Infiniti Q50 Hybrid/ Skyline 350GT Nismo Build

I just wanted to share a comparison of my Nismo Build for my car vs what Nismo did for the V37 Skyline in Japan.

Let’s start off with what should have defined a “real” NISMO build. Below is a clear, technical comparison between the factory Nissan Skyline NISMO (V37) and a fully engineered Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO, built with a focus on drivetrain optimization, torque delivery, cooling, steering precision, and real-world performance.

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Performance & Engineering Comparison

Powertrain

• Factory Skyline NISMO:

3.0L VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6

~414 HP / ~406 lb-ft (petrol only, turbo-dependent)

• Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO:

3.5L VQ35HR + electric motor (hybrid)

383 HP / 430 lb-ft (includes NISMO H-pipe exhaust)

Instant low-RPM torque via electric assist

Key difference:

The factory car prioritizes peak horsepower.

The Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO prioritizes usable torque and immediate response.

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Drivetrain & Acceleration

• Factory Skyline NISMO

• Long final drive (~3.133)

• Open / electronically assisted differential

• Factory transmission logic

• Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO

• NISMO 3.692 final drive (R200)

• NISMO 1.5-way clutch LSD

• Custom ECU + DCU logic matched to gearing and torque delivery

Why this matters:

Shorter gearing + clutch LSD + correct transmission math =

stronger launches, faster corner exit, and more consistent acceleration.

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Steering System

• Factory Skyline NISMO

• Conventional electric power steering

• Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO

• Direct Adaptive Steering (steer-by-wire)

This allows:

• Software-controlled steering response

• No mechanical lag

• Precise, repeatable turn-in

• Steering feel independent of road shock

This is a modern motorsport-inspired approach that the factory NISMO does not use.

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Suspension & Chassis Control

• Factory Skyline NISMO

• NISMO-tuned springs and dampers

• Fixed geometry

• Street-focused balance

• Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO

• NISMO Öhlins adjustable coilovers

• NISMO front upper control arms

• NISMO rear camber and toe arms

• NISMO front and rear sway bars + bushings

• Nissan GT-R outer tie rods

This allows:

• Correct camber under load

• Stable toe at speed

• Sharper steering response

• Track-capable alignment control

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Fuel System (Often Overlooked)

• Factory Skyline NISMO

• OEM injectors and fuel pump sized for stock output

• Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO

• NISMO 370Z high-flow fuel injectors

• Denso / HKS / Nissan GT-R high-flow fuel pump

This provides:

• Better fuel atomization

• Stable fuel pressure under load

• Headroom for sustained performance

• Improved reliability at high demand

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Cooling & Durability

• Factory Skyline NISMO

• Standard engine cooling

• No hybrid system to manage

• Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO

• AMS heat exchanger

• Dual water pump system (OEM hybrid + Red Sport Denso)

• Higher-pressure cooling caps

• NISMO 68 °C thermostat

This prevents:

• Heat soak

• Hybrid power reduction

• Performance drop during aggressive or repeated driving

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The factory Skyline NISMO is an excellent OEM performance sedan, focused on:

• Peak horsepower

• Factory balance

• Comfort-friendly performance

The Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO is a fully engineered performance build, focused on:

• Usable torque

• Drivetrain efficiency

• Steering precision

• Thermal stability

• Real-world acceleration and control

Most Important Difference

NISMO never engineered a high-performance hybrid Skyline — this build did.

That single fact explains why:

• The factory car stops at tuning

• This build goes into full vehicle dynamics engineering

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Nismo V37 Skyline 400R focuses on Peak horsepower which does not define performance and Nismo could have done much more.

In my build, Torque delivery, gearing, traction, steering, cooling, and calibration define the performance aspects of my Nismo build.

In Infiniti Skyline 350GT NISMO, I try to address all of these areas where Nismo just focused less so engine and mechanical refinement and more so an aesthetics.

As good as a job NISMO did on the Nismo 400R V37 skyline, they could have gone beyond and made it a true performance car but chose to do otherwise.