It has (almost) all the ingredients of a perfect sports sedan
Proper Japanese sports sedans are practically dead in the United States. Toyota no longer makes a Camry TRD, Lexus has discontinued the V8-powered IS 500, and Infiniti has precisely zero sedans in its range presently. Much the same is true for Nissan, with its Altima more popular as a rental car than a canyon-carving tool.
But in Japan, the sports sedan is still alive and kicking. Nissan has just revealed the Skyline 400R Limited, an even sportier version of the sedan, and essentially comparable to the discontinued Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400. Here’s what this forbidden fruit has in store for 400 lucky Japanese fans.
Old-School But Sporty Looks
Nissan Skyline 400R Limited Nissan
The V37 Nissan Skyline first went into production in 2014, so this is far from a new design, but it’s still a sporty sedan, especially with the additions to the 400R Limited. New Wangan Blue paintwork makes the sedan stand out, since unique pigments change the effect of the paint depending on whether it’s day or night.
Under the hood, the Skyline gets the lusty 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 known as the VDR30DDTT. While lesser Skylines make 300 horsepower, the 400R variants produce 400 hp. This is the same engine found in the Q50 Red Sport 400, and we found it to be a smooth mill with no shortage of power or torque.
Nissan Skyline 400R Limited
To match the grunt, the rear-wheel-drive 400R Limited also gains a few handling and suspension tweaks. There are 19-inch wheels with wider Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 tires. The front suspension’s spring rate is up by 4%, and the rear stabilizer spring rate is increased by 44%, contributing to reduced body roll. Highly resistant brake pads have also been equipped, which Nissan claims perform well even at high temperatures. The only thing that’s missing from the package is a manual, as the 400R Limited sticks with a seven-speed automatic.
Door mirror covers and a rear spoiler in carbon fiber are exclusive to this model, as is an interior carbon finisher on the center console and a serial plate number.
Pricing and Availability
In Japan, the Nissan Skyline starts at around $35,000, but the new 400R Limited’s price starts at approximately $45,000. Nissan says orders will open from November 13 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Deliveries will begin in Japan on December 18.
Before then, the public will be able to visit the Japan Mobility Show from Friday, October 31, where the 400R Limited will be one of the Nissan models on display at the company’s exhibition stand.
Infiniti Plotting Sports Sedan Comeback in America
While Americans won’t be able to sample the Japan-only Skyline 400R Limited, Infiniti plans to launch a new Q50 sedan in 2027. It’s rumored to feature a turbocharged V6 with up to 450 hp, rear-wheel drive, and—most surprisingly—a manual gearbox. That would be quite a statement in 2027, given the scarcity of manual sports sedans available today.
As mentioned at the outset, sports sedans are fast fading in the American market, especially outside of the usual German suspects. The list of casualties is a long one and includes the Kia Stinger and Acura TLX. Genesis still sells the G70, but that may not stick around for much longer.
Hopefully, the return of the Q50 will inspire other automakers to give this neglected segment another chance.
Related: Acura TLX Is The Latest Sport Sedan To Bite The Dust
