Test drove a 2020 Q60, I prefer the sound of the VQ37

viiv

So yesterday, my wife and I test drove a 2020 Passion Red Infiniti Q60. I did this because I wanted a sneak preview of the new Z's engine, as it's already available today in the current Infiniti lineup. What better way to do it than in a two-door Infiniti finished in the same colour as my 2020 Z.

I don't want to get into things like handling here, because the Q60 will not be the Z. I just want to talk about straight line engine performance as that is what most directly qualifies as being a sneak preview to the new Z.

Is it faster, yes. Is it aurally more enjoyable to drive. NO.

Yes you can chalk some of it up to the Q60s automatic transmission versus the excellent 6-speed in my current car.

But man, the whirring sounds of the VQ37 are what make it the best sounding and most enjoyable V6 on the planet. Sadly, the twin-turbo 3.0 lacks all of that character and makes me really wish Nissan would continue offering the current VQ37 in the new Z as a lower priced base trim level to keep the base entry level price down. I would take a VQ37 trim level, not because it's cheaper, but because of the aural experience. The only way to beat the sensory experience of the VQ is with a V8 or higher.

Numbers on an Excel spreadsheet is not what gives us enjoyment; rather its how a car arouses our senses. Automatic is faster than manual. The 3.0TT is faster than the VQ37. But I'd take the slightly slower, more sensual option any day of the week.

latch

Interesting take. I’m also not one to disagree with you either because this is something that I’m fearing as well. Honestly for most circumstances a 370Z is more than fast enough for the street so the extra power really isn’t necessary.

Is your 370Z modified? Perhaps some bolt ons would enhance the VR30 experience to get some more sensation out of the motor. The Q60 is a ‘luxury’ car after all so maybe they’re toning down the visceral experience for that market.

viiv

Your fears are substantiated, believe me. The VR30TT sucks from an audio standpoint. It's like driving a V6 Camry. Anyone here can go test drive a new Infinti Q60 to see for themselves, you don't have to wait for the new Z to come out to be disappointed by the sound. Just bring your wife with you, so you actually look like you are seriously contemplating a purchase and they will hand you the keys.

My 370Z is bone stock in the performance department, the closest thing you can regard to upgrades is that I changed out all the fluids and oils with Redline and Motul stuff and put in the Nismo oil filter after the break in period lol, that's it.

The VQ37 is a gem, and I am going to be really sad to see it go. The new Z with the VQ37 would have been perfect.

JARblue

Lol why is this even a thread? Maybe I'm being a little harsh here, but basing a review of either of those cars on the sound of the stock exhaust system is just dumb.

That said, I agree with most everything. But I've heard some sexy modified Qs

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viiv

Umm, engine noise and exhaust noise are two separate things. And last time I checked, the fairest, most representative, and only professional way to compare cars or anything else for that matter is in their stock form.

Anyways, you can buy the loudest, most expensive exhaust, slap it on a Q60 or a Civic for that matter and it will never give you the high pitched whirring sound like a really beautiful engine would, case in point this half million dollar Ferrari 812:

https://youtu.be/OoIa253WD7s

The beautiful sound you are hearing in that video is the result of the engine, not the exhaust, and you will never be able to 'fake it till you make it' with an exhaust to match the sound of a beautiful engine.

The 370Z VQ37 engine is the closest thing to the sound characteristics of that half million dollar Ferrari for 30k. That's why I brought it.

Spooler

The VQ sounds like Chit compared to a V12 Ferrari. Not even close. My car sounds different and is not the norm.

viiv

Well ya, but it's 1/17 the price. Anyways, my point is the VQ37 has its own unique sound just like you'd expect from an exotic engine. Unlike the Q60 with its forgettable V6 Camry sounding engine.

UNKNOWN_370

I respect your opinion but in reality this is like saying... I prefer chocolate bars over bananas for several reasons.
But first & foremost, I think the vq sound is very unrefined, sewing machineish from the outside and unless you have the sound enhancer inside your car its kinda raspy. Aftermarket exhaust is a must in a 370z from my standpoint. I THE vq35 sounds are legendary and the vq37 sounds are a mockery to the 350 engine, if we are just talking sounds? Nissan neglected the 370.

