Why doesn't Nissan use turbocharging?
4 Answers
Japanese cars do not use turbocharging, currently considered to have potential risks of spontaneous combustion. Meaning of turbocharging: Turbocharging is a technology used in engines that can increase the amount of air entering the engine while improving engine displacement. Components of turbocharging: The turbocharger consists of two parts, one is the compression turbine, and the other is the exhaust turbine. Turbocharging maintenance: Turbocharging does not require cleaning, but if you want to clean it, once a year is sufficient. There are two methods of cleaning turbocharging, one is called wet cleaning, and the other is dry cleaning. Wet cleaning requires more time for drying, so it is recommended to choose dry cleaning for convenience if you want to clean it.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience behind the wheel of Nissans, what I appreciate most is the smoothness of their naturally aspirated engines. The moment you start the engine, the power delivery is as smooth as butter, without any sudden turbo-like kick or delayed response. Nissan excels at optimizing traditional engines to their limits—my old Sylphy still runs as steady as a rock even after 200,000 kilometers. Of course, that’s not to say they completely avoid turbos; the GT-R is a prime example. But for everyday family cars, high-compression ratio technology paired with a CVT is already fuel-efficient and enjoyable to drive, so manufacturers naturally avoid the hassle of complex turbo plumbing. After all, reliability is what matters most to us average car owners.
A friend in auto repair once told me that Nissan's persistence with naturally aspirated engines is backed by solid technical logic. Look at turbochargers - they require supporting components like intercoolers, high-pressure fuel rails, and wastegates, adding over 30 additional sealing points to the system and doubling the probability of oil leaks. Moreover, turbochargers operate at temperatures reaching 950°C, placing extreme demands on cooling systems. Nissan's VQ series V6 engines, widely promoted in the North American market, can deliver 90% of torque output just through dual variable valve timing, offering both smooth performance and durability. The VC-TURBO variable compression ratio technology used in the new Altima actually represents the perfect balance between turbocharging and natural aspiration.
Those who are into racing modifications know that Nissan's track DNA lies in its naturally aspirated engines. In the 1990s, the RB26DETT turbocharged engine dominated the racing scene, but at the cost of high fuel consumption and demanding maintenance. Later, the manufacturer shifted its strategy, with performance cars like the 370Z sticking to the VQ37VHR, which can rev up to 7500 RPM, delivering a purer exhaust note than turbocharged engines. In the current wave of electrification, Nissan has focused its R&D efforts on the e-POWER hybrid system, where the 1.5L naturally aspirated range extender achieves a thermal efficiency of 50%, making it more forward-looking than tinkering with turbos. However, the latest X-Trail still comes with a 1.5T three-cylinder engine, a compromise for the market.
