2007 Nissan Skyline: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 22/Nov/2006

Ginza, Tokyo, Japan — If you want an early glimpse of what the next generation 2007 Nissan GT-R will look like, you may find something of substance here, as the Nissan Motor Company yesterday introduced the 12th generation Skyline.

Though none of these models will feature the acid-belching twin turbo engine that the GT-R will get, the new models represent one of Nissan's most important cars, both domestically and internationally, as the vehicle is sold in the USA as an Infiniti.

Featuring all-new exterior and interior designs, the next generation FR-L platform and newly developed VQ35HR V6 engine, the new Skyline is expected to attract new buyers to the Nissan brand, particularly as the new vehicle is a rear-wheel drive vehicle featuring what Nissan describes as "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".

The new Skyline retails in the Nihon from ¥2,793,000 to ¥3,801,000 nationwide, and Nissan's official forecast for the Skyline is 1,000 unit sales per month in Japan.

New Styling

Compared to the Skyline it replaces, the new 12th generation model has a 20mm lower overall height, while the overall width is 20mm wider than its V35 predecessor, giving it a lower, wider, more aggressive stance.

With a fluid new look, that combines a sleek aerodynamic and sporty vision, the new Skyline has a perceptibly longer nose, a more sharply raked A-pillar, while aspects such as the forward-learning roofline, and fluid shoulder line which wrap around the rear wheel arches, express what the Japanese company calls “dynamic motion” and enhance the rear wheel drive proportions.

The front hood features a sculptured new front-grille and headlamp array, while an integrated spoiler for the rear trunk blends with new L-shaped tail lamps. Double exhaust tips add to the purposeful high-performance image at the rear, and the Skyline’s sport models also feature exclusive front bumper and drop body side skirts.

New Engine Performance

Nissan explains that the next generation FR-L (Front Engine/Rear Drive/Large car) platform has been engineered to deliver a fun and exhilarating driving experience without having to compromise on a smooth and comfortable ride. And considering this same FR-L platform will be used for the upcoming AWD Nissan GT-R (arriving in 2007 as a global model), it's sporting credentials are set in stone as the new GT-R is expected to rival the Porsche 911 Carrera in terms of chassis dynamics and cornering abilities.

In the development of the new Skyline, says Nissan, it'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 - 3.5-litre and 2.5-litre V6 engines. Here are the vital statistics:

2.5-litre V6: 165kW / 263Nm
3.5-litre V6: 231kW / 358Nm

The 3.5-litre V6 is capable of revving up to 7500rpm, and is a seriously powerful motor, with more than 230kW of power going to the rear wheels. Also, the 2.5-litre 6-cylinder engine is far from underpowered, matching similarly sized 6-cylinder engines from the likes of highly regarded German marques such as BMW.

Both engines are matched to 5-speed automatic transmissions, Nissan has revealed, which feature adaptive shift control, allowing the driver to be in full control of the power generated by the new engine. The Japanese company adds that a new DS mode allows for more spirited driving by optimising gear selection for various driving conditions, and the gearbox is also equipped with the synchro-rev control system, though we're not entirely sure what this system is.

Some models also get steering-column mounted shift paddles to change gears, and Nissan explains that the paddles are made of solid, light-weight magnesium, which would certainly add a great deal of tactile prestige to the vehicle.

In terms of chassis dynamics, Nissan insists that, in striving for the perfect balance in vehicle dynamics, the Skyline will 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.

This multi-purpose chassis comes about via a number of new additions to the Skyline, including a new body that is more rigid and transmits less NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), despite no incremental weight compared to its V35 predecessor. Nissan also says that advanced manufacturing technology allows for the precise control of the vibration characteristics of the suspensions, mounts and body, in order to minimise the effects of road vibrations.

And here is something that the new 2007 twin turbo Nissan GT-R will feature (but is a cost option on normal Skyline models) - the world's first four-wheel active steering system. This intelligent active steering system 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 according to Nissan.

New Interior

Nissan has seen to it that the 12th generation Skyline benefits from an all-new interior, incorporating a cockpit feel with the front dashboard and center stack designed to be driver-centric. Nissan says that the aluminium 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.

But as well as polished metal finishes, leather features highly as well, such as the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear-shifter, which are also hand-stitched for that refined feel. All the switches and dials are ergonomically designed, says Nissan, for smooth easy-to-reach operation and offer a refined tactile feel, and now the seats are a good 27mm lower for a more sporty drive position. A greater margin for adjustment is offered on the seats as well as the steering wheel, to accomodate a wider range of body sizes and heights. The front seat offers firm support and comfort to ensure tireless driving in either day-to-day traffic or long-distance touring, and Nissan is also claiming to deliver best-in-class headroom and rear-seat space.

Safety & Environment

The body of the new Skyline has been designed to deliver a high level of compatibility, Nissan explains; it protects the occupants with a reinforced cabin while minimising crash impact to other cars, and pedestrian protection is designed to lessen the impact to the head and lower limb.

Concern for the environment was also a factor when developing and researching the new Skyline, and it now officially 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.

Related articles:
- 2007 Nissan GT-R
- Nissan 350Z: Road Test
- Nissan Tiida: Road Test