How the Nissan Skyline legend has evolved over the years

The Nissan Skyline is much more than just powerful GT-R modifications. The model dates from 1957 and still exists today. On the occasion of this long history, the designers of Budget Direct Car Insurance have created images that take us back to each generation of this model, which is so important in the history of the Japanese automobile industry.

First generation - (1957-1964)

The Skyline debuted in 1957, but it wasn't Nissan at the time. Prince Motor presents it as a luxury-oriented model. The design was inspired by American cars of the time, with a mix of stylistic references to Chevrolet and Ford of the mid-1950s.

Second generation - (1963-1968)

Shown in 1963, the second-generation Prince Skyline brings a more modern style to its time with a more angular appearance. In addition to the four-door sedan, there is also a station wagon version. After the merger of Nissan and Prince in 1966, the model became the Nissan Prince Skyline.

Third generation - (1968-1972)

The third generation is the first with the Nissan logo. It also rose to prominence with the introduction of the GT-R in 1969. The model is equipped with a 2,0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 162 horsepower, which for that time is impressive considering the engine size. Later came the GT-R coupe. Buyers are also offered the standard Skyline in station wagon form.

Fourth generation - (1972-1977)

In 1972, the fourth generation appeared with a completely different look - sharper and with a fastback coupe roof. Also available are the sedan and station wagon, which have a noticeable lateral camber that curves upward toward the rear. There is also a GT-R variant, but it is extremely rare - Nissan only sold 197 units in Japan before ending production of this version.

Fifth generation - (1977-1981)

It appeared in 1977 in a style reminiscent of its predecessor, but with a more rectangular shape. Sedan, coupe and four-door station wagon options are available. This generation does not have a GT-R. Instead, the most powerful model is the GT-EX, with a 2,0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 145 hp. and 306 Nm.

Sixth generation - (1981-1984)

With its introduction in 1981, it continued to move towards a more angular style. The five-door hatchback has joined the sedan and station wagon lineup. The 2000 Turbo RS version is at the top of the range. It uses a 2,0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. Then it is the most powerful public road Skyline ever offered. A later version with an intercooler increases the power to 205 hp.

Seventh generation - (1985-1989)

On the market since 1985, this generation looks better than the previous one, available as a sedan, four-door hardtop, coupe and station wagon. These are the first Skylines to use Nissan's famous 6-cylinder inline engine series. The most powerful version is the GTS-R, which debuted in 1987. This is a special homologation for Group A racing cars. The turbocharged RB20DET engine develops 209 horsepower.

Eighth generation - (1989-1994)

A body with more curved shapes, which is changing the trend towards sharper shapes of yesteryear. Nissan is also simplifying the lineup by introducing only the coupe and sedan. The big news for this generation, also known as the R32, is the return of the GT-R name. It uses a 2,6-horsepower, 6-liter RB26DETT inline-280 ​​in line with an agreement between Japanese manufacturers not to produce more powerful cars. However, it is said that his strength is greater. The R32 GT-R has also proven to be very successful in motorsport. The Australian press refers to him as Godzilla as an attacking monster from Japan capable of defeating Holden and Ford. This GT-R moniker has spread throughout the world.

Ninth generation - (1993-1998)

The R33 Skyline, introduced in 1993, continues the trend towards more formal styling. The car also grows in size, resulting in increased weight. The sedan and coupe are still available, but in 1996 Nissan introduced a Stagea station wagon with an appearance similar to the 10th generation Skyline, using the model's mechanical parts. The R33 Skyline still uses the R32 engine. The Nismo division is showing a 400R version that uses a 2,8-liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder with 400 horsepower, but only 44 units are sold. For the first time in decades, there is a 4-door GT-R from Nissan's Autech division, albeit in a very limited edition.

Tenth generation - (1998-2002)

Everyone who has played Gran Turismo is familiar with the R34. He again began to give the model clearer lines after the more rounded shapes of the previous two generations. Coupe and sedan are available, as well as a Stagea station wagon with a similar look. The GT-R variant appeared in 1999. Under the hood is the same RB26DETT engine, but even more changes to the turbo and intercooler. Nissan is expanding its model range significantly. The M version arrives with an added emphasis on luxury. There were also Nur options with improved weather conditions on the Nürburgring North Arch. Production of the R34 Skyline GT-R ended in 2002. It has no successor until the 2009 model year.

Eleventh generation - (2002-2007)

It debuted in 2001 and is largely identical to the Infiniti G35. Both a coupe and a sedan are available, as well as a Stagea station wagon, which is not sold as a Skyline, but is built on the same basis. For the first time in the second generation, the Skyline is not available with the usual "six". Instead of volume, the model uses V6 engines from the VQ family of 2,5, 3 and 3,5 liters. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Twelfth generation - (2006-2014)

It joined the Nissan lineup in 2006 and, like the previous generation, is largely identical to the then Infiniti G37. It is available in sedan and coupe body styles, but there is also a new crossover version sold in the US as the Infiniti EX and then the Infiniti QX50. The VQ engine family is still available, but the range includes 2,5-, 3,5-, and 3,7-liter V6 engines at various stages of the generation.

Thirteenth generation - since 2014

The current generation debuted in 2013. This time it looks a lot like the Infiniti Q50 sedan. Japan will not get a coupe version of the Infiniti Q60 Skyline. The facelift for 2019 gives the Skyline a different front end with Nissan's new V-shaped grille that looks a bit like the GT-R. For now, the future of the Skyline remains a mystery given the shaking business in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. Rumors have it that Infiniti and Nissan may start using more components and Infiniti may even lose their rear-wheel drive models. If that happens, the Skyline of the future could be front-wheel drive for the first time in more than 60 years.