Nissan is a brand I really want to return to its former roots. And while we are being assured that Infiniti is returning to its Golden 2000s era, I think the Japanese company needs to delve into its glorious past even deeper. I can think of at least three Nissan models that need to come back, and all of them are nameplates that used to be, with small exceptions, great sellers.
But without a doubt, the most iconic Nissan name is the Skyline, and that name is coming back… sort of. Technically, the Skyline name did not go anywhere. It was simply reserved for the Japanese market. The rest of the world got it in the form of the Infiniti Q50 and Q60. There was also a Skyline Crossover (Infiniti EX for the rest of the world).
Plenty of classic touches
In its short teaser, Nissan gave us a glimpse of the design cues the new Skyline would feature, and I like what I see. The new model is shown next to the original, KPGC10 Skyline GT-R. We saw plenty of design cues taken directly from the original, including the old Skyline logo. The signature round taillights are also making a comeback in a more classic iteration and are more pronounced compared to what we have seen in the last Q50. The front end gives off R34 vibes, mixed with the 1969 original car.
Unfortunately, some of the classic touches are expected to be absent on the Q50. While virtually the same car, the Infiniti brand is a lot younger and lacks the heritage that comes with the Nissan badge, and even more so, the Skyline nameplate. I suspect many eager owners will amend that once they acquire the new Japanese performance sedan.
This is where it might get a bit disappointing for some
Similar to the Nissan Z, the new Nissan Skyline/Infiniti Q50 will not be based on a new platform. Instead, it will be a revised version of the current FR-L platform, from the outgoing model. I am sure plenty of people on the internet will say stuff along the lines of “Nissan half-assing it” or “$60k for a 20-year-old platform”, but is that really a bad thing? The Q50 platform is already a good starting point, and there are plenty of owners modifying these to GT-R levels of power and beyond - a trend that will continue with the new Skyline when it arrives sometime in 2028.
The return of enthusiast-centric cars
The best news is that Infiniti is heavily invested in V-6-powered models right now, so we are about to get a lot of them. Moreover, the new Q50 promises over 400 horsepower and the option of a manual transmission, which is something almost no other carmaker currently offers. The only performance sedans that offer rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission at the moment are the BMW M3 and Cadillac CT4 and CT5 Blackwing. There will be an automatic option, which will be the familiar nine-speed unit, found in the Z, Pathfinder, Armada, and other models of the brand, equipped with a V-6.
It is too early to talk about official pricing, but the new Infiniti Q50 / Nissan Skyline is expected to reach $60,000 for the range-topping model. If Nissan gets the pricing right, this will be a stout proposition. The good news is, there is no mention of an electrified variant, which means a Skyline hybrid is out of the question. The company wants to focus on pure driver’s cars. The best part is, if the Skyline is coming out in 2028, the next-generation Nissan GT-R can't be far behind, and we know they are working on it.
I think the new Skyline's design being influenced by the original GT-R and the R34 is a great way to give the Skyline name a fresh start. Do you like what you see so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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About the author
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His passion for cars and motorcycles led him to take up classic car restoration at the Classic Car Museum in Malta. While living there, he also graduated with a Master's in Media and Communications. Aside from Torquenews, his work can also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his own website, Ridereverie.com, where he also includes motorcycle content.
Other relevant experiences in the automotive scene include working at a Toyota dealership, professional driving, and automotive insurance. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Experience
- 2012-2017 and 2025-Present: Insurance Advisor - ANG Univers and Generali Insurance Group
- 2016-2016: Car salesman at Toyota dealership
- 2014-Present: Automotive journalist, blogger, vlogger, test driver
Education
- Bachelor's degree in International Economic Relations
- Master's degree in Marketing
- Master's degree in Media and Communications
Dimitar Angelov's work has been quoted in the following publications:
- SM Breadvan – The Fastest Road Car in the 1970s
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Image source: Nissan on YouTube, Nissan pressroom
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