What Happened to Nissan Skyline?
The Nissan Skyline, originally launched by Prince Motor Company in 1957, evolved from a luxury sedan into a revered performance car, famously spawning the GT-R line. While the GT-R became a standalone supercar, the Skyline nameplate continues in Japan as a luxury-sport sedan, with Nissan recently teasing an all-new 14th generation for 2027, promising a blend of heritage and modern performance.
Quick Answer
The Nissan Skyline continues to be produced and sold in Japan as a luxury-sport sedan, currently in its V37 generation, which is known internationally as the Infiniti Q50. Nissan has recently teased an all-new 14th-generation Skyline, expected to debut around 2027, featuring a twin-turbo V6 engine, potential hybrid options, and a focus on driver-focused character, though it is primarily intended for the Japanese market. The iconic GT-R badge separated from the Skyline in 2007 to become its own distinct supercar line.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
First Prince Skyline Introduced
The first Skyline was launched by the Prince Motor Company as a luxury car, featuring a 1.5 L engine and available as a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon.
Prince Motor Company Merges with Nissan
Prince Motor Company merged with Nissan, leading to the Skyline being produced under the Nissan brand.
First Skyline GT-R Unveiled
The first performance-bred Skyline GT-R (PGC10) was introduced, featuring an inline-six engine and marking the beginning of its legendary racing heritage.
R32 Skyline GT-R Launches
The R32 Skyline GT-R was introduced, becoming a global icon with its 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine and advanced all-wheel-drive system, earning the nickname 'Godzilla'.
V35 Skyline (Infiniti G35) Introduced, GT-R Separation Begins
The V35 generation Skyline was launched, marking a shift to a V6 engine and a more luxury-sport focus. This model was exported to North America as the Infiniti G35, effectively beginning the separation of the GT-R into its own distinct line.
Nissan GT-R (R35) Launched as Standalone Model
The Nissan GT-R (R35) was officially launched as a completely separate model from the Skyline, solidifying its status as Nissan's halo supercar.
V37 Skyline (Infiniti Q50) Introduced
The V37 generation Skyline was introduced, continuing its role as a luxury-sport sedan in Japan and being sold as the Infiniti Q50 in international markets.
Nissan Unveils 2024 Skyline NISMO and NISMO Limited
Nissan announced the 2024 Skyline NISMO and the even more exclusive Skyline NISMO Limited for the Japanese market, with enhanced performance and limited production runs.
2024 GT-R Skyline Edition Announced for North America
Nissan introduced the 2024 GT-R Skyline Edition for the North American market, featuring Bayside Blue paint and a Sora Blue interior, as part of the R35 GT-R's limited final production run in the region.
Nissan Confirms New Skyline Development Under Re:Nissan Plan
Nissan announced its 'Re:Nissan' turnaround plan, confirming the development of an all-new Skyline generation with a faster and more cost-effective production process.
2026 Nissan Skyline 400R Limited Unveiled for Japan
Nissan unveiled the 2026 Skyline 400R Limited, a special edition of the current V37 generation, featuring a twin-turbo V6 and chassis enhancements, with production capped at 400 units for the Japanese market.
Nissan Teases 14th-Generation Skyline for 2027 Debut
Nissan officially teased the upcoming 14th-generation Skyline as part of its global product strategy announcement, confirming it as a 'Heartbeat model' for Japan, with a debut expected around 2027. It is anticipated to feature a twin-turbo V6 and hybrid options.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Nissan Skyline's storied history began in 1957 under the Prince Motor Company, initially conceived as a luxury car. Following the merger of Prince and Nissan in 1966, the Skyline name continued, gradually shifting its focus towards performance. This evolution culminated in the introduction of the first Skyline GT-R in 1969, a high-performance variant that quickly established a formidable racing legacy.
The 1980s and 1990s marked the 'golden era' for many enthusiasts, with models like the R32, R33, and R34 Skyline GT-R becoming global icons for their advanced engineering, powerful twin-turbo inline-six engines (like the RB26DETT), and all-wheel-drive systems. These cars dominated motorsport and gained immense popularity, particularly in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and among international car culture.
A significant turning point occurred in the early 2000s. With the V35 generation introduced in 2002, the Skyline underwent a major redesign, dropping the straight-six engine for a V6 and moving towards a more luxury-sport sedan identity. Crucially, the GT-R officially separated from the Skyline nameplate in 2007, becoming a distinct supercar (the R35 Nissan GT-R). Since then, the Skyline sedan has been sold in North America and other markets as the Infiniti G35, G37, and later the Q50, while retaining the Skyline badge exclusively in Japan.
As of 2026, the V37 generation Nissan Skyline continues to be sold in Japan, serving as Nissan's only remaining sedan in its Japanese lineup after the discontinuation of other models. In October 2025, Nissan unveiled a limited-production 2026 Skyline 400R Limited edition for the Japanese market, capped at 400 units. This model features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower, along with chassis upgrades and distinctive styling, serving as a final iteration of the current generation.
Looking ahead, Nissan has confirmed and teased an all-new 14th-generation Skyline, expected to debut around 2027. This new model is classified as a 'Heartbeat model' for Japan, emphasizing performance, precision, and a driver-focused character. While initial rumors suggested an all-electric powertrain, recent reports indicate it will likely feature a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, potentially with hybrid options, and could even offer a manual transmission. The new Skyline is expected to ride on an upgraded version of the existing platform and will remain a Japan-market exclusive, though its platform is anticipated to underpin a future Infiniti performance sedan for North America.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Nissan Skyline made different choices?