I test drove the q50/q60s the month it dropped. And these are a few perspectives I think you should consider...
1. You drove n/a vs aspirated
2. Manual vs auto
3. A well insulated luxury car vs a sports car focused on handling & weight savings.
4. We still don't know what type of auto the next Z is getting? If it were to get a DCT? It will sound much better? If its an upgraded Jatco? It will depend. Remember you gotta cut off about 12" of piping in a Z.

So a lot of factors are missing in your analysis. Not knocking your opinion. You're going to like what youre going to like.

I always said the q60 chassis is nowhere near stiff enough for the engine. Its nowhere near as planted as the sports cars now. That transmission is a joke. Its like when they put the 5 speed auto on the vq37 in the g37. That thing had no balls.
What I was able to get out of the red sport test drive is...
If the vr30 gets a dual clutch? The new Z will feel like and drive like a mini lightweight GTR. And thats a dream come true. Feeling what a GTR would feel like in rwd would be amazing. Then add the option of a manual and you're hitting all corners of the enthusiast market.

The Z was great in its hey day. And a classic driving awesome car today. But this new Z I think will be a mix of old and new done right. If you really absolutely like NA cars? The Z34 is a keeper. But honestly, im in the na I prefer now. Im dying for an induction rwd Z.

Cheers for a vibrant future for enthusiasts.

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Favorite Quote.
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viiv

Problem is I am a motorcyclist, so I am spoiled with raw, linear high revving NA engines. When you get used to the sound of going up to 11k RPM redline on a Honda, it gets difficult to get your fix from almost any car. When you are a motorcyclist out there, you get used to a level of raw harshness and vibration from that engine in between your legs. What car only drivers think is a refined engine sound is a snoozefest to me.

I brought my 370Z because after a test drive, I thought it most closely emulated the loud, harsh, linear high revving feelings of my motorcycle, vibrations and all, but in a car for a modest sum of money. Of course, I am sure I can get even closer to the feelings of a motorcycle with an exotic, but I am not one to spend 50k+ on a car.

axmea?

This is a legit comparison on what the new Z will sound like but not a deal breaker. Many will put an aftermarket exhaust and have it tuned anyway. It'll be fantastic.

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UNKNOWN_370

I agree with that sentiment. Its why I drive a v8 now with breather mods

__________________
Favorite Quote.
"I'm not gonna kill you... I'm just gonna Bash Your Face In" Jack Nicholson-"The Shining". 1980

takemorepills

Man, I dunno about the VQ37 being the best sounding engine. I will agree, the exhaust note with the right exhaust is amazing, and I do believe the exhaust note sounds as good as any desirable car. But the sound coming from in front of the firewall....ehhh...the VQ37 has a reputation for having a coarse, rough sounding character to it that the earlier VQ's didn't have. I've owned several VQ's, and it's true this VQ37 seems thrashy to me (not the exhaust sound). I love the sound of my car with the windows down, but with the windows up, and the underhood sound is more prevalent, I'll have to disagree that it's the best sounding V6. Honda J's sound much better from in front of the firewall.

And, as far as the VR goes, have you even heard VRs with aftermarket exhaust? They sound great.

Firebase99

Driving my girlfriends Veloster Turbo with that dual clutch....just butter! They MUST give the Z35 a DCT, its a deal breaker.

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'14 3.8 Genesis Coupe, '13 Volvo S60, '04 Honda Accord, '13 370Z-sold, '05 350Z Touring-sold, '92 300Z Twin Turbo-sold, '82 280ZX-gone, '79 260Z-gone

nis350

I am glad that you like the z engine that much. I personally thought it was ok and a bit harsh on the upper rpm range.

my e46 m3 inline 6 sounds much better especially in the upper rpm range.

onzedge

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