What do you think of this Nissan Skyline concept?

Hard to tackle an icon like the Nissan Skyline. Yet, design students took on the challenge.

The Nissan Skyline is a legend in Japan, and the concept to be presented at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 by students from the Nissan Automobile Technical College reaffirms its iconic status. These students from the Aichi and Kyoto campuses, specializing in bodywork, embarked on an ambitious project reinterpreting the legendary Kenmary Skyline from the 1970s.

The NEO Skyline, based on the CV35 Skyline Coupe, draws inspiration from the spirit of the Kenmary while adopting a contemporary approach. This concept aims to appeal to car enthusiasts aged 30 to 50 by blending nostalgia and modernity skillfully.

The name NEO represents three key ideas:

• Nostalgia for those in their fifties who remember the Kenmary from their childhood,
• Encouragement for those in their forties rediscovering the pleasure of driving,
• Originality for those in their thirties seeking newness.

While the idea behind the NEO Skyline is commendable, the final style of the concept might divide opinions. Although the students aimed to capture the essence of the Kenmary without copying its elements, some might find the result too rough or handcrafted, sometimes lacking the finesse expected from such an icon. The exclusive paint, “Tomoaki Blue,” adds a touch of novelty with its pearlescent finish, but it might not be enough to conceal some aesthetic imperfections.

This project remains a noble effort and highlights the talent and creativity of the new generation of Japanese engineers and designers. By reinterpreting an iconic model, they prove that the Skyline is much more than a car: it’s a bridge between the past and the future.

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