Nissan is preparing a new generation of its Skyline sedan for markets abroad. Here in the US, we’ll get an Infiniti-badged version of the same four-door performance car instead. While Nissan undergoes a major restructuring, the company has recognized the need for new products, which include new models for the Infiniti lineup.
Truth be told, Infiniti hasn’t released a ton of details about this new model. But several rumors are likely to be true, such as the car's powertrain and gearbox. Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s global design director, has even hinted at a few details related to the look.
The car could be on sale within the next two years, and it should be something truly special. Rumors suggest the new sedan will send power to the rear wheels and feature a manual transmission, which should excite enthusiasts.
We’ll learn more about the new model in the months to come, but this is everything we know about the new model so far.
What Will Infiniti Call It?
The new Nissan Skyline is likely to be rebadged as the second-generation Infiniti Q50 or possibly the third-generation Q60 in the United States. The automaker ended production of the first-generation Q50 at the end of the 2024 model year and the Q60 two years prior, leaving the Infiniti brand with just four models—all crossovers.
That new Q50 could spawn a hotter Q50 Red Sport performance trim, which the automaker supposedly teased earlier this year at a national dealer meeting. One person who allegedly saw the teaser called the car "visceral" and "not practical."
What Will It Look Like?
According to Albaisa, the new Skyline "will be inspired by the past, but it won’t be a retro styling exercise." It’ll be "aggressive and modern, with proportions that recall the original, but with a design that looks ahead," which he hinted at taking the shape of a four-door sedan or fastback.
Our rendering depicts the Infiniti-badged version of that model, which draws inspiration from previous concept cars. It features a split-headlight design, featuring daytime running lights that extend toward the grille, which is complemented by a light bar tucked behind it. There’s a fastback-style roof, a short rear deck, and a taillight lightbar. There is a small spoiler on the trunk and a pair of large dual exhaust tips sticking out the back.
Inside, we expect the new car to feature at least two screens, a modern instrument panel, and enough room in the center console to fit a proper shifter. The cabin should be sporty yet luxurious, and ideally on par with its German competitors.
What Will Power It?
While Nissan planned to replace the Infiniti Q50 with an electric vehicle, reports indicate the automaker changed course and decided to opt for a gas-powered car instead. The new Infiniti Q50 will reportedly feature a tuned version of Nissan’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6.
The engine produces 420 horsepower in the Z Nismo, but it is expected to reach up to 450 horsepower in the new Infiniti. Not only will the engine power the rear wheels, but it could also have a proper manual transmission in between. There’s also the likelihood of less potent models being available with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, which will broaden the car’s appeal.
When Will It Debut?
We’ll likely get our first look at the new Skyline and subsequent Infiniti Q50/Q60 sometime next year. The car is expected to go on sale in the United States in the second half of 2027, which the automaker is likely to import from Japan, potentially affecting its starting price.
How Much Will It Cost?
The entry-level 2024 Infiniti Q50 Luxe started at $44,200, including the $1,150 destination charge. It came with a 300-hp twin-turbo V-6, whereas the 2024 Q50 Red Sport, which started at $58,050, produced 400 hp.
The new Skyline is supposed to slot somewhere between the Nissan Z and GT-R. If the new Q50 makes 450 hp, it’ll likely cost more than the Z Nismo, which makes 420 hp and costs $66,995 for 2026. The GT-R is a six-figure car, so we wouldn’t be surprised if a high-performance Q50 Red Sport could cost as much as $70,000.
If Infiniti wants to make the model a success in the US, it’ll likely have to offer cheaper, less-powerful versions. Consumers continue to flock to crossovers and SUVs, and poor sales were one big reason Infiniti discontinued the Q50 in the first place.
