2019 Nissan Skyline facelift debuts in Japan – ProPilot 2.0; GT-R-inspired styling; up to 405 PS twin-turbo V6

The Nissan Skyline (also known to us as the Infiniti Q50) has been given a facelift, and this is it. Aside from a rather noticeable update to the styling, the sedan also debuts the company’s new ProPILOT 2.0 technology, and will go on sale in Japan later this fall.

Styling-wise, it appears Nissan decided to graft the face of its flagship sports car – the GT-R – onto the Skyline, with the similarities going as far as to include a thick bar that separates the upper V-motion portion from the lower intake. The new nose is now higher than on the pre-facelift car, and is accompanied by revised fog lamp sections at the edges of the bumper.

With the new front end comes some changes to vehicle dimensions, as the new car is now 20 mm longer (4,810 mm), with everything else remaining as is – width (1,820 mm), height (1,440 to 1,450 mm) and wheelbase (2,850 mm).

Not a whole lot has changed along the sides, as you’ll still find identical lines as before, including the distinctive kink of the window line near the C-pillar. As for the rear, the wraparound taillights sport circular lighting graphics within them, which is reminiscent of classic Skyline models. Further down, there’s a more dynamic diffuser design for the restyled bumper, along with dual tailpipes.

As for the interior, it remains similar to the outgoing model, with a familiar dashboard layout that sees two screens placed on top of one another on the centre stack. The flowing centre console, steering wheel and switchgear are all carried over from before.

New additions include a full-colour head-up display, while cars with the ProPILOT 2.0 system gain a seven-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display in the instrument cluster in place of the standard analogue/digital display combo. There’s also an updated NissanConnect infotainment system that supports over-the-air (OTA) updates and in-car Wi-Fi access.

We’ve already detailed Nissan’s ProPILOT 2.0 system in the past, but for a quick recap, the system uses a suite of sensors to allow for hands-off driving while cruising in a single lane. However, drivers will still need to keep their eyes on the road and be prepared to take over when needed, with a driver monitor ensuring as such.

To enable the system, drivers must first set their destination in the navigation system, and when the car enters the highway, the feature is available for activation. The system will even suggest a lane change if vehicle approaches a road divide, or when passing a slower vehicle is possible.

For engines, the Skyline comes with a VR30DDTT 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that serves up 304 PS at 6,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm. This engine is used for the GT, GT Type P and GT Type SP grades in Japan, and drive goes to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission.

A more powerful version of the V6 is exclusive to the 400R grade, whereby the mill is tuned to make 405 PS at 6,400 rpm and 475 Nm from 1,600 to 5,200 rpm. For those who prioritise efficiency, a hybrid powertrain is also offered with rear- and all-wheel drive.

Following the same grade structure as the 304 PS V6 variant, the hybrid versions of the Skyline use a VQ35HR 3.0 litre naturally-aspirated V6 that is augmented with a HM34 electric motor (68 PS and 290 Nm) for a total system output of 306 PS and 350 Nm. A hybrid-specific seven-speed automatic gearbox is used here.

Other drive-related items include an updated Intelligent Dynamic Suspension (IDS) system, with Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) remaining present. Pricing for the new Skyline in Japan starts from 4,274,640 yen (RM162,637).

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