What Happened to Nissan Skyline / Infiniti Q50?
The Nissan Skyline, a legendary Japanese automotive nameplate since 1957, evolved from a luxury car to a performance icon, with its modern iterations often sold as the Infiniti Q50 in global markets. While the Infiniti Q50 was discontinued in North America after the 2024 model year to make way for an SUV-focused and electrified lineup, Nissan recently teased a new generation Skyline for Japan, which is now confirmed to arrive in the U.S. as a new Infiniti sport sedan, potentially reviving the Q50 nameplate with a V6 engine and a manual transmission by 2027/2028.
Quick Answer
The Infiniti Q50, the luxury sedan counterpart to the Nissan Skyline in many markets, ceased production for North America after the 2024 model year, as Infiniti shifted towards an SUV-only lineup and electrification. However, on April 14, 2026, Nissan teased a new generation Skyline for Japan, and it was simultaneously confirmed that this new Skyline will be brought to the U.S. as a new Infiniti sport sedan, likely retaining the Q50 name. This upcoming model, expected by 2027/2028, is anticipated to feature a V6 engine and potentially a manual transmission, signaling a return to performance-oriented sedans for Infiniti.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Prince Motor Company Introduces the First Skyline
The Nissan Skyline brand originates with the Prince Motor Company, initially as a luxury sedan.
Nissan Merges with Prince Motor Company
Prince Motor Company merges with Nissan, bringing the Skyline under the Nissan brand.
First Skyline GT-R Introduced
The high-performance GT-R badge makes its debut on the Skyline, marking its shift towards a racing and performance heritage.
V35 Skyline Exported as Infiniti G35
The V35 generation Skyline becomes the first to be exported to North America, sold under Nissan's luxury marque Infiniti as the G35.
Nissan GT-R (R35) Launched as Standalone Model
The R35 GT-R is launched, no longer a derivative of the Skyline but a standalone flagship performance model.
Infiniti Q50 Debuts, Replaces G-Line
The Infiniti Q50, the export model of the V37 Nissan Skyline, debuts at the North American International Auto Show, replacing the Infiniti G-Line sedan.
Q50 Introduces 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Engine
The Infiniti Q50 receives new engine options, including a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 in 300 hp and 400 hp (Red Sport 400) variants.
Nissan Skyline Nismo (2024) Launched in Japan
Nissan launches a limited-production (1,000 units) 2024 Skyline Nismo in Japan, featuring a 414 hp twin-turbo V6 and Nismo-tuned components.
Infiniti Q50 Discontinued for North American Market
Infiniti confirms the Q50 sedan will not return after the 2024 model year in the U.S. and Canada, making Infiniti an SUV-only brand temporarily.
Infiniti Q50 Sales Plummet in 2025
Infiniti USA reports Q50 sales for 2025 dropped to 500 units, a 90.79% decrease from 2024, reflecting its discontinuation.
Final Nissan R35 GT-R Rolls Off Production Line
After 18 years, the last R35-generation Nissan GT-R is produced, marking the end of an era, though Nissan hints at a future GT-R.
Rumors of Gas-Powered, Manual Next-Gen Infiniti Q50 Surface
Reports emerge that Infiniti is shelving EV plans for the Q50 successor, instead planning a gas-powered, RWD, manual sports sedan for 2027/2028, based on the Nissan Z platform.
Nissan Teases New Skyline; Confirmed for US as Infiniti Sedan
Nissan teases a new 14th-generation Skyline for the Japanese market, and simultaneously confirms it will come to the U.S., likely as a new Infiniti sport sedan, potentially reviving the Q50 nameplate, with V6 power.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Nissan Skyline boasts a rich history, originating in 1957 under the Prince Motor Company before its merger with Nissan in 1966. Initially a luxury vehicle, it progressively transformed into a performance-oriented car, particularly with the introduction of the GT-R badge. This evolution laid the groundwork for its global recognition. In 2002, the V35 generation Skyline became the first to be exported to North America, rebranded as the Infiniti G35, marking the beginning of the Skyline's dual identity across different markets.
The Infiniti Q50 debuted in 2013 as the successor to the G-Line sedan, serving as the export version of the V37 Nissan Skyline in Japan. It was positioned as a compact executive car, offering various engine options, including a 3.7L V6, a hybrid powertrain, and later, a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with up to 400 horsepower in the Red Sport 400 trim. Despite its performance credentials, the Q50 faced declining sales in an increasingly SUV-dominated market.
A significant turning point for the Infiniti Q50 occurred with its discontinuation for the North American market after the 2024 model year. This decision, announced in August 2024, was part of Infiniti's strategic shift to streamline its product portfolio, focus on SUVs, and accelerate its electrification plans, aiming for a fully electric lineup by 2030. Sales figures for the Q50 saw a sharp decline in 2025, with only 500 units sold, a 90.79% loss year-over-year compared to 2024.
Concurrently, the iconic R35 generation Nissan GT-R, a standalone model that evolved from the Skyline lineage, concluded its 18-year production run on August 26, 2025. Nissan, however, affirmed that this was not the permanent end of the GT-R nameplate, hinting at a future return. In a surprising development on April 14, 2026, Nissan teased a new, 14th-generation Skyline for the Japanese market, described as a 'heartbeat model' that will retain a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and potentially offer a manual transmission.
Crucially, on the same day, it was confirmed that this new Nissan Skyline would indeed be coming to the U.S., likely as a new Infiniti sport sedan, potentially reviving the Q50 nameplate. This next-generation Infiniti sedan is expected to arrive for the 2028 model year (on sale in 2027) and is rumored to feature a V6 engine, rear-wheel drive, and even a manual transmission, signaling a significant shift from earlier electrification-focused plans for the Q50's successor. This move suggests a renewed focus on enthusiast-driven performance for Infiniti's sedan offerings, drawing inspiration from the Skyline's storied heritage.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Nissan Skyline / Infiniti Q50 made different choices?