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NEW CARS

2027 Nissan Skyline: New Generation Confirmed for December 2026 Reveal

The Nissan Skyline is about to enter a new chapter, and this time the legendary Japanese sedan is being developed at a pace that would have seemed almost impossible only a few years ago. Nissan has confirmed that the all-new, 14th-generation Skyline will be unveiled in December 2026, giving fans of one of Japan’s most famous nameplates their first full look at the production car before the year is over.

Nissan President and CEO Ivan Espinosa has described the upcoming Skyline as one of the key models in the company’s recovery strategy. Nissan’s own corporate information confirms Espinosa has been CEO since April 2025 and is leading the Re:Nissan transformation program.

The timing is significant. The new Skyline is not simply another replacement for an aging sedan. Nissan is positioning it as a symbolic model for the company’s return to performance-focused products and stronger emotional appeal.

New Nissan Skyline Debuts in December 2026

The biggest piece of news is the reveal date. According to Espinosa, the next-generation Nissan Skyline will make its official debut in December 2026.

That makes the 14th-generation Skyline one of the most anticipated Japanese performance sedans of the year. Nissan had previously indicated that the car would arrive during the Northern Hemisphere winter, but the December timing provides a much clearer target for the production model.

Espinosa has reportedly referred to the Skyline as an “icon of speed” and one of the models that can represent Nissan’s revival. That positioning gives the new sedan considerably more importance than a conventional model-cycle update.

Nissan is currently rebuilding its product portfolio under the Re:Nissan strategy, with new vehicles and faster development processes playing a central role. The company has also said that restoring product competitiveness is one of its key priorities.

14th-Generation Skyline Takes Inspiration From the Hakosuka

Although Nissan has not yet revealed the production car in full, the early teaser material has already given enthusiasts plenty to discuss.

The design appears to draw inspiration from the original “Hakosuka” Skyline, particularly the legendary first-generation GT-R-era styling. The modern interpretation is expected to combine that heritage with a much more aggressive contemporary appearance.

Among the details previewed so far are:

  • A sharp, aggressive front fascia
  • Sculpted front fenders
  • A muscular overall stance
  • Distinctive rear lighting
  • GT-R-inspired circular taillight graphics
  • A modern interpretation of classic Skyline design themes

The result should be a car that deliberately connects Nissan’s past with its future rather than simply following the styling formula of the current Skyline.

Nissan has already demonstrated that it intends to keep the Skyline name relevant. The current-generation Skyline remains part of the Japanese-market lineup, while Nissan’s official Japan Mobility Show material also featured the 2026 Skyline 400R Limited Edition alongside the Fairlady Z.

Nissan Skyline Development Time Cut From 55 Months to 26 Months

Perhaps the most fascinating part of the new Skyline story isn’t its styling or powertrain. It’s how quickly Nissan has developed it.

The company reportedly reduced the development cycle from approximately 55 months for the previous generation to just 26 months for the new model.

That represents a dramatic change in the way Nissan develops vehicles.

The accelerated process makes extensive use of generative artificial intelligence, digital simulation and other software-based development tools. These technologies have reportedly been incorporated into multiple stages of the program, including design, development, testing and manufacturing.

Nissan has previously acknowledged that the automotive industry is moving toward faster development cycles, particularly as Chinese manufacturers continue to shorten the time required to bring new vehicles from concept to production. Espinosa has pointed to Nissan’s experience working with Dongfeng as an important source of knowledge in this area.

The new Skyline therefore represents more than a new sedan. It is also a demonstration project for Nissan’s attempt to become faster and more efficient without abandoning the engineering characteristics associated with its performance cars.

New Skyline Production Confirmed for Japan

There had been speculation that Nissan could move production of the next-generation Skyline outside Japan, including possibilities involving China or the United States.

Those rumors have now been put to rest.

The new Skyline is scheduled to be manufactured at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan.

That is an especially appropriate location for the car. Nissan describes Tochigi as its largest plant site in Japan, producing luxury, sports and electrified vehicles. The facility currently builds models including the Leaf, Ariya and Fairlady Z.

Nissan’s own production history also shows just how closely the Tochigi facility is connected with the company’s performance-car heritage. The plant previously produced the Skyline, Fairlady Z, Infiniti Q60 and Nissan GT-R, among other models.

The decision to keep Skyline production in Japan is therefore significant for enthusiasts who view the nameplate as an important part of Japanese automotive culture.

Will the New Nissan Skyline Be Rear-Wheel Drive?

This is where the story becomes particularly interesting.

Nissan has not yet released the complete technical specifications for the 14th-generation Skyline. Consequently, details regarding the chassis, suspension, engine and transmission remain unconfirmed.

