Nissan to launch hybrid 370Z sports car in 2011? (updated, new info! 5/28/09)  by Mike Kojima

The Nissan 370Z hybrid will be powered by a version of the VQ engine displacing 3.7 liters and an electric motor. A hybrid drive system will use two separate clutches, one between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor with another clutch between the electric motor and the drive wheels. This system will optimize performance and efficiency depending on operating conditions. The new hybrid system will also feature a full plug in EV mode for city type conditions where charging stations are available to maximize economy.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Nissan’s 370Z VQ37VHR Cylinder Head and VVEL Continually Variable Cam Timing Technology(NEW VIDEO)  by Mike Kojima

The unique VVEL system completely controls the intake valves opening and closing events. The VVEL system is exceedingly complicated using two separate rotating shafts driving links that operate eccentrics activating a valve activating reciprocating rocker arm that takes the place of the traditional cam lobe.

[Read the rest of this article...]

370Z.com Feature: The KillerBee(NEW VIDEO!)  by Jeff Naeyaert

The beginning of a project often begins with a disaster. The owner of this Nissan 370Z was previously into Mitsubishi EVO’s having a nice example of an EVO IX. The EVO was totaled in an unfortunate rear ender leaving our owner with a chance to pursue a new dream with a brand new car.  READ ON!

[Read the rest of this article...]

Nissan 370Z Bad News Buzz:  High Engine & Diff Oil Temps ~ The $300 Dollar Oil Change ~ Engine Clatter & More!  Hype or Reality?  by Mike Kojima

One of the main issues is that the 370Z and G37 with the VQ37VHR engine experiences high oil temperatures. The high engine oil temps can cause the engines ECU to put it into a limp home mode where the engine rpm is limited, first to around 6000 rpm and if you don’t start to behave, a lower limit of about 3500 rpm is engaged until the oil temperatures drop below around 280 degree and the key is cycled. The VQ37VHR is very prone to suffer from high engine oil temps during any sort of extended high speed driving such as motorsports events, in racing and even non competition events such as track days.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Nissan 370Z Auto Tranny Performance Part Dyno Thrash-a-thon!  We Test Stillen's cold air intake, exhaust, Berk high flow cats, Technosquare ECU reflash by Mike Kojima

We strove for accuracy and repeatability in our testing. We did all of our testing during one day. We used standard SAE correction. We thoroughly warmed up the VQ37VHR engine and the drivetrain by driving the car on the dyno at speed for about 10 minutes to warm the engine, transmission and differential oil (this car is equipped with Technosquare’s oil cooler kit) as well. 

[Read the rest of this article...]