different applications? I wonder if it will win or has won again this year. That's what I love about the 4th gen. I know I have the best V6, and it's not in any other car except the I30. I just think the Max is losing some of it's specialness. But don't get me wrong, I'd gladly trade my '97 SE for a 2k2!!!

 

I think it is further proof that the engine kicks a$$.

 

Why have different engines if this one is so flexible?

 

Agreed!

 

I knew it was going to be a matter of time before the Max got the 3.5 VQ when they started off with it in the Pathfinder. I didn't think the Altima would get it.

 

I just wish my Gen 4 VQ had a variable intake manifold

 

I don't have any qualms with Nissan using it for multiple cars. They've got the best V6, so why not use it. That makes perfect sense. I'd do that as well if I were in charge. What I really meant was that I think the Maxima just isn't as special anymore. I remember back in the mid to late 90's, the Maxima was so appealing to me b/c it had 190hp, and did 60 in 6.6. It was the only car with that wonderful engine. Now there are like 8. That was what made the Maxima so special and appealing to me, it was the only car with the class leading engine. It's kinda different now, and I wonder if Ward's will recognize it again, I hope they do, but if not, I know my model year it was.

 

Why does GM throw the 3800 engine in just about every decent car they have? Because it's the best engine they have.

I don't blame Nissan for doing the same thing with their VQ's. The engine has been on the Ward's 10 Best list for eons, and with good reason - it's an awesome V6. "pimping out" the VQ to their other products gives them all an awesome engine, and it keeps costs lower since they're all able to use a common engine which is just tuned differently for different applications.

This is also good for aftermarket support, since aftermarket vendors will be able to design and market products for many different cars at the same time.

Pimping out the VQ is a good thing

 

I'm surprised Nissan waited as long as they did to share the wealth on the VQ. They have a VQ25 in Japan that would have made a big difference in the 2nd gen Altima.

Maybe with any luck, we'll see some sort of Q45 variation in a future Max, or better yet, a future Z