A Nissan Skyline (Infiniti Q50) NISMO is born in Japan
Yes, whenever you see an Infiniti Q50, Q60, G37 or G35 on the road, it’s actually a Nissan Skyline. At least, that’s the name she goes by in her home country of Japan. However, do not expect a model similar to the GT-R, because since 2009 the Skyline has separated from its performance version to make two models.
In fact, the Skyline is a sedan or coupe that has been around in Japan since the late 1950s. Back then, it was marketed under the Prince banner, until it was taken over by Nissan in 1965. Nissan would also like to commemorate this lineage with the introduction of this Skyline NISMO, which will only be produced in 1,000 units and marketed exclusively in Japan.
Beginnings in car racing
This NISMO Skyline honors the Prince Skyline GTthe manufacturer’s first racing car entered in the Japanese GT-II class (Japanese Grand Touring II) in 1964. Known internally by its code name S54A-1, the Skyline GT had ranked 2e after the Porsche Carrera GTS 904. For homologation purposes, only 100 examples had been released for the road in Japan. Following its victory, the Skyline GT became highly coveted by performance enthusiasts, which spawned other performance versions and, in turn, the Nissan GT-R we know today. today.
The NISMO tradition
To honor it, the Skyline NISMO (for Nissan Motorsports International) follows in the footsteps of other NISMO models that have come before it, in that it is dressed in more aerodynamic bumpers and skirts and clad in a subtle red stripe down. Black 19-inch rims, supplied by equipment manufacturer Enkei, are also included, while NISMO and GT badges with classic typeface similar to the old Skyline GT-Rs have been affixed to its body. Only four colors are offered: red. white, black and metallic grey.
Technically, the Skyline NISMO retains the 3-liter twin-turbo V6 that currently powers our Infiniti Q50 Red Sport. Its power and torque, however, have been increased from 400 to 414 horsepower (420 metric horsepower) and from 350 to 406 lb-ft, respectively. A 7-speed automatic gearbox remains in the game, but, according to Nissan, its operating characteristics would change according to more dynamic driving modes than in a regular Skyline (Q50).
To top it all off, Nissan has also made a modification to the brakes and uses more efficient calipers. The suspension elements have also been completely revised to improve cornering handling.
A unique cabin
Inside, the Skyline NISMO adds a plethora of features that really set it apart from regular versions. First, there are those huge red Recaro racing seats that better support the occupants during sporty maneuvers.
The entire cabin receives a carbon fiber finish and red stitching. This red theme is reproduced on the steering wheel and in the digital instrumentation. A commemorative plaque, which features the vehicle’s serial number, has also been fitted to the front of the gear selector.
Of the 1,000 examples built, 100 of them will be even more exclusive versions adorned with metallic gray rims and featuring commemorative badging. Prices as of today would start at $74,000 (7,880,400 yen).
