R35 Nissan Skyline

What can be said about the next-generation Skyline? More than this page allows, that's for sure... Nissan, under Renault's new command, has departed from tradition in what is, on paper and in the flesh, an all-new Skyline.

There were a lot of people who said Nissan was digging its own grave by not simply re-styling the previous range of Skylines to look more recognisable, to play on its already sky-high popularity, especially in Asia.

But Nissan didn't listen - it went for something all-new, something daring and the nay-sayers have been silenced - for now, at least. In its first month on sale in Japan, where the Skyline has a cult following to give Scientology a run for its money, 6400 units were sold, which was three times the target figure.

So what now? Well, if the amazing sales continue in the Nihon, the sooner we may get to have a crack at the new Skyline. Nissan grand Overseer, Carlos Ghosn, has turned Nissan around from a company that was once severely bleeding funds, to a very profitable money-making business. And he plans on giving the US and Europe an official taste of the Skyline, not just exclusively for Japan and private importers, as it has been in the past.

The outgoing R34 model bears little resemblance to the new R35 base, with new headlights, taillights, wheel-base - everything really. We really like the new front-end - particularly the vertically placed headlights - though the tail doesn't leave the same impression.

The R35 Skyline happens to make use of a new engine postion. Rather than plonking the engine right over the front axle, Nissan opted for an FM (front midship) layout. Essentially, the engine has been mounted just aft of the of the front axle, giving the new Skyline a front-to-rear weight distribution ratio of 52:48 and more linear handling as a result. The outgoing model Skyline had a 54:46 weight split.

The 11th model Skyline from Nissan also takes advantage of a few suspension tweaks, bringing ride and comfort levels up to a new standard. Using reinforced alloy arms and a double pivot system and recalibrated spring settings, the has 25 per cent less unsprung weight than its precursor.

Weight loss was also a big concern for Nissan, as the R34 was a rather portly four wheeler. As such, extensive use of aluminium has been used on the car, resulting in an almost 20 per cent drop in weight - quite impressive.

But what most will want to know is what powers the new Nissan flagship? All up, there will are seven models in Japan, all rear-wheel drive, all four door, but most of which will be differentiated via powerplant and trim levels. Just quickly, expect the Nissan Skyline: 300GT, 300GTP, 300GTS, 250GT, 250GTP, 250GTS and 250GTe.

There are two engines on offer, the 300 and 250, or 3.0-litre and 2.5-litre V6. Both engines provide exceedingly high power outputs considering their size and the lack of forced induction. The 2.5-litre V6 provides 158kW @ 6400rpm, head and shoulders above Ford's 2.5-litre V6 and even Hyundai's new 2.7-litre V6. Even more interesting, perhaps, are the torque figures - 270Nm @ 4400rpm.

The larger 3.0-litre V6 has received equal amounts of attention, though thanks to its extra displacement, it offers even better performance (and fuel economy - shock, horror!). Producing a class-topping 324Nm @ 4800 rpm, the Skyline is a four-door, but with coupe-like performance. 191kW @ 6400rpm makes up the power output and to be fair, both engines promise much. The 3.0-litre engine also offers an optional VDC system, which basically electronically overrides the engine and dabs the brakes when traction is lost.

Consider this - Holden builds a 3.8-litre V6, capable of 152kW and about 300Nm. Nissan's 3.0-litre mill is already outclassing it both in terms of torque and raw power - that said, the Skyline will set you back more than a mid-level Commodore.

The fellow behind the new Skyline and Nissan chief designer, Shiro Nakamura, said: "The Skyline has always been a premium sedan," and that's what the marque is keen to push. Nissan wants this car to sit atop the food chain, spitting out Lexus' in its wake. If the sales during the month of January are any indication, the new-look, new-philosophy Skyline could very well accomplish this.

Initially there was concern over the new-look. Anyone who appreciated the R34 will probably wonder where the similarities are. Those who were hoping for a new 2-door coupe of Dodge Viper proportions are probably cursing the new design, though for Nissan to make a buck, it must attend the masses, not just the vocal fan-boys.

So perhaps this is a result of new management, perhaps Carlos Ghosn has done the unthinkable - brought the Skyline to the rest of the world, but in a very different guise? Whatever the ramifications of such moves, we're just happy the Skyline name lives on.

When we spoke to Nissan Australia about the chances of the Skyline coming to Australia, they said it would be doubtful. Australia doesn't have a big enough market to warrant bringing another model here, and Nissan believes it wouldn't make a profit from the upper-class sedan, hence the no-show. Looks like grey imports will be the go... Maybe next time.