When it comes to Japanese sports cars with a rich heritage, Nissan Skyline 370GT occupies a special place. This model, released in 2009 as a successor Skyline 350GT, became the last representative of the line with a naturally aspirated V6 VQ37VHR - the same engine that became famous in Nissan 370Z. But unlike the coupe, the sedan 370GT combined sportiness with the practicality of a four-door body, making it a unique offering on the market.
In Japan Skyline 370GT positioned as a premium sports sedan, competing with Lexus IS350 And Infiniti G37 (which is not surprising considering their common platform FM). However, the model was not officially sold outside the Land of the Rising Sun, which added an aura of exclusivity to it. Today, these cars are actively imported into Russia and the CIS countries, where they are valued for their reliability, dynamics and tuning potential. In this guide we will look at technical features, weaknesses, modification options and we will give advice on choosing a used copy.
Technical characteristics of the Nissan Skyline 370GT: engine, transmission, dynamics
With my heart Skyline 370GT is a 3.7 liter engine VQ37VHR — naturally aspirated V6 with variable valve timing system VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift). This motor develops 333 hp at 7000 rpm and 366 Nm of torque at 5200 rpm - figures that even today look impressive for a naturally aspirated engine. For comparison: Nissan 370Z with the same engine the power was 337 hp, but the difference was due to different exhaust and intake settings.
The gearbox was offered to choose from:
- 🔄 6-speed manual with short-throw lever (enthusiast option)
- 🔗 7-speed robot with two clutches (model GR6, similar 370Z)
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 5.6 seconds (with manual transmission) and 5.8 seconds (with robot), and the maximum speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h. At the same time, the weight distribution is close to ideal - 55:45 (front/rear), which, coupled with rear-wheel drive and multi-link suspension, provides predictable handling.
- Mechanics (6MT)
- Robot (7GR6)
- It doesn't matter, the main thing is the engine
| Parameter | Nissan Skyline 370GT | Nissan 370Z (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | VQ37VHR, 3.7 l, V6, 333 hp | VQ37VHR, 3.7 l, V6, 337 hp |
| Gearbox | 6MT/7GR6 | 6MT/7GR6 |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 5.6 s (manual transmission) / 5.8 s (robot) | 5.3 s (manual transmission) / 5.5 s (robot) |
| Max. speed | 250 km/h (limited) | 250 km/h (limited) |
| Drive | Rear (FR) | Rear (FR) |
An important nuance: the GR6 robot is sensitive to aggressive driving - with frequent sharp starts with slipping, the clutch life is reduced to 60-80 thousand km. A manual transmission, on the contrary, is considered “indestructible” and can withstand up to 300–400 thousand km with proper operation.
Weaknesses and typical problems of Skyline 370GT
Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Skyline 370GT has several “diseases” that you should know about before purchasing:
- 🔥 Engine overheating: The reason for this is a compact radiator and a small volume of antifreeze. When driving in traffic jams or in hot weather, the temperature can rise to 105–110°C.
- 🛢️ Oily appetite: engine VQ37VHR "eats" before 1 liter of oil per 3–5 thousand km (the norm for this motor). Using oil with viscosity
5W-40or10W-40(For example, Nissan Genuine Oil) reduces consumption. - 🔊 Knocking in the suspension: most often the culprit is worn out silent blocks of the front levers or stabilizer struts. Replacement costs 15–25 thousand rubles. (with work).
- 🔋 Electronics: problems with oxygen sensors (
P0130–P0161) and ignition coils (P0300–P0306) - typical errors after 100 thousand km.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, be sure to check the oil change history! Motors VQ37VHR, operated with cheap oil or at intervals of more than 10 thousand km, are prone to bedding of rings and loss of compression.
One more point - corrosion. Body Skyline 370GT galvanized, but wheel arches and sills begin to rust after 5–7 years of operation in Russian winter conditions. Solution: annual anticorrosive treatment and installation of mudguards.
