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EX Phone Home: Nissan rebadges Infiniti EX as Skyline Crossover for JDM
Nissan Skyline Crossover - Click above for a hi-res gallery
Enthusiasts couldn't help but be disappointed when Nissan let slip that plans for a new Infiniti flagship sedan based on the all-conquering GT-R wouldn't see the light of day. What you see here is just the opposite: an Infiniti re-labeled as a Skyline.
Truth be told, although the previous Skyline GT-R was one model, the two nameplates have been separated for years now in the Japanese domestic market: The Japanese domestic market Skyline is what we know as the Infiniti G37 coupe and sedan (like the G35 before it). What you see here, then, is just more of the same: the Nissan Skyline Crossover, an exercise in badge engineering to bring the niche model Infiniti EX crossover back home.
Nissan has released little in the way of details, but don't expect any big changes over the Euro-spec EX37, with the latest VQ37VHR version of the company's highly-rated V6 offering up 310 horsepower. So if you've ever woken up in a cold sweat wondering what an Infiniti EX would look like with a Nissan badge on its grille, check out the pair of images below, along with the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Nissan Skyline Crossover (JDM)
Gallery: Review: 2008 Infiniti EX35
[Source: Nissan]
PRESS RELEASE
NISSAN TO RELEASE NEW SKYLINE CROSSOVER THIS SUMMER
TOKYO (Apr. 16, 2009)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of its all-new Skyline Crossover this summer.
The all-new Skyline Crossover makes its foray into the crossover segment with a unique and distinctive design, that arrives from a fusion of a coupe with an SUV. The luxury crossover utilizes smooth, soft-to-the-touch and high-quality materials to provide an elegant and personalized interior space.
Powered by a VQ37VHR engine with VVEL technology, the powertrain delivers high response and high torque for an exhilirating driving experience. The powertain also offers cleaner emissions and good fuel-efficiency. Powerful, seamless and continuous acceleration is realized by mating the powertrain to a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Stable handling and supple ride comfort are optimally balanced for a pleasurable drive.
The all-new Skyline Crossover will be showcased at Nissan Galleries nationwide starting April 18, 2009.
Skyline enthusiasts can also visit the pre-launch website (Japanese only) at: http://www.nissan.co.jp/SKYLINE/CROSSOVER/
NISSAN TO RELEASE NEW SKYLINE CROSSOVER THIS SUMMER
TOKYO (Apr. 16, 2009)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of its all-new Skyline Crossover this summer.
The all-new Skyline Crossover makes its foray into the crossover segment with a unique and distinctive design, that arrives from a fusion of a coupe with an SUV. The luxury crossover utilizes smooth, soft-to-the-touch and high-quality materials to provide an elegant and personalized interior space.
Powered by a VQ37VHR engine with VVEL technology, the powertrain delivers high response and high torque for an exhilirating driving experience. The powertain also offers cleaner emissions and good fuel-efficiency. Powerful, seamless and continuous acceleration is realized by mating the powertrain to a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Stable handling and supple ride comfort are optimally balanced for a pleasurable drive.
The all-new Skyline Crossover will be showcased at Nissan Galleries nationwide starting April 18, 2009.
Skyline enthusiasts can also visit the pre-launch website (Japanese only) at: http://www.nissan.co.jp/SKYLINE/CROSSOVER/
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Taglane 2:05PM (4/16/2009)
double you tee eff?
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the_MVP_X 2:13PM (4/16/2009)
Nice interior, but they need to make it sporty, can't wait to see the new M.
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Steve 2:15PM (4/16/2009)
Wait... what? I may be no expert here, but looking back at the Skyline nameplate even without the GT-R, such as the KPGC10 and KPGC110 GT's, and the R30, or the R31 GTS-R, or what have you...
I'd say that this is a disgrace to the Skyline nameplate.
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the_MVP_X 2:21PM (4/16/2009)
Well, yeah but the Skyline now it's a G37 Coupe, it' ain't the Skyline we know anymore.
Steve 2:23PM (4/16/2009)
It's still sold as the Skyline 370 GT in Japan.
Xa 2:20PM (4/16/2009)
the EX is a sharp looking CUV. plus, it's pretty much what you would get if you made a g37 with a tall greenhouse, so yeah, makes sense to me.
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Farris 2:22PM (4/16/2009)
What a dumb move, Nissan. This is like Ford giving us the Mustang II. Similar in name only.
Please retract this... seriously.
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the_MVP_X 2:24PM (4/16/2009)
Well, yeah but the Skyline now it's a G37 Coupe, it' ain't the Skyline we know anymore.
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BoxerFanatic 2:35PM (4/16/2009)
I thought skyline was a Sub-BRAND name in Japan... Even R32, 33, etc... the GT-R was the top end of a model line, not the only model.
The GT-R is not the only Skyline model, it is one OF the skyline modelS... as in plural.
The G-series Infinitis are Nissan Skyline models in Japan, as Infiniti is not a nameplate there.
GT350, GT370, etc... based on engine displacement... Sedan or Coupe bodystyle.
Considering the EX is a G-series based crossover, it makes sense that it bears the Skyline sub-brand premium nameplate in Japan.
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BoxerFanatic 2:36PM (4/16/2009)
Sorry...
350 GT, 370 GT... etc, I mistakenly transposed it...
P.V. 6:14PM (4/16/2009)
True, but the Skylines sold as the Infiniti G in the US aren't real Skylines versus their predecessors, as the model designation is "Yxx" instead of "Rxx" (incidentally, the current Skyline is the Y36 but the current GT-R (not Skyline-badged) is the R35).
That said, does anyone not remember the Stagea? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Stagea
anthonypbhs 2:36PM (4/16/2009)
Maybe they'll finally sell some now!
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RedBeauty84ZX 2:57PM (4/16/2009)
Did not realize their interior was so nice...
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Herk 9:12PM (4/16/2009)
Sweet! Now i can "skyline" up my EX. And yes, the interior is nice. I love my car. Pretty much the greatest thing on the road, if you don't need an SUV the size of rhode island. Nothing beats the around view camera system.
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JDMlover 3:26PM (4/16/2009)
The only good thing about this car is the interior......that's sad.
Until now i forgot about this car.
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chilicoke 3:54PM (4/16/2009)
Oh no! Now we'll see flock of people putting "JDM Skyline" emblem on their EXs like the G crowd.
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trehlo 4:09PM (4/16/2009)
The Skyline split from the GTR badge with the current generation of vehicles. It's the same thing that happened with the Toyota Celica Supra. We ended up with a Toyota Celica and a Toyota Supra. Two completely different models.
The USDM G37 is now the JDM Skyline and the GTR is, well, the GTR. Given how similar the G37 looks to the EX, this move makes sense.
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mikemaj82 4:09PM (4/16/2009)
it's amazing how imports don't get hell for rebadges, like American cars do.
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BoxerFanatic 4:16PM (4/16/2009)
Because the domestics sell re-badges right along side each other in the same market.
It is a bit different than naming things differently for different markets entirely.
I cannot buy a Skyline 370 GT coupe in the US. I can buy an Infiniti G37, and vice versa for japan.
If both were available side by side, one at an infiniti dealer, the other across the street at the nissan dealer, for the same car, then maybe it would be similar to what the big 3 have been doing for most of a century.
jgp 5:44PM (4/16/2009)
Because this isn't a rebadge.