Nissan Armada Nismo Forum
Staff member
A fascinating comparison arises between two of Nissan's high-performance engines: the legendary VR38DETT found in the iconic GT-R and the new VR35DDTT powering the latest Nissan Armada NISMO. While both are twin-turbocharged V6 engines from Nissan's esteemed VR family, they are tailored for vastly different applications, resulting in distinct characteristics.
It is important to note a recent shift in the Armada NISMO's powertrain. For the 2026 model year, Nissan has introduced the twin-turbo V6 (VR35DDTT). Prior to this, the Armada and its international counterpart, the Patrol NISMO, were equipped with a formidable 5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8, the VK56VD.
The VR38DETT in the GT-R is a masterpiece of precision engineering, designed for high-RPM power and blistering acceleration. Each engine is hand-assembled by one of five master craftsmen, known as "Takumi," in a special clean room at Nissan's Yokohama plant. Its larger displacement and focus on outright horsepower make it the dominant force on the racetrack and in straight-line performance.
In contrast, the new VR35DDTT in the Armada NISMO is engineered to deliver a robust and wide torque band. While its horsepower figure is lower than the GT-R's, it produces significantly more torque. This characteristic is crucial for a large SUV, providing strong initial acceleration and effortless towing capability. The emphasis here is on accessible power for a heavier vehicle, ensuring responsive performance in a wider range of driving scenarios.
The contrast between the GT-R's VR38DETT and the old Armada NISMO's VK56VD is even more stark:
It is important to note a recent shift in the Armada NISMO's powertrain. For the 2026 model year, Nissan has introduced the twin-turbo V6 (VR35DDTT). Prior to this, the Armada and its international counterpart, the Patrol NISMO, were equipped with a formidable 5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8, the VK56VD.
Head-to-Head: VR38DETT vs. VR35DDTT
Here's a detailed comparison between the engine at the heart of "Godzilla" and the new powerplant in Nissan's high-performance SUV:| Feature | Nissan GT-R (VR38DETT) | Nissan Armada NISMO (VR35DDTT) |
| Engine Code | VR38DETT | VR35DDTT |
| Architecture | Twin-Turbocharged V6 | Twin-Turbocharged V6 |
| Displacement | 3.8 liters (3,799 cc) | 3.5 liters (3,492 cc) |
| Horsepower | 565 hp (standard), 600 hp (NISMO) | 460 hp |
| Torque | 467 lb-ft (standard), 481 lb-ft (NISMO) | 516 lb-ft |
| Induction | Twin Turbochargers | Twin Turbochargers |
| Bore x Stroke | 95.5 mm x 88.4 mm | Information not yet available |
| Key Features | Hand-built by a single "Takumi" craftsman, plasma-sprayed cylinder bores for reduced friction and enhanced cooling. | Focus on broad torque delivery for heavy-duty applications. |
| Primary Application | High-performance sports car | Full-size performance SUV |
The VR38DETT in the GT-R is a masterpiece of precision engineering, designed for high-RPM power and blistering acceleration. Each engine is hand-assembled by one of five master craftsmen, known as "Takumi," in a special clean room at Nissan's Yokohama plant. Its larger displacement and focus on outright horsepower make it the dominant force on the racetrack and in straight-line performance.
In contrast, the new VR35DDTT in the Armada NISMO is engineered to deliver a robust and wide torque band. While its horsepower figure is lower than the GT-R's, it produces significantly more torque. This characteristic is crucial for a large SUV, providing strong initial acceleration and effortless towing capability. The emphasis here is on accessible power for a heavier vehicle, ensuring responsive performance in a wider range of driving scenarios.
A Nod to the Past: The V8 Powerhouse (VK56VD)
For many years, the Nissan Armada and Patrol NISMO were defined by the sonorous roar of a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine, the VK56VD. In its NISMO-tuned guise, this engine produced around 428 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque.The contrast between the GT-R's VR38DETT and the old Armada NISMO's VK56VD is even more stark:
- Aspiration: The VR38DETT is twin-turbocharged, forcing air into the engine for a significant power boost. The VK56VD is naturally aspirated, relying on atmospheric pressure, which results in a more linear power delivery and a distinct V8 exhaust note.
- Displacement vs. Technology: The VK56VD achieved its power through sheer size (5.6 liters), a classic approach to generating horsepower and torque. The VR38DETT, with a much smaller 3.8-liter displacement, utilizes advanced turbocharging technology to produce substantially more power.
- Power Delivery: The V8 offered immediate, smooth power from a standstill. The twin-turbo V6 in the GT-R provides a more explosive power delivery as the turbochargers spool up, creating its signature thrilling rush of acceleration.