New Skyline, but not for Oz

Nissan has launched its latest-generation Skyline sedan in Japan, and the 350GT (pictured) and 250GT entry-level model provide at least some clues to the keenly anticipated GT-R coupe that will be revealed at next October’s Tokyo motor show.

The revamped Skyline sedan was already available in the US and various other markets, where it’s branded as the Infiniti G35. (Infiniti is Nissan’s premium offshoot marque and competes head-on against the likes of Lexus in the USA, and more recently Russia)

In recent years Infiniti has carved a decent niche for itself in international markets with its M and G series sedans and the stylish FX SUV, which is pitched against the Lexus RX350, BMWX5 and Mercedes ML-Class.

The new-age Skyline/G35 is an overtly sporting offering and coupe versions (packing next-gen GT-R hardware and serving as test mules for the latter) have been regularly spied pounding around Germany’s hallowed Nurburgring circuit -- the ubiquitous proving ground for performance cars.

Even in ‘standard’ trim, the Skyline offers brisk performance, thanks to robust outputs of 228kW and 363Nm from its 3.5-litre V6. On a kW-per-litre and Nm-per-litre basis, that’s about as good as it gets for its segment.

The Skyline/G35 retains a driver-focused rear-wheel-drive configuration and, even in the US, where buyers heavily favour autos, it’s available with a six-speed manual transmission. It also sports chunky 18-inch rims and a squat, purposeful stance.

The 12th generation of Skyline, the new car features Nissan's latest FR-L platform and newly developed VQ35HR V6 engine. It is both lower and wider than its predecessor and the driving position has been dropped more than 25mm.

It retails from 2.8-3.8m Yen in its home market (approx A$31,000-41,000) where Nissan expects to sell around 1000 per month.

However, the new car pales in comparison to the next-gen GT-R (also pictured in concept form), which was previewed by last year’s GT-R Proto concept. We know that it will be all-wheel drive (albeit rear-biased), but Nissan is keeping engine/transmission details a closely guarded secret.

Some sources are speculating that propulsion will come from a twin-turbo V6 of up to 3.8 litres, and power outputs of 300kW-plus are being bandied about. Also widely rumoured is a seven-speed sequential gearbox with paddle-shift operation.

It had earlier been speculated that the next GT-R might wear Infiniti badges internationally, but Nissan head honcho Carlos Ghosn dispelled this notion by telling a group of dealers that it would be sold as a Nissan worldwide.

While the latest Skyline is unlikely to make it Down Under, the chances are higher for the big-buck GT-R. Indeed, Nissan Australia boss Shinya Hannya has expressed interest in adding the future ‘Godzilla’ to the local line-up.

Hannya and other Nissan sources have also gone on record saying the Infiniti brand could eventually debut Down Under, however, a formal business case has yet to be completed.