Artist Steve R. Neill shows what the new Skyline and Q59 could like like
Rendering by Steve R. Neill
Nissan is finally preparing to breathe new life into one of Japan’s most iconic nameplates—the Skyline—and for American buyers, that means the long-awaited spiritual successor to the Infiniti G35, G37 and Q50. After more than a decade of stagnation, Nissan’s next-generation Skyline, expected to debut in Japan before arriving globally as a new Infiniti sports sedan around 2027, appears poised to reconnect the brand with its enthusiast roots.
Teaser image of Skyline tail lights
Photo courtesy of Nissan
At a press conference inside Nissan’s Global HQs in Yokohama earlier this month, Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa revealed two Skyline teaser images and stated that the company will debut a new Skyline and its American twin—the Infiniti Q50—within the next year or so. He also confirmed that a new high performance GT-R is in the pipeline too.
From the limited teaser images Nissan released, talented artist and sports car enthusiast Steve R. Neill has created what he thinks the new Skyline and Infiniti models will look like. Why do we trust Neill’s renderings? Because he was almost spot on with his Toyota Supra rendering in 2018, and again with his Ferrari Purosangue pre-launch rendering for my 2022 story. I’ve seen pre-launch renderings of other artists before, but Neill has superb insight and appears to be, once again, right on the money with the Skyline—especially if you pay close attention to the teaser images unveiled. Neill is good at narrowing down what sort of styling direction manufacturers will take based off of current emission and pedestrian safety regulations, as well as figuring out how they'll cost cut wherever possible.
Round tail lights will appear on new model
Rendering by Steve R. Neill
As we can see from his renderings, the new Skyline promises a far more emotional and aggressive design than the aging V37-generation model it replaces. Slim, wide-set LED headlights, sculpted bodywork and a lower, more athletic stance suggest Nissan is drawing inspiration from its Hyper Force and Vision Qe concepts, while also subtly nodding to Skyline heritage.
Most importantly, signature circular taillights—an unmistakable Skyline hallmark—are expected to return, giving the new car a retro-modern identity that should resonate strongly with loyalists. The silhouette appears longer, leaner and more premium, with a pronounced shoulder line and coupe-like proportions that could once again position the Skyline/Infiniti sedan as a true rival to the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CT5 and Lexus IS.
teaser of front end
Photo courtesy of Nissan
Inside, expect Nissan and Infiniti to dramatically modernize the formula. A digital cockpit, larger infotainment displays, premium materials and significantly improved driver-assistance systems are all but certain, as Nissan seeks to elevate Infiniti’s luxury credentials while preserving the Skyline’s driver-focused DNA. The previous Q50 was often criticized for lagging behind German rivals in cabin sophistication, and this next-generation model must close that gap if it hopes to restore Infiniti’s relevance globally.
But the real excitement lies under the hood.
Multiple articles including a story from Edmunds reports that the leading candidate for the next-generation’s powertrain is Nissan’s proven 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged VR30DDTT V6—the same core engine used in the current Z and former Q50 Red Sport. Output could range from 400 horsepower to as much as 450 horsepower in higher-performance trims, likely paired with rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual, a move that would resonate with Skyline diehards and instantly distinguish the Skyline/Q50 successor in an increasingly homogenized sports-sedan market.
Side profile is more aggressive than previous version
Rendering by Steve R. Neill
Meanwhile, Best Car magazine, Japan’s biggest selling and one of its most reliable car magazines that is well-known for insider reporting on Nissan, said in its April 10 edition that the new Skyline will not employ an electric powertrain but will lean towards the 3.0-liter twin turbo mentioned above. I read Japanese which allows me to source this information directly from the Japanese language-only Best Car.
Best Car also says that hybridization remains possible, particularly as Nissan seeks to balance emissions compliance with performance. In addition, an ePower-assisted variant could emerge later. For an American audience not yet familiar with this technology, Nissan’s e-Power is a unique series hybrid system where a gasoline engine acts solely as a generator to charge a battery, while an electric motor exclusively drives the wheels. This would align with Nissan’s broader strategy of integrating hybrid technology across its portfolio while preserving enthusiast appeal.
Ultimately, the new Skyline represents more than just another sedan—it is Nissan and Infiniti’s opportunity to reclaim lost prestige. If executed correctly, it could recapture the spirit that made the original Infiniti G35 such a global success: bold styling, rear-drive dynamics, strong performance and attainable luxury.
For enthusiasts, the formula is simple: classic Skyline cues, a twin-turbo V6, highly possible manual gearbox and modernized luxury. If Nissan delivers on that promise, the Skyline’s return could mark one of the most exciting Japanese sports-sedan revivals of the decade.
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