Renault V4Y Specifications
| Engine Model: Renault V4Y |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle 6-cylinder DOHC 24-valve CVTCS liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 213.5 cu.in (3.45 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 228-242 Hp (170-180 kW) at 6000 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Multi-point electronic fuel injection |
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The Renault V4Y is a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6
petrol engine developed through the Renault-Nissan Alliance, representing a
rebranded and adapted version of the Nissan VQ35DE. Introduced in the early
2000s, this powerplant replaced Renault’s aging L7X V6 (derived from the PSA
ES9J engine) in the company’s premium and executive vehicle lineup. The VQ
series, of which the V4Y is a member, is widely regarded as one of the most
celebrated V6 engines in automotive history, renowned for its exceptional
smoothness, linear power delivery, and durability, having earned a place on
Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for over a decade.
The adoption of the VQ35DE marked a significant technological advancement for
Renault’s large vehicle platforms. Unlike the belt-driven, iron-block L7X it
replaced, the V4Y utilized an all-aluminum construction with a 60-degree
V-angle, a DOHC valvetrain with 24 valves, and continuous variable valve timing
control (CVTCS) on the intake camshafts.
A silent-type timing chain replaced the rubber belt of the previous generation,
eliminating scheduled timing belt replacements and reducing long-term
maintenance costs. The engine’s over-square design (95.5 mm bore, 81.4 mm
stroke) prioritized high-rpm capability and responsive throttle behavior,
characteristics well-suited to the luxury and executive vehicle segments.
The V4Y was engineered to deliver a balance of refined power and durability.
Micro-finished camshaft journals and molybdenum-coated pistons reduced internal
friction, contributing to the engine’s renowned smoothness and efficiency. The
multi-point fuel injection system, while less complex than later direct
injection designs, provided reliable fuel delivery across the operating range.
The engine’s output was calibrated for the Renault application - 231 to 245
horsepower - slightly lower than the Nissan 350Z’s tuning, prioritizing linear
torque delivery and seamless power progression appropriate for large sedans and
MPVs. The V4Y served as the flagship petrol engine for the Renault Vel Satis,
Espace IV, and Latitude throughout their production lifespans.
The engine operates on a four-stroke Otto cycle with a naturally aspirated
induction method. It is configured for transverse or longitudinal installation
depending on the vehicle platform, primarily in front-engine, front-wheel-drive
or all-wheel-drive configurations. Engine management is controlled by a
Renault-sourced or Nissan-sourced ECU utilizing a multi-point electronic fuel
injection system.
Engine Type: 60° V6, water-cooled, 4-stroke.
Displacement: 3,498 cc (213.5 cu.in).
Bore x Stroke: 95.5 mm x 81.4 mm (3.76 in x 3.20 in).
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 to 10.3:1, dependent on market.
Firing Order: 1-2-3-4-5-6.
Ignition System: Electronic, direct ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug.
Idle Speed: 650 ± 50 rpm (in neutral).
Maximum Power: 170-180 kW (228-242 hp) @ 6,000 rpm.
Maximum Torque: 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) @ 3,600 rpm.
Redline: 6,600 rpm.
Rev Limiter: 7,000 rpm.
The cylinder block is constructed from cast aluminum
alloy with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners, providing a lightweight yet
durable foundation. The 60-degree V-angle optimizes engine balance and
packaging. The block incorporates four main bearings supporting the crankshaft,
with a structural aluminum ladder frame reinforcing the main bearing caps. The
closed-deck design enhances rigidity under high-load operation.
Cylinder Bore Diameter: 95.5 mm (3.76 in). Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 67.0
mm (2.64 in). Piston Material: High-temperature aluminum alloy with
molybdenum-coated skirts for reduced friction. Piston Cooling: Oil jets are
mounted in the cylinder block to direct a continuous spray of engine oil to the
underside of each piston crown for thermal management. Crankshaft: Forged steel,
fully counter-weighted with eight balance weights. Connecting Rods: Forged
steel, fracture-split construction for precise cap alignment. Cylinder Block
Construction: Die-cast aluminum with cast-in iron liners and structural ladder
frame.
