Changes include: a variable intake manifold, newly designed heads, and a larger drive by wire throttle chamber.

The intake manifold directs air through different paths at different engine speeds to optimise low-end torque or high-end horsepower.

It uses SFI, has 4 titanium valves per cylinder with Continuous Variable Valve Timing and features forged steel connecting rods, 4 one-piece cast camshafts, an unusual variable-flow induction system optimizes airflow for low- and high-speed operation, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons, and a microfinished forged crankshaft.

[3] Nismo reasons that by using the engine, they eliminate turbo lag, save weight and generally prefer the torque curve of the atmospheric V8.

Also in the Super GT series, an unbranded VK45DE is used for "Mother Chassis" cars; the engine is labeled the GTA V8.

The valvetrain is a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design with a continuously variable valve timing control system (CVTCS).

It was fitted to a Nissan Altima version of the V8 Supercars "Car of the Future" specification that competed from 2013 until 2019.

[7] Notes: The VK56VD is a 5,552 cc (5.6 L; 338.8 cu in) 32-valve, DOHC, Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) aluminum-alloy V8 and features Nissan's latest VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift System).