Tuning potential: how to increase power and improve handling
Skyline 370GT - an ideal platform for tuning thanks to its durable chassis and responsive engine. Here are the main directions of modifications:
1. Atmospheric tuning (naturally aspirated)
- 🔥 Inlet and outlet: replacing the standard air intake with Injen or K&N (+5–7 hp), spider installation 4-2-1 (HKS Hi-Power or Tomei) and forward flow (Borla, GReddy). Result: +15–20 hp and a more aggressive sound.
- 🔧 ECU firmware: chip tuning from UpRev or EcuTek allows you to remove speed restrictions (up to 7500 rpm) and adjust fuel maps. Increase: +10–15 hp.
- 🛠️ Lightweight flywheel and clutch: set from Spec or ClutchMasters improves throttle response.
2. Turbo kits (for a serious increase in power)
Installing a turbine is the most radical way to increase power. Popular solutions:
- 🌀 Kit by Stillen (based on turbine GReddy TD06): pressure 0.5–0.7 bar, power up to 450–500 hp (requires transmission reinforcement).
- 🌀 Single turbo from GReddy: more complex installation, but potential up to 600+ hp.
⚠️ Attention: At power above 400 hp standard gearbox (especially robot GR6) becomes a bottleneck. For reliability, it is recommended to install a reinforced clutch Spec Stage 3+ or go to PPG sequential gearbox.
3. Chassis and brakes
To improve handling, owners install:
- 🔩 Coilovers: Tein Mono Sport or KW V3 (adjustable stiffness and ground clearance).
- 🛑 Brake kits: front 6-piston calipers Brembo GT with disks 355 mm.
- 🎯 Anti-roll bars: from Cusco or Whiteline to reduce roll.
Check the compression in the cylinders|Change the oil and filters|Update the ECU firmware to the latest version|Install an additional oil cooler (with boost)|Check the condition of the transmission-->
Comparison with competitors: Skyline 370GT vs Infiniti G37 vs Lexus IS350
On the Japanese market Skyline 370GT competed with two key models: Infiniti G37 (platform twin) and Lexus IS350. Let's look at their key differences:
| Characteristics | Nissan Skyline 370GT | Infiniti G37 (Sedan) | Lexus IS350 (2GR-FSE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | VQ37VHR, 3.7 l, 333 hp | VQ37VHR, 3.7 l, 330 hp | 2GR-FSE, 3.5 l, 311 hp |
| Transmission | 6MT/7GR6 | 6MT/7AT | 6AT |
| Suspension | Multi-link (front/rear) | Multi-link (front/rear) | MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear |
| Price (used, 2015) | ~2.5–3.5 million rubles. | ~2.8–3.8 million rubles. | ~3–4 million rubles. |
| Benefits | Better dynamics, potential for tuning | More comfortable interior, automatic transmission | Reliability, premium finish |
Conclusion: Skyline 370GT outperforms competitors in terms of price/power ratio and tuning potential. Infiniti G37 offers a more luxurious interior, and Lexus IS350 - legendary reliability, but inferior in drive.
If performance and modifications are your priority, choose the Skyline 370GT. For comfort and status, it is better to consider the Infiniti G37 or Lexus IS350.
How to choose a used Nissan Skyline 370GT: expert advice
When buying used Skyline 370GT Please pay attention to the following points:
- Mileage and service history:
Optimal mileage - up to 80–100 thousand km. Cars with more than 150 thousand km require investment in suspension and transmission. Check the service book for regular oil changes (interval - every 5–7 thousand km).
- Engine condition:
Listen to the engine when it is cold - there should be no knocking or extraneous noise. Please note smoke from the exhaust pipe (blue smoke = valve stem seals, white = antifreeze in the cylinders).
- Transmission:
For robot GR6: Check for smooth shifting and no jerking. The mechanics should not have any play in the lever or difficulty engaging gears.
- Body and interior:
Inspect the sills, arches and underbody for signs of corrosion. In the cabin, check the operation of the electronics (especially
Bluetoothand navigation - they are often buggy).
Average prices on the market (2026):
- 💰 2009–2011, mileage 100–150 thousand km: 2.2–2.8 million rubles.
- 💰 2012–2014, mileage up to 80 thousand km: 3–3.8 million rubles.
- 💰 2015–2016 (restyling), mileage up to 50 thousand km: 4–5 million rubles.