The cylinder heads are manufactured from aluminum
alloy, with separate castings for each cylinder bank. Each head houses a DOHC
valvetrain with four valves per cylinder for a total of 24 valves. The
valvetrain incorporates Nissan’s CVTCS (Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control
System) on the intake camshafts, allowing infinite adjustment of intake valve
timing based on engine speed and load. The exhaust camshafts are fixed without
variable timing.
Valvetrain: DOHC, chain-driven, with 24 valves total. CVTCS provides continuous
variable intake valve timing. Hydraulic lash adjusters maintain zero valve
clearance automatically.
Intake Valve Diameter: 34.0 mm (1.34 in)
Exhaust Valve Diameter: 29.5 mm (1.16 in)
Intake Valve Timing Range: 30 degrees of crankshaft rotation, infinitely
variable
Valve Seat Material: High-strength sintered alloy
Valve Spring Material: High-tensile steel
Camshaft Drive: Silent-type Morse chain with automatic hydraulic tensioners. A
single chain drives both intake camshafts, with a secondary chain or gear drive
transferring motion to the exhaust camshafts.
The fuel system utilizes a multi-point electronic fuel
injection (MPFI) configuration with sequential injection. Fuel is delivered to
the intake ports through injectors mounted in the intake manifold. The system
operates as a returnless design, with the fuel pressure regulator located in the
fuel tank assembly.
Fuel Injectors: High-impedance, multi-hole design with flow rates matched to
engine output. Fuel Pressure: 350-400 kPa (51-58 psi). Intake Manifold: Aluminum
or composite resin construction with variable intake manifold (VIM)
functionality. The VIM system incorporates a control valve to alter runner
length based on engine speed, optimizing volumetric efficiency across the
operating range.
Throttle Body: Electronically controlled drive-by-wire (DBW) system with a bore
diameter of 70 mm (2.76 in). Idle speed is managed through electronic throttle
plate positioning. Fuel Requirement: Minimum octane rating of 95 RON (Research
Octane Number) / 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index); 98 RON recommended for maximum
performance.
The lubrication system is a fully pressurized wet-sump
design incorporating a gear-type oil pump driven by the crankshaft. The system
includes an external oil cooler mounted to the cylinder block to maintain oil
temperatures under sustained high-load operation. Micro-finished crankshaft and
camshaft journals contribute to reduced friction.
Oil Pump Type: Gear-type pump
Recommended Oil Viscosity: 5W-30 or 5W-40, fully synthetic
Oil Capacity (with filter change): 5.5 liters (5.8 qt)
Oil Capacity (without filter change): 5.0 liters (5.3 qt)
Oil Pressure (at 3,000 rpm, warm): 350-450 kPa (50.8-65.3 psi)
Oil Pan Material: Cast aluminum with integrated baffling
Oil Cooler: Plate-type oil-to-water heat exchanger
The cooling system is a pressurized design utilizing a
high-flow centrifugal water pump driven by the engine’s accessory drive belt. A
wax-type thermostat regulates coolant flow. The system incorporates separate
cooling circuits for each cylinder bank and includes a coolant passage through
the intake manifold for throttle body heating.
Coolant Type: Ethylene-glycol based antifreeze, phosphate and silicate-free
formulation.
Coolant Capacity (engine and radiator): 8.5-9.5 liters (9.0-10.0 qt).
Thermostat Opening Temperature: 82-88 °C (180-190 °F).
Radiator Cap Pressure: 90-110 kPa (13.1-16.0 psi).
Water Pump Type: Centrifugal with a mechanical seal.
Timing Drive: Silent-type Morse chain with an automatic
hydraulic tensioner utilizing engine oil pressure. The timing chain drives the
intake camshafts directly; exhaust camshafts are driven by a secondary chain or
gear mechanism. The system is designed for the operational life of the engine
under proper maintenance conditions.
