The Skyline is Coming... Sort ofNissan unveiled a new Skyline early this summer, but it might not be what you think. Any American who knows the Skyline knows only the GT-R, the undisputed king of the Japanese performance cars. But the Skyline model line actually consists of several less exciting models, including four-door sedans with non-turbo 2.0-liter engines and automatics.
The Skyline traces its roots back to the 1950s, where it was the flagship luxury car for a little-known automaker called Prince. Prince, not surprisingly, was absorbed by Nissan in 1966 and Skylines have been Nissan flagships ever since. While rear-wheel drive, an in-line, six-cylinder engine and a somewhat sporty image have always been Skyline hallmarks, the all-conquering GT-R model has come and gone over the years.
The latest, 11th-generation Skyline is, on the surface at least, far softer and tamer than its hefty, bull-nosed (and surprisingly slow-selling) predecessor. Along with the softer look comes the first use of a V6 engine, currently available in two configurations, a VQ30DD and VQ25DD. If you have mastered the arcane language of Nissan engine codes, you should already know that both engines are direct-injection versions of the often-praised Maxima engine. The engines displace either 2.5 or 3.0 liters, with the 3.0-liter making 256 hp. Both engines are available only with five-speed automatic transmissions, which speaks volumes about the softer, new direction the next-generation Skyline has taken.
Despite the tame styling, the slushbox and the emphasis on luxury, the new chassis, dubbed V35, does appear to have potential. The use of the lightweight aluminum VQ-series V6 vs. the much larger and heavier iron-block RB-series straight six has allowed the engine to be pushed entirely behind the front wheels. The result is a very well balanced 52/48 weight distribution and a relatively low polar moment.
The new suspension features double wishbones up front with a two-link double ball joint set-up instead of a single arm with a single ball joint. This design creates a virtual steering axis where the line created by each ball joint and each arm's pivot point on the body cross somewhere in the middle of the wheel (in other words, the Dave point is further out on the tire). The effect is to reduce brake-induced torque steer and allow the steering system to be designed with less damping and more feedback. At the rear, a sophisticated multi-link set-up is used. This same suspension is borrowed by the 2002 Altima.
Why are we so calm about the all-conquering Skyline going soft? Because it isn't. The Brutish R34 Skyline GT-R is remaining in production, even as the V35 Skyline replaces its less-exciting base models. A new V35-based GT-R is due within a few years and is rumored to use either a twin turbo or a twin supercharged version of the VQ35 engine. It is also rumored that the next GT-R may finally break the voluntary and entirely theoretical 280-hp limit on Japanese domestic market cars.
Now the really good news. The lesser, rear-wheel-drive Skyline will be coming to the United States as the Infiniti G35 sometime in 2002. It will be offered with the VG35DE and make at least 240 hp, probably 260 hp-and possibly more. The G35 will displace the G20, but should turn up the performance considerably.
When the V35 GT-R finally appears, it, too, is bound for the United States as the Infiniti X35. We have yet to dig up an ETA on this car, however. - Dave Coleman
NSX is on the MoveFresh from the rumor mill come these artist renderings of Acura's redesigned 2002 model NSX.
While the drivetrain remains a 3.2-liter, 290-hp V6 with a manual six-speed transmission, the redesign includes a new front-end with an all-new grille, new bumper face and skirt, air spoiler and fixed-position headlights. The side sills, side intakes and rear fascia have also received stylistic changes.
The NSX and NSX-T received a major boost of power in 1997 with the introduction of a larger, more powerful 3.2-liter engine. The NSX has benefited from other refinements, including larger brakes, revised suspension and an improved anti-lock braking system, lighter weight, high-rigidity body panels and an anti-theft vehicle immobilizer system.
Stay tuned for a more in-depth look at the new 2002 Acura NSX in upcoming issues.