Reader's Response Draft 3

A brochure by Nissan (2024) introduces the VR38DETT engine used in the Nissan GT-R R35. The VR38DETT is a 3.8L high-performance, twin-turbocharged V6 engine renowned for its reliability and performance. Its key features include a bore x stroke of 95.5mm x 88.4mm, a compression ratio of 9.0:1, a direct fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft with 24 valves. These combinations allow the engine to produce up to 550 horsepower, and 632 Nm of torque. The engine adopts a ladder frame structure to provide the crankshaft with additional support, considering the high torque figures produced by the engine. To ensure the reliability of the engine, the engine cylinder block and pistons are both made with aluminum for strength and lightness. Additionally, its aluminum block and DOHC 24-valve design enhance both durability and responsiveness, making it a hallmark of Nissan’s engineering excellence (CarBuzz, n.d.). The VR38DETT Nissan engine exemplifies versatility, capable of handling extreme modifications while ensuring reliability, which makes it an ideal platform for racing.

Regarding its versatility, the VR38DETT is one of the best engines for car tuning projects (TorqueCars, n.d.). While most cars need considerable modifications and upgrades to be able to handle double the power output (Performance, 2019), the VR38DETT has been proven to be able to handle up to 1,000 horsepower with just some upgraded connecting rods and pistons (DSPORT, 2015). According to Terrell (2020), ETS claims to hold the record of the horsepower achieved by a VR38DETT engine at a staggering 3,046 horsepower. Additionally, according to Nikam and Ulmek (2018), Nissan’s VR38DETT uses two parallel turbochargers for its forced induction system. The advantages of twin turbocharged setups over single turbocharged setups include reduced turbo lag and higher power potential. This works by splitting the workload of the two turbochargers, hence, allowing each individual turbocharger to generate boost at a faster rate. Two turbochargers can also produce more overall boost than a single turbocharger, resulting in a higher power potential (Mitchell, 2022). One downside of the VR38DETT is that prices of both the engine and its parts are expensive, caused by its popularity with tuners, creating an endless demand, driving prices up (DSPORT, 2015). Displaying its versatility, the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, is a racecar sporting the VR38DETT engine, developed in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations. Since its introduction in 2012, the NISMO GT3 has participated in countless GT3 competitions, competing with many global manufacturers. Reigning supreme, the NISMO GT3 claimed 1st and 2nd places in two consecutive races at both the Fuji Round and the Thai Round in the SUPER GT Series GT300, demonstrating its versatility and outstanding racing capabilities (Nismo, n.d.).

Regarding the reliability of the VR38DETT engine, it is developed on the platform of the tried and tested VQ37VHR Nissan engine (Menon, 2023), which can be considered one of the most capable and reliable engines to ever come from Japan (Shingada, 2022). All VR38DETT engines are hand built by four of Nissan’s “Takumi Craftsmans” (Terrell, 2020). The six cylinder engine block is made from cast aluminum and each individual cylinder is sprayed with plasma to reduce friction while improving their thermal capacity. The pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft are constructed from forged steel, allowing them to withstand high levels of stress. Nissan's Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System regulates the intake valves, which aids in enhancing the engine’s performance and reliability (McGinley, 2022). To demonstrate their confidence in the reliability of the VR38DETT engine, Nissan gives the Nissan GT-R R35 a six-year, 60,000 miles warranty, as compared to its German counterparts, the Audi R8 and Porsche 911’s four-year, 50,000 miles warranty (Terrell, 2020). However, when the VR38DETT does break, it is very complicated to work on due to the state-of-the-art automotive engineering and the tightly packed engine bay (DSPORT, 2015). Other than traditional racing, the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 also takes part in endurance racing, where speed is not the only factor that contributes to a win. Endurance races can last up to 24 hours; hence, the reliability of the car and engine is just as crucial as being fast (Gerbis, 2018). Coming out on top again, the NISMO GT3 claimed the title in the Blancpain Endurance Series, and in 2016, it achieved victories in all six races of the “Super Endurance Series”, securing the championship title. Additionally, during the “Total 24 Hours of Spa”, the vehicle completed all races for four consecutive years from 2014 to 2017. It also finished the “24 Hours Nürburgring” consecutively from 2014 to 2016, demonstrating its robustness and reliability (Nismo, n.d.).

In conclusion, the racing pedigree that the Nissan GT-R R35 possesses can be attributed to the VR38DETT engine. The long list of championship titles achieved by cars sporting the VR38DETT engine serves as testaments of the versatility and the reliability of this great engine.

 

References

CARBUZZ. (2023). 2023 Nissan GT-R - Review. From CARBUZZ: https://carbuzz.com/cars/nissan/gt-r/

DSPORT. (2015, July 24). Top Ten Engines | Inside The Engines That Powered An Industry. From DSPORT PERFORMANCE+TECH MAGAZINE: https://dsportmag.com/the-scene/top-ten-engines-inside-the-engines-that-powered-an-industry/2/

Gerbis, N. (2011, February 28). How Endurance Racing Works. From How Stuff Works: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-racing/motorsports/endurance-racing.htm

GTR, T. R. (n.d.). ABOUT GTR. From Top Run GTR: https://www.toprungtr.com/about-gtr

McGinley, L. (2022, December 9). This Is What Makes The Nissan VR38DETT A Beast Of An Engine. From Hotcars: https://www.hotcars.com/nissan-vr38dett-a-beast-engine/

Menon, K. (2023, May 18). Nissan VR38DETT Engine: Specs & Reliability Info. From Low Offset: https://low-offset.com/nissan/vr38dett-engine/

Mitchell, P. (2022, November 18). Twin-Turbo Vs. Single-Turbo: What's The Difference? From JEGS: https://www.jegs.com/tech-articles/twin-turbo-vs-single-turbo-whats-the-difference/?srsltid=AfmBOoomzuYlhmnwGH9-rJATFo6M2FMySpvLfsnnRSXhi-cn5bWNHj2_

Nismo. (n.d.). Racing car / Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3. From NISMO: https://www.nismo.co.jp/en/products/customerracing/racingcar.html

Nissan. (2020, July). Nissan GT-R. From Nissan: https://www.group1nissan.co.za/wp-content/uploads/nissan-gtr-brochure.pdf

Performance. (2019, September 13). A Beginner’s Guide to Stage Tuning. From Demon Tweeks BLOG: https://blog.demon-tweeks.com/performance/a-beginners-guide-to-stage-tuning/

Shingada, V. (2022, November 29). Nissan VQ37VHR: Engine Specs, Design & Common Issues. From Low Offset: https://low-offset.com/nissan/vq37vhr-engine/

Terrell, J. (2020, January 15). Ultimate VR38DETT Guide – Everything You Need To Know. From drifted: https://www.drifted.com/vr38dett/

TorqueCars. (n.d.). The VR38 DETT Engine Guide. From TorqueCars: https://www.torquecars.com/nissan/vr38dett-tuning.php

Umesh Nikam and Nitin Ulmek (2018, December 28). Performance Of Vehicle Using Twin Turbocharger. From International Journal of Innovations in Engineering Research and Technology: https://www.neliti.com/publications/428377/performance-of-vehicle-using-twin-turbocharger#cite