Angel Sergeev is a seasoned automotive journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the automotive industry. Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, he began his writing career in 2010 while pursuing a degree in Transportation Engineering.
His early work included contributions to the local edition of F1 Racing magazine (now GP Racing magazine) and roles at various automotive websites and magazines.
In 2013, Angel joined Motor1.com (formerly WorldCarFans), where he dedicated over a decade to delivering daily news and feature articles. His expertise spans a wide range of topics, including electric vehicles, classic cars, and industry topics. Angel’s commitment to automotive journalism is further demonstrated by his membership in the Bulgarian Car of the Year jury since 2013.
Nissan is bringing back the Skyline, and it’s exactly what die-hard drivers wanted to hear: rear-wheel drive, three pedals, and a shape that means business. The target year is 2027. The catch? For now, Nissan aims it at Japan only. Still, hope stays alive for a wider release – or at least a closely related twin – for the rest of us. AutoExpress broke the story after speaking with Nissan design boss Alfonso Albaisa.
The next Skyline won’t be a GT-R replacement, and it won’t play the retro cosplay game. Albaisa says the team will channel late-’60s Skyline attitude without copying it. “Think back to the car of 1968 or 1970… iconic,” he told AutoExpress, adding, “Think big, wide, and blocky. Aggressive and not retro.” He also set the product map: “Z on one side, GT-R on the other – Skyline in between.” That’s the sweet spot for a fast, usable driver’s sedan.
Now the meat and potatoes. The car will send power to the rear and offer a manual gearbox – rare air in 2025, especially for a sedan. That alone makes this Skyline a unicorn for track-day folks and back-road addicts. AutoExpress reports the manual is locked in, with the rebirth pegged for 2027.
What might sit under the hood? Nissan hasn’t dropped specs, but there’s a safe bet – the 3.0-liter twin-turbo VR30 V6 that powers the Z and Japan’s current Skyline 400R. It makes 400 hp in stock form and mates to a six-speed in the Z, so the parts bin looks ready. Several reports suggest the new Skyline sticks with a twin-turbo V6 and stays rear-drive. Don’t be shocked if Nissan uses an updated version of the brand’s long-running “FM/PM” architecture – just like it did to great effect on the latest Z. The formula is familiar, but the sheetmetal and cabin will be new.
Temper the excitement with one hard truth – as of today, the plan points to a Japan-only launch. Before you groan, there’s a silver lining. Infiniti (Nissan’s U.S. luxury arm) has already teased a new rear-drive sport sedan for 2027, and execs won’t rule out a manual. That car is expected to share DNA with the Skyline. If you’re in North America, that could be your ticket to three-pedal glory with a warranty, though nothing is confirmed at this point.
Enthusiasts love sedans that turn laps and carry kids. The segment is fading, but the recipe still slaps – front-engine, RWD, manual, limited-slip, stout brakes, sticky tires. If Nissan nails steering feel and shifter action – and keeps weight in check – the Skyline could be the last great analog sport sedan before everything goes hybrid or full-electric.
The Skyline started as a humble sedan from Prince in the ’50s, then morphed into a legend. The C10 “Hakosuka” GT-R (1969) stomped touring car grids and cemented the badge. The R32 GT-R (1989) went global in pop culture and earned the “ Godzilla” tag while decimating Group A. In 2007, Nissan made a clean break: GT-R spun off as its own model (R35), while Skyline continued in Japan – and even wore an Infiniti Q50 badge abroad. That split matters today – this new Skyline isn’t the next GT-R, it’s the rebirth of the sport sedan line.
Source: AutoExpress
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