Nissan to bring back the legendary Skyline in December as part of major model offensive
1/2 
Nissan has confirmed that the 14th-generation Skyline will be unveiled in December 2026. The legendary sports saloon is one of the most important models in the company’s new strategy, with Nissan cutting its development time by almost half. Meanwhile, the Japanese carmaker is preparing to renew its SUVs, expand exports of electric cars developed in China and bring two new small electric cars to Europe.
Skyline returns after a 13-year wait
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa confirmed during the company’s financial results presentation that the new Skyline is among its most important models for the second half of the 2026 financial year.
The debut scheduled for December will introduce the 14th-generation Skyline, designated V38, replacing the V37 that dates back to 2013.
The new model will retain its sports saloon character and use an internal combustion engine. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 familiar from the Nissan Z has been mentioned as a possible powerplant. In the sports coupé, it develops up to 298 kW and 475 Nm. Nissan has yet to disclose the Skyline’s final technical specifications, however. The pace of development is particularly noteworthy. Nissan shortened the new model’s development cycle from approximately 55 months to 26 months by making greater use of artificial intelligence and digital development tools.
Espinosa sees the Skyline as a symbol of Nissan’s revival. It must demonstrate that the company can develop new cars faster without losing its sporting identity.
New SUVs and electric cars from China
According to Nissan’s official financial review, the company will begin sales of the new Rogue and NX7 in the coming months and expand exports of the Frontier Pro and Navara Pro pickups. New Patrol, Pixo and Juke models are also planned for the coming years.
In China, Nissan is focusing on electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The company plans to increase the number of models exported from China from two to five and expand the number of destination markets to 12.
This is a significant strategic shift. For Nissan, China is no longer just a major sales market, but also a technology and manufacturing hub that can help it offer more competitively priced cars in other regions.
Europe to get new electric Pixo and Juke
In Europe, Nissan is focusing primarily on expanding its electric car range.
The new Pixo will arrive first, followed by the next-generation electric Juke. Both are intended to strengthen Nissan’s position in a more price-sensitive segment, where competition with Renault, Volkswagen, Stellantis and Chinese manufacturers is intensifying.
European sales plans for the Skyline, by contrast, have not been confirmed. The sports saloon could compete in Europe with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A5, but limited demand and emissions requirements make its introduction difficult.
New models must return Nissan to profit
Nissan’s problem is not just an ageing model range. The company must reduce production costs and restore profitability at a time when Chinese competitors are developing new cars much faster.
In the first half of the financial year, Nissan earned approximately 80 billion yen in operating profit, an improvement of 107.7 billion yen year on year. However, the company ended the period with a net loss of 39.7 billion yen.
The Re restructuring programme helped save 110 billion yen over six months.
The company will unveil a new long-term business plan in February 2027, setting its next priorities for investment, production and model development.
The Skyline’s return is an important boost to Nissan’s image, but models with much higher sales volumes will determine the company’s future. If Nissan can combine a faster development cycle with competitive pricing and reliable technology, the current model renewal could help the company regain lost market share.
