Replacing a Decade-Old Predecessor
The arrival of the V38 in late 2026 will mark the end of an unusually long life cycle for the current V37 generation. Originally launched in Japan in November 2013, the V37 Skyline—known in North America and other markets as the Infiniti Q50—has remained on sale for over a decade with only incremental updates.
While the V37 gained a significant mid-cycle refresh in 2019, which introduced the VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and a more aggressive aesthetic inspired by the GT-R, the platform’s age has become increasingly apparent compared to rivals from Germany and domestic competitors like Lexus. The current car’s interior technology and chassis dynamics, while still competent, have struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the luxury sport sedan market.
By the time the V38 reaches showrooms, the V37 will have been in production for 13 years. This gap underscores the importance of the new model; Nissan cannot afford a lukewarm reception for a car that carries such immense historical weight. The Skyline nameplate, which dates back to the Prince Motor Company in the late 1950s, is inextricably linked to Nissan’s identity as a manufacturer of high-performance machinery.
Powertrain and Platform Speculation
While Nissan has confirmed that the December 2026 reveal will showcase a combustion-powered sports sedan, specific technical details remain under wraps. The company has been careful not to preempt the official debut with specifications regarding cylinder counts, displacement, or transmission options.
However, the industry consensus suggests that the V38 will likely continue to utilize a rear-wheel-drive architecture, maintaining the "rear-biased" feel that has defined the Skyline for generations. Given the current global regulatory environment, it is highly probable that the internal combustion engine will be paired with some form of hybridization to balance performance with tightening emissions standards.
Enthusiasts have been vocal in their hopes for a manual gearbox option—something that returned to the Nissan Z to great acclaim—but whether such a feature can be justified for a luxury-leaning sedan remains to be seen. Rumors of a high-output V6 continue to circulate, potentially an evolved version of the VR-series engine that currently powers the Z and the outgoing Skyline 400R.
The platform of the V38 is also expected to serve as the foundation for the next generation of Infiniti products. Specifically, the Skyline’s development is closely linked to the successor of the Infiniti Q50. While Nissan has not confirmed a 2028 model year launch for a new Infiniti sedan, the timing of the V38’s debut makes such a timeline highly plausible. If the V38 delivers on its promise of being a "proper" sport sedan, it could provide the Infiniti brand with the enthusiast flagship it needs to revitalize its image in the premium segment.
