Adding to the list of announcements from Nissan today is the revelation that a new Skyline will be sold in Japan. Contrary to previous reports, the 14th-generation model will not take the form of an electric crossover, but instead remain a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. What’s more, unlike the past three generations, the new model will not be a direct rebadge of the Infiniti G or Q50, gaining some bespoke retro design touches. Most notable of these is at the back, where the Skyline makes a welcome return to the trademark quad round taillights that it used to share with the GT-R variants. Along the side, the new car gains a high shoulder line that sweeps downwards and back at the rear, reminiscent of the iconic C10 (or Hakosuka) second generation – as is the cursive Skyline badge on the rear fender. The front end, meanwhile, regains the interlocking S badge and the slim grille found on the R30 Skyline onwards, here flanked by slim and sharp headlights with dual vertical daytime running light bars. Details have yet to be announced, but Japanese portal Best Car suggests that the new Skyline will be based on the outgoing V37, utilising the same 405 PS/475 Nm VR30DDTT 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 that currently sees service in the 400R and Nismo models. This, it reasoned, is due to the fact that the engine was added to the preceding model rather late in its life – five years into the car’s 12-year lifespan. The addition of round taillights, previously reserved for the R35 GT-R, also hints at the possibility of the top-dog Godzilla being twinned with the Skyline once again. That may be music to the ears to some enthusiasts, but it could be a moot point because the future of the hallowed moniker remains as cloudy as ever. The R36 model was once mooted to be a high-performance EV with a solid-state battery, but the lack of demand for electric sports cars has seen even Porsche retreat from this space, and the next generation could wind up utilising some form of combustion power. The new Skyline is part of Nissan’s new product strategy that will segment models into Heartbeat, Core and Growth classifications. The car is being deemed as a Heartbeat model for Japan, characterised as embodying “Nissan’s identity, emotional value, and innovation.” This differentiates it from Core models like the new X-Trail that sustain the carmaker’s global operations (and presumably rake in the cash), as well as Growth models that target emerging market segments. Although Nissan has yet to provide a timeline for the Skyline’s return, Best Car says that the car could be launched next year to celebrate the nameplate’s 70th anniversary. GALLERY: Nissan Skyline 400R Limited at Japan Mobility Show 2025 Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater. Use the promo code 'PAULTAN' when you checkout for 10% discount!
