Nissan 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (VR30DDTT): years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The VR30DDTT is Nissan's 2,997 cc twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6. In the 2023-and-later Nissan Z it makes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft, and 420 hp and 384 lb-ft in the Z NISMO. Infiniti introduced the VR-series 3.0-liter for 2016, with 300 hp or 400 hp in Red Sport 400 versions of the Q50 and Q60.

The VR30 is the 3.0-liter member of Nissan's VR V6 family, which Nissan presents as the successor to the VQ. Infiniti launched it for 2016 in two outputs: 300 hp and 295 lb-ft, or 400 hp and 350 lb-ft in the Red Sport 400. The high-output version adds a second intercooler pump and an optical turbo speed sensor. EPA lists the 3.0-liter twin-turbo in the Q50 from 2016 through 2024 and the Q60 coupe from 2017 through 2022.

The seventh-generation Nissan Z took the 400 hp version for 2023, with a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic. Nissan's Z spec sheet gives the details: aluminum block and heads, 86.0 × 86.0 mm bore and stroke, 10.3:1 compression, 15 psi maximum boost and a 6,800 rpm limit. The 2024 Z NISMO raises output to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft. For 2027 Nissan offers the NISMO with a 6-speed manual for the first time.

3.0L twin-turbo V6 (VR30DDTT) at a glance

Nissan VR30DDTT 2,997 cc twin-turbocharged direct-injected V6 (VR series), Nissan Z 2023–present and Infiniti Q50/Q60 3.0t: model years, fuel and peak Nissan-published output by version
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
2023–present Nissan Z (400–420 hp)2023–presentGasoline (premium)42038400
2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp)2016–2024Gasoline (premium)40035011

CarWhere lists 1 documented problem and 1 NHTSA recall for the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (VR30DDTT), each with a source.

2023–present Nissan Z (400–420 hp)

Every Z since the 2023 redesign uses the VR30DDTT, rated at 400 hp and 350 lb-ft with a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic. The NISMO version, added for 2024, makes 420 hp and 384 lb-ft.

2023–present Nissan Z (400–420 hp) specifications

2023–present Nissan Z (400–420 hp): design facts (2023–present)
SpecificationValue
Engine codeVR30DDTT[1]
Displacement3.0 L (2,997 cc)[1]
Bore × stroke86.0 × 86.0 mm[1]
LayoutV6, DOHC 24-valve, aluminum block and heads, longitudinal[1]
Compression ratio10.3:1[1]
Maximum boost15 psi (twin turbochargers with turbo speed sensor)[1]
Maximum engine speed6,800 rpm[1]
Fuel systemDirect injection; premium unleaded recommended[1]
Valve timingCVTCS with electronic variable valve timing (e-VVT) on the intake side[1]
Transmissions6-speed manual with EXEDY clutch or 9-speed automatic with paddles[1]
EPA listing, 2023 Z3.0 L turbo V6, 9-speed automatic or 6-speed manual[4]
EPA listing, 2027 Z3.0 L turbo V6, 9-speed automatic or 6-speed manual[5]
2027 changeZ NISMO offered with a 6-speed manual for the first time[6]

2023–present Nissan Z (400–420 hp) horsepower and torque by year

2023–present Nissan Z (400–420 hp): Nissan-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2023Z Sport, Performance, Proto Spec400 hp at 6,400 rpm; 350 lb-ft from 1,600–5,200 rpm400350[1]
2024Z Sport and Performance400350[2]
2024Z NISMO+20 hp and +34 lb-ft over other Z grades420384[2]
2026Z Sport, Performance, Heritage EditionNissan's 2026 kit lists torque from 1,600–5,600 rpm400350[3]
2026Z NISMO384 lb-ft from 2,000–5,200 rpm420384[3]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the 2023–present Nissan Z (400–420 hp)?

Models and model years offered with the 2023–present Nissan Z (400–420 hp)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Nissan Z (Sport, Performance)2023–present
Nissan Z NISMO2024–present9-speed automatic; 6-speed manual added for 2027

2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp)

Infiniti's VR-series 3.0-liter twin-turbo came in a 300 hp tune and a 400 hp Red Sport 400 tune. EPA lists it in the Q50 from 2016 to 2024 and the Q60 from 2017 to 2022, always with a 7-speed automatic.

