Review: Nissan V36 Skyline (2006-14)

Review: Nissan V36.I Skyline (2006-09)

Overview

Released in 2006, the Nissan V36 Skyline range initially consisted of sedans, with coupes following in 2007. Manufactured in Tochigi, Japan, the V36 Skyline was not imported to Australia by Nissan Australia, such that local vehicles are private imports and the information below pertains to vehicles sold for the Japanese domestic market.

VQ25HR, VQ35HR and VQ37VHR engines

The V36 Skyline was initially available with Nissan’s VQ25HR and VQ35HR engines, though the latter was replaced by the VQ37VHR in 2008. Of these,

• the 2.5-litre VQ25HR V6 engine had an aluminium block, aluminium cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, continuously variable camshaft timing for intake and exhaust valves, four valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 10.3:1 and a 7500 rpm redline;
• the 3.5-litre VQ35HR V6 engine was distinguished by its Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS), dual-path intake, continuously variable camshaft timing with hydraulic actuation on the intake camshaft and electromagnetic actuation on the exhaust camshaft and 10.6:1 compression ratio; and,
• the 3.7-litre VQ37VHR V6 engine featured Nissan’s Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL), an increased compression ratio (11.0:1) and a 7600 rpm redline.

Transmission options consisted of six-speed manuals or five- and seven-speed automatic transmissions with gearshift paddles. 

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the V35 Skyline , the V36 Skyline sedan was 5 mm longer same length (at 4755 mm), 20 mm wider (1770 mm) and 20 mm lower (1450 mm for RWD models, 1465 mm for AWD models); wheelbase length was also unchanged (at 2850 mm). Relative to its sedan counterpart, the V36 Skyline coupe was 100 mm shorter (at 4655 mm), 50 mm wider (1820 mm) and 60 mm lower (1390 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged.

The V36 Skyline had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

ATTESA

The 250GT Four variants were fitted with Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system. With this system, drive to the rear wheels was constant via a tailshaft and rear differential, though drive to the front wheels was controlled by a transfer case on the rear of the transmission – the transfer case contained a chain which drove a multi-plate wet clutch pack. As such, torque would be directed to the front wheels under acceleration or if traction was lost, with up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque capable of being directed to the front wheels.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the V36 Skyline included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features: Skyline sedan

Standard features for the V36 Skyline sedans included alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 tyres, six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3/WMA compatibility and auxiliary input (3.5 mm), seven-inch LCD monitor, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser. All ‘Type’ variants were further equipped with dual-zone climate control air conditioning.

The Skyline Type S and SP variants were fitted with 225/50 R18 front and 245/45 R18 rear tyres, sports suspension, and viscous limited slip rear differentials. Visually, these variants could also be identified by their sports front bumpers, side sills and rear privacy glass.

With respect to features, Skyline Type P and Type SP variants were distinguished by their leather seats, heated front seats, power adjustable steering wheel (tilt and telescopic adjustment) and driver memory settings (seat, steering wheel and door mirrors).

Features: Skyline coupe

Standard features for the V36 Skyline coupes included alloy wheels with 225/50 R18 front and 245/45 R18 rear tyres, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD changer, MP3/WMA compatibility and auxiliary input (3.5 mm), a seven-inch LCD monitor, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, rear privacy glass, 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Skyline Type S and Type SP variants were fitted with 225/45 R19 front and 245/40 R19 rear tyres, opposed-piston brake calipers for all four wheels, viscous limited slip rear differentials and four-wheel active steering.

With respect to features, the Skyline Type P and SP variants were fitted with leather seats, heated front seats, a power adjustable steering wheel and driver memory settings (seat, steering wheel and door mirrors).

2008 and 2009 Skyline 50th Limited

From March 2008, limited-run 50th Limited packages were available for the 250GT Type P, 250GT FOUR Type P, 350GT Type P and 350GT Type SP. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Nissan Skyline, the 50th Limited models featured red leather seats and serial-numbered front glass. The 50th Limited package continued to be offered into 2009.

Review: Nissan V36.II Skyline (2010-14)

Overview

Released in January 2010, the V36.II Skyline introduced a seven-speed automatic transmission for models with the VQ25HR engine. Visually, the V36.II Skylines could be identified by their new grilles, bumpers, headlights, fog lights and alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was a revised instrument panel, reshaped armrest and soft-touch materials for the centre console and upholder lid.

Features

Compared to their V36.I predecessors, the V36.II Skylines had an upgraded navigation system and a USB inputs for MP3/iPod players.

Skyline 55th Limited

Released in December 2011 for sedans and February 2012 for coupes, the 55th Limited package commemorated the 55th anniversary of the Nissan Skyline. Available for the 250GT Type P, 250GT FOUR Type P and 370GT Type SP variants, the 55th Limited package included a garnet black body paint finish, red leather seats and black interior trim.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Nissan V36 Skyline