Nissan is reviving one of its most iconic nameplates - the Skyline - with a brand-new model that’s rear-wheel drive, manual, and unmistakably performance-focused.
The Japanese brand confirmed plans for an all-new Skyline that blends classic design cues from past generations with modern styling and technology. The move comes as part of Nissan’s wider restructuring, which is shifting the brand’s focus back to enthusiast-driven models.
Unfortunately for UK fans, the new Skyline is expected to remain exclusive to Japan - at least for now. And while some may hope this is the next GT-R, it isn’t. Nissan separated the Skyline name from the GT-R in 2007, meaning this isn’t the R36 successor (that’s still to come, and will be sold globally).
Interestingly, the Skyline never truly disappeared in Japan. It continued as a domestic-market model - briefly sold in Europe as the Infiniti Q50 - but after more than a decade on sale, it’s long overdue for a complete overhaul.
At the Japan Mobility Show, Nissan’s global design chief Alfonso Albaisa said the new Skyline will take inspiration from the expressive, fastback-era designs of the late 1960s and early 1970s, but won’t be a retro remake.
“Think of the 1968 or 1970 Skyline - bold, wide, and full of character,” Albaisa told Auto Express. “It’ll be aggressive and forward-looking, not retro.”
He hinted that the new Skyline will sit between the Nissan Z and GT-R in both performance and design. Expect a sleek, four-door fastback with a distinctly muscular stance - and far more individuality than many of Nissan’s current models.
While technical details remain under wraps, it’s possible the Skyline will use an evolved version of its current platform - much like the Nissan Z - paired with fresh bodywork, an all-new interior, and that all-important manual gearbox.
In short: the Skyline name is back, and it’s returning to its driver-focused roots.
