This generation was introduced June 1991, and was offered as a sedan; a center “B” pillar was added to improve vehicle solidity, and improve the crashworthiness, but is obscured behind side window glass and frameless side windows. The VG series engine continued to be offered with a 5-speed computer-controlled automatic transmission and a 4-speed offered with the RD28 diesel engine. Indicative of the times, a manual transmission is no longer offered.
Trim levels offered were the Gran Turismo SV, Grand Turismo, and the top-level vehicle is called the Gran Turismo ULTIMA. Other trim levels offered were the Brougham VIP type C, Brougham G, Brougham, Classic SV, and the Classic.
The first quad-cam 24 valve VG30DE engine was developed for the 1985 MID4 concept. The 2,960 cc (3.0 L) VG30DE produces 190 to 222 hp (142 to 166 kW) and 198 lb-ft (268 N⋅m). Bore and stroke is 87 mm × 83 mm (3.43 in × 3.27 in). Original Japanese market units claimed 185 PS (136 kW).[2] There are two versions of the VG30DE. The first was introduced in 1986 on the Japanese 300ZR (Z31) and Nissan Leopard F31 and was never sold in North America. The VG30DE has two throttle bodies facing the front of the vehicle (Nissan 300ZX and Fairlady Z) or two throttle bodies to the left (sedans and 300ZR). It was also installed with N-VCT, an early form of variable valve timing.
Early VG30DEs used large oval intake ports, and round exhaust ports, though the flange was similar to the SOHC VG engine, bolt spacing was slightly different. Late VG30DE’s used slightly smaller oval intake ports, and oval exhaust ports. The bolt spacing was shared with the round-port variant from earlier years.
The top of the line Gran Turismo Ultima featured Nissan’s venerable VG30DET, a 3.0 L (2,960 cc), 24-valve, quad-cam, VTC-equipped engine equipped with a T3 (Nissan N1 Type) 4-bolt Garrett Turbo running between 7.5 and 11.5 psi (0.52 and 0.79 bar). Generating up to 255 hp (190 kW) and measuring 236 lb-ft (320 N⋅m) depending on the production year and application.
While this engine is similar to the VG30DE, it used different heads and inlet manifold. The engine was available in the Cedric, Gloria, Cima, and Leopard chassis. It is a single-turbo engine that was used from 1987 through 1995 in the Japanese market, and the predecessor for the VG30DETT featured in Nissan’s 90’s Z32 300ZX.