Accessory Drive: Single serpentine belt driving the alternator, water pump,
power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. An automatic spring-loaded
tensioner maintains consistent belt tension.
Emission Control System: Includes three-way catalytic converters (one per
cylinder bank), upstream and downstream heated oxygen sensors, a Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system, and an evaporative emissions control system.
The engine complies with Euro 4 or Euro 5 emission standards depending on
production year and market.
Engine Management System: Renault or Nissan-sourced ECU with integrated knock
control, sequential fuel injection logic, variable intake manifold control,
CVTCS actuation, and idle speed control. The ECU utilizes MAF (Mass Air Flow)
sensors for load detection.
Overall Length: 690 mm (27.2 in)
Overall Width: 720 mm (28.3 in)
Overall Height: 730 mm (28.7 in)
Dry Weight (complete engine): 165 kg (364 lb)
Valve Clearance: Hydraulic lash adjusters are employed
throughout the valvetrain. No manual valve adjustment is required during the
service life of the engine under normal operating conditions. Timing Chain:
Chain and tensioner condition should be assessed if abnormal noise (rattling on
cold start) or timing correlation diagnostic trouble codes are present.
Spark Plugs
OEM Type: NGK IFR6E11 or Denso FK20HBR11 (iridium).
Gap: 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in).
Replacement Interval: 100,000 km (60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Change Interval: 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months under normal
operating conditions. Synthetic oil meeting Renault RN0700 or RN0710
specification is recommended. Engine Oil Filter Change Interval: With every oil
change. Coolant Replacement Interval: 120,000 km (75,000 miles) or 5 years.
Drive Belt Inspection: Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) for cracks, fraying,
glazing, and proper tension. Air Filter Element: Replace every 40,000 km (25,000
miles); more frequent replacement is required in dusty environments. Fuel Filter
Replacement: Integrated into the fuel pump module in the tank; no scheduled
replacement interval under normal operating conditions.
Cylinder Head Bolts, Step 1: 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
Cylinder Head Bolts, Step 2: 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).
Main Bearing Cap Bolts (Ladder Frame), Step 1: 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
Main Bearing Cap Bolts (Ladder Frame), Step 2: 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts: 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
Intake Manifold Bolts: 22 Nm (16 lb-ft).
Exhaust Manifold Nuts: 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Oil Pan Bolts: 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
Valve Cover Bolts: 10 Nm (7 lb-ft).
Spark Plugs: 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
Crankshaft Pulley Bolt: 180 Nm (133 lb-ft).
Flex Plate / Drive Plate Bolts: 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
The Renault V4Y engine was utilized across Renault’s
premium and executive vehicle lineup throughout the 2000s and into the 2010s,
serving as the flagship petrol powertrain for large sedans, MPVs, and luxury
coupes.
2002-2009 Renault Vel Satis: The primary application for the V4Y in the French
market’s premium sedan. The engine was offered as the top-tier petrol option in
this distinctive executive vehicle, valued for its refinement and linear power
delivery.
2002-2014 Renault Espace IV: Installed as the flagship petrol engine for the
fourth-generation Espace MPV. The V4Y provided the necessary torque for this
large multi-purpose vehicle, offering a refined alternative to the diesel
powertrains that dominated European sales.
2007-2015 Renault Laguna III Coupe: Applied in the early versions of the Laguna
III Coupe, where the V4Y served as the high-performance petrol option in select
markets, offering a smooth and powerful alternative to the four-cylinder engines
in the range.
2010-2015 Renault Latitude / Samsung SM7: Utilized in the Renault Latitude (and
its Samsung SM7 counterpart), a large sedan developed primarily for Asian and
Eastern European markets. The V4Y served as the range-topping petrol engine,
valued for its refinement and durability in markets where petrol-powered
executive sedans remained popular.
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