Evolved into a Hybrid-Exclusive Model

Nissan will fully remodel the four-door sedan "Skyline" and begin sales on Monday, November 11. As you may have noticed from its styling, the new "Skyline" is equipped with the "Infiniti" emblem, developed in North America, on its front grille.


Needless to say, the "Skyline" began sales in North America as an "Infiniti" brand vehicle from the 11th generation model V35 in November 2002, and has since evolved into a global model. The North American "Infiniti G35," which offers a lineup of sedans, coupes, and crossovers, is none other than the Japanese "Skyline."

The new "Skyline" will be the first lineup in the Japanese market to use the "Infiniti" emblem, but Nissan will not immediately launch the "Infiniti" brand in Japan and develop exclusive dealerships like "Lexus".


While such possibilities cannot be denied for future plans, regardless of success or failure, the strategy appears to be to first promote awareness of the new "Skyline" emblem and evoke the image of "Infiniti," which is recognized as a luxury brand in North America. At the same time, it is clear that the new "Skyline" is targeting not only domestic Japanese cars but also imported premium models as rivals. The points of this model change are the improvement of driving performance, quality, and luxury.

New Generation "NissanConnect Navigation System"

The proportions are a sporty and commanding presence that can be described as normal evolution. The body size, at 4,790mm in length, 1,820mm in width, and 1,440mm in height, is slightly larger than the previous model. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2,850mm. However, the interior dimensions have been expanded, improving passenger comfort.


The interior features a simple yet high-quality design with excellent operability, so those switching from the current model will feel right at home. The new generation "NissanConnect Navigation System," which combines an 8-inch navigation screen, a first for Nissan, with a 7-inch touch LCD operation panel, offers intuitive operation and feel.

A dial-type multifunction switch is located behind the shift lever for operation without compromising driving posture. While most operations can be performed by touching the screen, they can also be done using the dial-type multifunction switch or the mechanical switches located around the touch panel, so even those not accustomed to smartphone-like operation will not feel inconvenienced.


The fact that these controls are arranged within a radius of approximately 650mm from the center of the steering wheel also speaks to the "Skyline's" driver-oriented design.

Current Gasoline Engine Model "V36" Also Sold

The powertrain features a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and a hybrid system using a motor and lithium-ion battery. This is combined with a 7-speed hybrid transmission (AT) with manual mode, and is available in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. Differences in grades are solely due to equipment and drive system, with only this one powertrain for the new "Skyline."

Consequently, the sales lineup consists of three grades: the fully equipped "350GT HYBRID Type SP" at the top, the mid-grade "350GT HYBRID Type P," and the entry-grade "350GT HYBRID." With the addition of rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options for each, the lineup is a simple configuration of six models in total.

However, what is unique is that to meet demand for non-hybrid vehicles, the current gasoline engine model "V36" will remain available in three grades and be sold alongside the new "Skyline."


The engine boasts a maximum output of 225 kW (306 ps) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm (35.7 kgm). The motor alone produces a maximum output of 50 kW (68 ps) and a maximum torque of 290 Nm (29.6 kgm). The total system output reaches an impressive 268 kW (364 ps). Nissan believes that hybrid technology was the optimal choice for the "Skyline's" new power source, pursuing a high-dimensional balance between sporty driving and low fuel consumption.

Specifically, the motor's characteristics are set to be quite sporty, generating high total torque that exceeds previous limits within the first 5 seconds of acceleration from a standstill. While the 0-100 km/h acceleration figures have not yet been released, internal measurements indicate it is the world's fastest hybrid model in mass production. Furthermore, although figures are also undisclosed, it has been announced that the EV driving range using only the motor has been extended.


Another noteworthy feature of the new "Skyline" is the adoption of the world's first Direct Adaptive Steering. This system, which replaces the steering shaft with an electronic signal conversion of steering movements, is the world's first system to achieve steering, and is said to ensure straight-line stability and suppress kickback. Drivers should be able to experience both a solid driving feel and the quick handling of a sports car.

The True Mission Entrusted to the "Skyline"

Improvements in safety are also not overlooked. Features include Emergency Brake, which avoids collisions at approximately 60 km/h; PFCW (Predictive Forward Collision Warning), which uses a new millimeter-wave radar to detect the movement of vehicles two cars ahead and warns the driver of sudden deceleration; BSW (Blind Spot Warning), which detects vehicles in blind spots when changing lanes; BSI (Brake System Override), a first for Nissan, which prevents rear-end collisions; as well as LDW (Lane Departure Warning) and LDP (Lane Departure Prevention). The system also includes BCI (Brake Control for Reverse), which detects approaching vehicles when reversing, a first for a Japanese car.


Looking at the key devices and changes adopted in this new "Skyline," it becomes clear that its rivals are now luxury sports models from European and American premium brands. From an "Infiniti" perspective, this is natural, but it is as if the rivalry that takes place daily in North America has now shifted its venue to Japan.

Although it does not explicitly call itself "Infiniti," the new "Skyline" is an ambitious creation aiming to challenge premium cars from around the world (and the users who consider them) in the Japanese market.


The adoption of the "Infiniti" emblem and the continued sale of the gasoline engine "V36" model suggest careful consideration (or perhaps some hesitation), but it is precisely these strategic implications that represent the true mission entrusted to the "Skyline" and Nissan's intended "next move." Indeed, there is no doubt that the new "Skyline" serves as a litmus test for building Nissan's "Infiniti" sales network in Japan.

Nissan Skyline | NISSAN SKYLINE
Body Size | Overall Length 4,790 (Type SP: 4,800) x Overall Width 1,820 x Overall Height 1,440 (4WD: 1,450) mm
Weight | 1,760-1,880 kg
Engine | 3,498cc V6 DOHC
Compression Ratio | 10.6 : 1
Bore x Stroke | 95.5 x 81.4 mm
Maximum Output | 225 kW (306 ps) / 6,800 rpm
Maximum Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 5,000 rpm
Motor Maximum Output | 50 kW (68 ps)
Motor Maximum Torque | 290 Nm (29.6 kgm)
Total System Maximum Output | 268 kW (364 ps)
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic (Hybrid Transmission with Manual Mode)
Drive System | FR / 4WD (ATTESA E-TS)
Tires Front/Rear | 225/55RF17 (Type SP: 245/40RF19)
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Ventilated Disc
Suspension Type Front | Independent Double Wishbone
Suspension Type Rear | Independent Multi-link
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | (FR Model) 18.4-17.8 km/ℓ (4WD Model) 17.0-16.8 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | (FR Model) 126-130 g/km (4WD Model) 137-138 g/km
Price |
(350GT HYBRID) ¥4,496,100
(350GT HYBRID Type P) ¥4,863,600
(350GT HYBRID Type SP) ¥5,264,700
(350GT FOUR HYBRID) ¥4,769,100
(350GT FOUR HYBRID Type P) ¥5,136,600
(350GT FOUR HYBRID Type SP) ¥5,537,700


Prices for the gasoline engine models, which will continue to be sold, are as follows:
(250GT) ¥2,990,400
(25GT Type S) ¥3,490,200
(250GT FOUR) ¥3,289,650