills. It is also worth checking the operation of electronics: climate control systems, multimedia and power windows. Breakdowns in this area are a common problem with high mileage.

• 💎 The 370GT package includes leather interior and sports seats.
• 📺 The hard drive navigation system is faster than analogue solutions.
• 🔒 Around View Monitor security system helps when parking.
• 🔋 The battery in these cars is often located in the trunk, which affects weight distribution.

Specifications and comparison

To clearly understand the capabilities of the V36 model, let’s compare the main parameters of the different versions. This will help you make your choice if you are planning a purchase. Note the difference in power and torque between the engines.

The 370GT version with all-wheel drive is considered the most balanced for Russian roads. It combines high power and confidence on snow and ice. However, the all-wheel drive system requires regular maintenance: changing the oil in the transfer case and rear differential. Neglecting this may lead to failure of the rear axle coupling.

Many owners note that the car requires quality roads. The firm suspension in Sport mode can be uncomfortable on poor pavement. However, in mode Normal or Eco the car behaves softly and confidently, swallowing small bumps.