Nissan Skyline V37

2014 Nissan Skyline

Welcome everyone to the new Nissan Skyline and when I say new, I mean, it's REALLY new.

This is the 13th-generation of one of Nissan's legendary names and for almost six decades, the Skyline legend has been the pinnacle of the Nissan history. There has been numerous tales regarding one of the oldest Japanese car names in its existence but for the brand new, 13th-generation Skyline, the legend puts a new spin because why? On the front, it has an Infiniti emblem on it while on the back, there's no logo on it. Just the garnish that says SKYLINE spelled out on it. Quite a bizarre feat, isn't it?

So what's new in the 13th Skyline even though the front now has an Infiniti badge on it? It has a new Direct Adaptive Steering which delivers precise handling and quickly communicates road surface feedback to the driver. There's also the Active Lane Control which uses a camera to detect direction of the vehicle based on the lane markers to help fine-tune the tire angle and steering reaction force. Also, it comes with the world's first Predictive Forward Collision Warning that detects possible collisions ahead and triggers and alert to the driver with a visual warning and audible buzzer.

There's more because in the past, bigger engines usually meant to be more power but for today's trends; bigger isn't better so when the engineers created the new Skyline, the big twist is that the brand new Skyline is now a hybrid but not what you expected to be because the hybrid system was derived from the flagship Fuga and Cima. It's a 3.5L V6 engine connected to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, making the new V37 Skyline delivering 364PS of power, that's more than the old model's 3.7L V6 engine it replaces and then there's the 7-speed Intelligent Dual Clutch Control hybrid transmission that delivers maximum torque and a more sportier drive than the CVTs most hybrids commonly have.

2014 Nissan Skyline interior

2014 Nissan Skyline interior

Inside, the new Skyline features dual monitors mounted on the dashboard which makes a certain yuppie feel more of a techie. It also comes with a proper wood trim inspired by the traditional Urushi painting technique called "Fuki-urushi" and "Kacchu". The added craftsmanship to the new interior truly adds a nice touch to this luxury sports saloon and once more, it even has increased rear knee room which is 20mm more than the previous model.

2014 Nissan Skyline

On normal roads, the Skyline feels more luxurious and the ride feels more like its European rivals. However, most of the improvements do come with the price and the new Skyline costs from around 4,496,100 yen to 5,537,700 yen, including consumption tax, and it goes on sale late February 2014 at Nissan dealers throughout Japan, meaning you have to wait longer for this new model.

But still, the Nissan Skyline has long been a rival to the Lexus IS but since it's much more sportier and more responsive to drive than its rival, the Lexus IS 300h, I find this to be more enjoyable but there's a catch; with the 3.5L V6 hybrid powerplant and the 7-speed gearbox, fuel economy is 18.4km/L, that's less than what the IS 300h had but let's remember, the IS 300h is less powerful and less exciting than this. As a matter of fact, the new V37 Skyline always love to feel at home at a more crowded part of Japan. This car is a game changer in its own right. You can enjoy driving one at a winding road without leaving you all the drama that caused you the hassle.

Despite donning the Infiniti badge, the new model still retains the good Skyline name, even though the new model do really made a huge spin in the Skyline history.

Available colors: Hagane Blue, Premium Brown, Crystal White Pearl, Garnet Black, Brilliant Silver, Dark Metal Grey, Radiant Red, and Super Black.

Photo: Nissan Motor Company