2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp) specifications

2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp): design facts (2016–2024)
SpecificationValue
FamilyVR series; Nissan calls the VQ its predecessor[7]
Standard output300 hp at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft[7]
High output400 hp at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft from 1,600–5,200 rpm[7]
400 hp hardwareTwo intercooler pumps (one on the 300 hp) and an optical turbo speed sensor[7]
Efficiency claim6.7% better fuel economy than the 3.7L V6 it replaced in the Q50 and Q60 (Infiniti)[9]
EPA listing, 2016 Q50S Red Sport3.0 L turbo V6, 7-speed automatic[10]
EPA listing, 2017 Q60S Red Sport3.0 L turbo V6, 7-speed automatic[11]
EPA listing, 2024 Q50 Red Sport3.0 L turbo V6, 7-speed automatic[12]
Last Q60EPA lists a Q50 but no Q60 for 2023[13]
Last Q50EPA lists no Q50 or Q60 for 2025[14]

2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp) horsepower and torque by year

2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp): Nissan-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2016–2024Infiniti Q50/Q60 3.0t300295[7]
2016–2024Infiniti Q50/Q60 Red Sport 400400350[7]
2018Infiniti Q50 and Q60 Red Sport 400Infiniti's 2018-model-year release also repeats 300 hp and 295 lb-ft for the 3.0t400350[8]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which vehicles have the 2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp)?

Models and model years offered with the 2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Infiniti Q50 3.0t and Red Sport 4002016–2024Infiniti calls it the VR-series 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6
Infiniti Q60 3.0t and Red Sport 4002017–2022

2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp) problems and what to check

ECM may cut power and fuel after hard acceleration (2021 Q50 and Q60) (2021)

Moderate

On certain 2021 Infiniti Q50 and Q60 models, which EPA lists only with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo, the engine control module can wrongly reduce engine power and fuel supply after detecting rapid acceleration, which can stall the engine. Dealers reprogram the ECM software free of charge.[15][16][17]

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of power after hard acceleration
  • Engine stall

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask an Infiniti dealer for the record of the ECM reprogramming (Infiniti campaign R20C5)

Program: NHTSA safety recall 21V234 (free ECM reprogram at Infiniti dealers)

2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2016–2024 Infiniti Q50 and 2017–2022 Q60 3.0t (300 or 400 hp) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
21V2342021-04-042021 Infiniti Q50 and Q6012,943 vehiclesAfter detecting rapid acceleration, the engine control module may incorrectly reduce engine power and fuel supply, which can stall the engine. Dealers reprogram the ECM software free of charge.

Related Nissan research

Confirm a car really has the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (VR30DDTT).

The engine a Nissan left the factory with is part of its build record. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What cars have the VR30DDTT engine?

The 2023-and-later Nissan Z, including the Z NISMO from 2024, and Infiniti's 3.0-liter twin-turbo models: the Q50 from 2016 to 2024 and the Q60 coupe from 2017 to 2022, in 300 hp and Red Sport 400 tunes.

How much horsepower does the VR30DDTT make in the Nissan Z?

Nissan rates the Z at 400 hp at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Z NISMO is rated at 420 hp and 384 lb-ft.

Is the Nissan Z engine the same as the Q50 Red Sport 400?

Both are 400 hp, 350 lb-ft versions of Nissan's VR-series 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, and Nissan's Z spec sheet gives the code VR30DDTT. The Z uses a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic; the Infiniti uses a 7-speed automatic.

How much boost does the VR30DDTT run?

Nissan's 2023 Z spec sheet lists a maximum boost pressure of 15 psi, a 10.3:1 compression ratio and a 6,800 rpm maximum engine speed. Premium fuel is recommended.

Can you get a manual Z NISMO?

Yes, from the 2027 model year. Nissan added an available 6-speed manual to the Z NISMO for 2027 at the same price as the 9-speed automatic; earlier NISMOs were automatic only.

Sources

Ratings are Nissan-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. 2023 Nissan Z Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  2. New 2024 Nissan Z NISMO delivers thrilling performance from $64,990 (Sep 25, 2023) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  3. 2026 Nissan Z Heritage Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  4. 2023 Nissan Z: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 2027 Nissan Z: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 2027 Nissan Z pricing starts at $44,480 (Jul 21, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  7. 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine: the most advanced V6 for Infiniti (Dec 17, 2015) — Nissan Global Newsroom (global.nissannews.com)
  8. INFINITI 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 named to the 10 Best Engines list for a second consecutive year in the U.S. — Nissan Global Newsroom (global.nissannews.com)
  9. Infiniti 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 named one of the 10 Best Engines for 2017 (Dec 12, 2016) — Nissan Global Newsroom (global.nissannews.com)
  10. 2016 Infiniti Q50S Red Sport: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  11. 2017 Infiniti Q60S Red Sport: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  12. 2024 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. 2023 Infiniti model list (Q50 listed, no Q60) — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. 2025 Infiniti model list (no Q50 or Q60) — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. Recall 21V234: Engine Control Module May Cause Stall — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. 2021 Infiniti Q50: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. 2021 Infiniti Q60: engine and transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.