The Next Nissan Skyline/Infiniti Q50 Could Be a Niche Icon in a SUV World
Illustrators in Japan are already imagining what the next-generation Nissan Skyline could look like. While official images haven’t surfaced yet, the upcoming Skyline and its sister car, the Infiniti Q50, are expected to debut sometime next year with a major redesign.
One previously posted illustration has sparked debate online, as it resembles the current Honda Accord, a design that could disappoint fans hoping for something unique. The new image above seems to be a much more realistic version of that recent illustration. And it still doesn’t look much better. Now it looks ike a Honda Accord with some Saturn sedan design cues on the side…
Design: Sleek, Fastback, and Retro-Inspired
Early leaks suggest the new Skyline/Q50 may adopt a sleek fastback silhouette with subtle retro styling. Some observers believe it could borrow cues from the current Nissan Z, blending classic sports-sedan proportions with modern touches. Far from the generic sedan look in the illustration.
Powertrain: Twin-Turbo V6 with Manual Option
Under the hood, the new Infiniti sedan may use the twin-turbo V6 from the Nissan Z, possibly paired with a 6-speed manual. For driving enthusiasts and nerdy automotive journalists, this combination is exciting. But in today’s luxury market, rear-wheel-drive sedans with manual transmissions are a niche. Infiniti reportedly expects only around 10% of buyers to choose the manual option.
Platform and Engineering: Evolution, Not Revolution
Like the new Z, the next Q50 may retain similar proportions to the current model, suggesting an evolution rather than a complete redesign. This approach keeps development costs lower while still refreshing styling, technology, and interior design.
Market Reality: Enthusiasts vs. Modern Luxury Buyers
The luxury market is increasingly dominated by SUVs, crossovers, and EVs. Traditional gasoline-powered performance sedans are becoming rare, and reports even suggest Infiniti may have canceled a nearly production-ready electric sedan project to focus on this model.
This car will likely win praise from car nerds and automotive journalists, but whether that translates into sales is uncertain. (it usually doesn’t…) Infiniti once made its mark by challenging the BMW 3 Series with the G35, but today, buyers prioritize technology, electrification, and versatility.
Bottom Line
If the rumored Skyline/Q50 arrives with a turbo V6 and manual transmission, it could become a niche hero for enthusiasts craving a classic sports sedan. Let’s hope it looks better, much better, than the illustration above.
And, at least, it’s not another SUV with a massive grille.