When it comes to JDM legends, the Nissan Skyline is one of the most coveted, performance nameplates. The name dates back to 1955, when the model still “wore” the Prince badge, instead of Nissan’s. Today, Nissan unveiled a new, NISMO version of the Nissan Skyline. The Skyline and GT-R nameplates have been separated since 2007 when the R35 GT-R arrived as a standalone model.

The Skyline NISMO is not an all-new model since it is based on the car we know as the Infiniti Q50. Nissan promised a special, NISMO version, commemorating its racing heritage, and it did not disappoint. The 2024 Skyline NISMO made an official debut on August 8 and scored many aesthetic features, familiar from other more recent, Nissan models that received the NISMO treatment.

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Nissan Draws Heavily From Its Heritage

Nissan makes it clear that the new Nissan Skyline NISMO pays tribute to the 1964 S54A-1 Skyline GT, which is the first Skyline to successfully compete with European manufacturers, among which is Porsche. In terms of aesthetics, we see a similar treatment to the Nissan Z NISMO and GT-R NISMO. This includes the NISMO-exclusive, Stealth Gray exterior finish and a more aggressive body kit with red accents.

There are new, 19-inch Enkei wheels, exclusive to the NISMO, which are lighter, wider, and stronger than those on the regular Skyline/Q50. The front apron has been heavily redesigned and looks to be inspired by the R35 GT-R NISMO. At the rear, the Skyline/Q50 taillights now feature dual-circular, LED patterns, reminiscent of the iconic, round taillights of old Skyline and GT-R models.

Nissan markets the 2024 Nissan Skyline NISMO as a sporty grand tourer, and you can easily tell that by looking inside. The interior is, for the most part, familiar with the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport, with the most notable new features being the Recaro bucket seats, red rev-counter, and a new steering wheel with red accents and a 12 o’clock stripe. You still get the dual touchscreens on the center console and fake carbon-fiber inlays.

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More Performance, But Not Much Else

Japanese factory tuners are known to focus on chassis modifications more than anything else. But fret not, Nissan has given the sporty sedan more power. The 2024 Skyline NISMO benefits from the same VR30 DDTT, that you find in the Nissan Z NISMO. The 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6 now makes 420 horsepower (414 SAE horsepower) and 406 pound-feet (550 Nm).

The torque figure, in particular, is a lot higher than the 350-pound-feet (475 Nm) figure of the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport and the regular Nissan Z. The most disappointing aspect will be the transmission. It's still the same seven-speed Jatco automatic, we know since the introduction of the 370Z, back in 2008. The Nissan Z NISMO's Mercedes-derived, 9G-Tronic would have been an improvement, but given the Skyline NISMO's limited production, it wouldn't make much sense.

In terms of suspension, Nissan says the Skyline NISMO features a “specially-tuned” suspension, but they don’t say what they’ve done to it. We can safely assume it will be lower and stiffer than on the regular car. Revised electronics come with Sport and Sport+ driving models, which is where the engine and suspension characteristics will change the most. Last but not least, the Skyline NISMO benefits from sticky performance summer tires.

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2024 Nissan Skyline NISMO Price And Production

The 2024 Nissan Skyline NISMO will go on sale next year for the 60-year anniversary of the first Nissan Skyline GT race car. Prices for Japan are set at 7.88 million Yen for the base version, which is around $55,000 as of August 2023 exchange rates. Production will be limited to 1,000 units. While 900 of the cars will be the regular Skyline NISMO, the remaining 100 cars will get the NISMO Limited treatment with gunmetal wheels and commemorative badging.

2024 Nissan Skyline NISMO Specifications

Those will be more expensive, at 9.48 million Yen. The Nissan Skyline NISMO is in a niche of its own, meaning there are no direct competitors from European carmakers like BMW or Audi. The Skyline NISMO is the swan song of the Nissan Skyline/ Infiniti Q50 as we know them. Much of the sedan’s ingredients are underwhelming, but there’s still enough magic to allow NISMO to make a niche, sporty grand tourer.