Before purchasing, order diagnostics at a service station with a lift - this will reveal hidden problems with the suspension and body. Pay special attention to the condition of the subframe (on Skyline it sometimes cracks).
Owner reviews: pros and cons of operation
We analyzed owner reviews Skyline 370GT on Russian and Japanese forums. Here's what they highlight:
Pros:
- ⚡ Acceleration dynamics - motor VQ37VHR “pulls” up to 7000 rpm without failures.
- 🎯 Controllability — rear-wheel drive and a balanced chassis make the car predictable on the track.
- 🔧 Reliability - with proper maintenance, the engine and gearbox run smoothly 300+ thousand km.
- 💺 Practicality - four doors and a trunk 450 l (vs. 235 l 370Z).
Cons:
- 🛢️ Fuel consumption - in the city 14–16 l/100 km, on the highway 9–11 l/100 km.
- 💸 Cost of spare parts - original parts (for example, a turbine or clutch) are expensive.
- 🔊 Noisiness — at speeds over 120 km/h, wind noise is heard in the cabin.
"After the transition from BMW 335i on Skyline 370GT I was pleasantly surprised by the reliability and ease of maintenance. Motor VQ37 does not require careful maintenance like a turbocharged one N54, but the dynamics are no worse. There’s only one downside: fuel consumption in traffic jams,” the owner from Moscow shares his experience.
Conclusion: Is the Nissan Skyline 370GT worth buying in 2026?
Nissan Skyline 370GT is a car for enthusiasts who value naturally aspirated engines, rear-wheel drive and tuning potential. It's not as luxurious as Lexus IS, and not as technologically advanced as modern turbo models, but offers a unique combination of performance, reliability and practicality.
If you are looking for:
- ✅ Sports car with four doors — Skyline 370GT one of the best options.
- ✅ Track day car — the chassis and engine allow you to feel confident on the race track.
- ✅ Tuning project - potential up to 500+ hp without changing the engine.
Then this car is definitely worth considering. The main thing is to carefully check the history and be prepared for maintenance costs (especially if you plan modifications).
Skyline 370GT is the latest atmospheric legend from Nissan. Its purchase is justified if you are prepared to spend on fuel and spare parts for a unique drive.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Skyline 370GT
🔧 What is the service life of the VQ37VHR engine?
With proper maintenance (oil change every 5–7 thousand km, high-quality fuel), the engine passes 300–400 thousand km without major repairs. Critical moment - bedding of rings when using cheap oil or long drain intervals.
🛠️ Is it possible to install a turbine on the Skyline 370GT?
Yes, but this will require:
- Install a turbo kit (for example, Stillen or GReddy).
- Strengthen the transmission (clutch Spec Stage 3+, possibly a checkpoint).
- Update the boost ECU firmware.
- Add an oil cooler and improve cooling.
The power after installing the turbine reaches 450–600 hp, but the engine life is reduced to 150–200 thousand km.
💰 How much does it cost to maintain Skyline 370GT per year?
Approximate expenses (for Moscow, 2026):
- 🛢️ Fuel: 120–150 thousand rubles/year (with a mileage of 15 thousand km).
- 🔧 Maintenance (oil, filters): 20–30 thousand rubles/year.
- 🛡️ Insurance (CASCO): 80–120 thousand rubles/year.
- 🔩 Repair/spare parts: 50–100 thousand rubles/year (depends on the condition of the car).
Total: 270–400 thousand rubles/year.
🚗 Which Skyline is better: 350GT or 370GT?
Skyline 350GT (engine VQ35HR, 315 hp) is cheaper to maintain, but inferior 370GT in terms of dynamics and tuning potential. 370GT preferable if power and a modern platform are important to you. 350GT Suitable for everyday use at a lower cost.
🔋 What are the most common ECU errors on the Skyline 370GT?
Typical error codes:
P0130–P0161— malfunction of oxygen sensors (solution: replacement of sensors or firmware).P0300–P0306— misfires (reasons: spark plugs, coils, injectors).P0420— low catalyst efficiency (often solved by removing catalysts and flashing).