Nissan introduces 12th generation Skyline

Filed under: Time Warp, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, Japan, Hatchbacks, Nissan

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The Nissan Skyline has been sold here in the United States as the Infiniti G35 since the 2003 model year. For us, the new car is simply the 2nd-generation G. In Japan, however, it's much more than that. It's the new Skyline -- and that's a name whose history dates all the way back to 1957, when the first Nissan Prince Skyline was introduced.

Since then, a steady parade of Skyline models has streamed forth through the decades. The most exciting cars have worn the GT or iconic GT-R badges, but Skyline is more than just those sports models. The name has graced family sedans, coupes, wagons, and hatchbacks as well as said power-mad GTs, giving it a prominent spot in Japan's motoring heirarchy.

So today, as the new Skyline finally bows in Japan, chapter 12 in the car's rich history is written. As stories go, the original version is a lot more compelling than the American remake. After the jump, you can get a taste of the Skyline's history, which is so much more than the G35 we see on our streets.

(Press release, photos after the jump)

[Source: Nissan]

SKYLINE TIMELINE - The Nissan Skyline through the years:
Click images to enlarge


"Ken & Mary's Skyline" TV Commercial:


PRESS RELEASE:
Nissan Introduces All-New Skyline

TOKYO (Nov. 20, 2006) -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today introduced the 12th generation Skyline, featuring all-new exterior and interior designs, the next generation FR-L platform and newly developed VQ35HR V6 engine. The new Skyline was developed under the concept, "attraction, sophistication and high-performance driving."

The new Skyline retails from 2,793,000 yen (MRSP) to 3,801,000 yen nationwide. Nissan's forecast for the Skyline is 1,000 units per month.

"Dynamic rhythm" and sporty lines
The exterior design of the all-new Skyline expresses "dynamic rhythm" with its fluid lines, combined with a sleek aerodynamic and sporty-look.

The overall height is 20mm lower, overall width is 20mm wider than its V35 predecessor.

Its longer nose, sharply raked A-pillar, forward-leaning roofline, and fluidly curving character line which wrap around the rear wheel arches, express "dynamic motion" and enhance the rear wheel drive proportions.

The front hood features a sculptured new front-grille and headlamps. The integrated spoiler for the rear trunk blends with new L-shaped tail lamps, while the double exhaust tips adds to the purposeful high-performance image.

The Skyline's sport models feature exclusive front bumper and body-side sill spoiler.

The new line-up comes in a choice of seven body colors including three all-new colors - Stratosphere Blue, Blade Silver and Crimson Red.

Interior comfort and craftsmanship
The all-new interior incorporates a cockpit feel with the front dashboard and center stack designed to be driver-centric.

The aluminum trim finish was inspired by the texture of traditional Japanese rice paper called "Washi", whereas the optional wood trim is made of bubinga, a high-quality wood commonly used in high-end furniture pieces.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear-shifter are hand-stitched for refined craftsmanship quality. All the switches and dials are ergonomically designed for smooth easy-to-reach operation and offer a refined tactile feel.

The seats are 27mm lower for a more sporty drive position. A greater margin for adjustment is offered on the seats as well as the steering wheel. The front seat offers firm support and comfort to ensure tireless driving in either day-to-day traffic or long-distance touring. Headroom and rear-seat space are best-in-class.

The Skyline range is available in a choice of five different interior color combinations to suit individual tastes.

Superior performance and driving pleasure
The next generation FR-L platform has been engineered to deliver a fun and exhilarating driving experience without having to compromise on a smooth and comfortable ride. In the development of the new Skyline, Nissan's engineers focused on three key areas - accommodating increased engine power, superior balance of driving performance and comfort, as well as safety and environmental friendliness.

The Skyline is powered by the newly developed VQ35HR and VQ25HR V6 engines. The 3.5L version generates 315 horsepowers and 36.5kgm of torque and is capable of revving up to 7500rpm, while the 2.5L generates 225 horsepowers and 26.8 kgm of torque. The powerplant is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control, allowing the driver to be in full control of the power generated by the new engine. A new DS mode allows for more spirited driving by optimizing gear selection for various driving conditions. The gearbox is also equipped with the synchro-rev control system.

The sportier SP and P series feature a steering-column mounted shift paddles that allow the driver to operate in manual-shift mode. The paddles are made of solid, light-weight magnesium.

In striving for the perfect balance in vehicle dynamics, the Skyline responds to the driver's command under various driving conditions - agility and comfort for city driving, stability and smoothness for open highways, and precision handling for sinuous mountain road conditions.

The new body is more rigid and transmits less NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), despite no incremental weight compared to its V35 predecessor. Nissan's advanced technology allows precise control of the vibration characteristics of the suspensions, mounts and body, in order to minimize the effects of road vibrations.

Unique to the Skyline is the world's first four-wheel active steering system, which adjusts the steering angles of the front and rear wheels in accordance with driving speeds and steering operation, allowing for greater control at low and medium speeds, and smooth effortless cruising at higher speeds. It is optional on SP and S series.

The new Skyline is equipped with larger 18-inch (sports models) and 17-inch (standard models) aluminum wheels. In the sport models, it is equipped with different sized front (225/50R) and rear (245/45R) tires for added performance.

High safety and environmental standards
The body has been designed to deliver a high level of compatibility; it protects the occupants with a reinforced cabin while minimizing crash impact to other cars. Pedestrian protection is designed to lessen the impact to the head and lower limb.

The Skyline is a certified SU-LEV (super low emission vehicle), with a significant 75% reduction in NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) and NMHC (Non-Methane Hydrocarbon) emissions compared to 2005 emission regulations of Japan.
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