However, expectations are high that the new Skyline will retain a rear-wheel-drive architecture.

That would make sense given the model’s performance-oriented positioning and its historical relationship with rear-wheel-drive Skyline generations.

The powertrain question is even more intriguing.

One possibility is a hybrid system, allowing Nissan to combine performance with improved efficiency and emissions compliance. Another possibility is a continuation of Nissan’s twin-turbocharged V6 formula, potentially producing more than 400 horsepower.

A six-speed manual transmission has also been mentioned as a possibility.

For enthusiasts, that combination would be particularly significant: rear-wheel drive, a twin-turbo V6 and a manual gearbox would give the new Skyline a very different character from the increasingly electrified performance sedans entering the market.

For now, however, those specifications should be treated as expectations rather than confirmed production-car specifications.

Could the Skyline Become Nissan’s Next Performance Icon?

The new Skyline arrives at an interesting moment for Nissan.

The company is simultaneously pushing electrification, developing new digital technologies and attempting to accelerate vehicle development, while also maintaining a connection with its performance heritage.

The Fairlady Z remains an important part of that strategy, and Nissan’s Tochigi plant already produces the sports car. The Skyline joining it at the same facility reinforces the idea that Nissan wants Tochigi to play an important role in its performance-car future.

The Skyline also carries something few ordinary sedans can claim: decades of motorsport, tuning and enthusiast culture behind its name.

That heritage gives Nissan considerable freedom with the new car, but it also creates expectations. Fans will want the 14th-generation model to feel like a Skyline rather than simply another premium sedan wearing a familiar badge.

Nissan Skyline 14th Generation: What We Know So Far

The key details currently available can be summarized as follows:

Model: 14th-generation Nissan Skyline
Reveal: December 2026
Production: Tochigi, Japan
Development time: Approximately 26 months
Previous development cycle: Approximately 55 months
Design inspiration: Classic Hakosuka Skyline
Expected drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, not yet officially confirmed
Potential powertrain: Hybrid or twin-turbo V6
Potential output: More than 400 hp has been suggested, but not confirmed
Potential transmission: Six-speed manual has been suggested, but not confirmed
Development technology: Generative AI, digital simulation and accelerated development tools
Performance relationship: Closely associated with Nissan’s Fairlady Z production operation in Tochigi

Source: Nissan

NEW CARS

Nissan Kicks e-POWER Confirmed for Europe as Sunderland Plant Secures £170 Million Investment

Nissan has confirmed that the Kicks compact crossover will launch in Europe, with production to take place at the company’s Sunderland plant in the UK. The £170 million investment will bring a new e-POWER hybrid model to European customers, while strengthening Nissan’s electrified vehicle manufacturing operations in Britain.

The announcement comes as Nissan Sunderland celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking a major milestone for a factory that has now produced 12 million vehicles since the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off its production line in 1986.

Nissan Kicks Will Be Built in Sunderland Alongside Qashqai, Juke and LEAF

The second-generation Nissan Kicks will become the tenth model allocated to Sunderland production. It will be manufactured alongside the Nissan Qashqai, Juke and LEAF, creating a broader electrified lineup at the UK plant.

Production will support customers in the UK, Europe and Turkey, with the Kicks joining Nissan’s European crossover range as a compact B-segment model.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson of Nissan’s AMIEO Region, described the decision as an important step for the company’s European operations.

“Kicks is a compact crossover, with the unique e-POWER hybrid drivetrain, exciting design and innovative technology. Electrification with choice is what European customers want, and the introduction of Kicks will further demonstrate how Nissan has options for all.”

The European launch also follows Nissan’s announcement of the new PIXO A-segment electric car, which is scheduled to be unveiled next week.

Nissan Kicks e-POWER: Electric Drive Without Plug-In Charging

The defining feature of the European Nissan Kicks will be its third-generation e-POWER hybrid system, introduced in 2025 and comprehensively re-engineered to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and enhance refinement.

Unlike a conventional hybrid, where the petrol engine can mechanically drive the wheels, Nissan’s e-POWER system uses the petrol engine exclusively to generate electricity and recharge the battery. The wheels are driven solely by an electric motor.

That configuration gives the Kicks an electric-car-style driving experience, including instant response, smooth acceleration and quiet operation, while retaining the convenience of refuelling at a petrol station.

For drivers who want electrification without committing to a fully electric vehicle, the system offers a different approach to hybrid technology.

Nissan has sold more than 1.9 million e-POWER hybrid models globally since the technology was introduced in 2016. That figure includes more than 200,000 Qashqai e-POWER models built in the UK, giving Sunderland an established production base for the technology.

Nissan Kicks Production Expands Sunderland’s Electrified Lineup

Nissan Sunderland already manufactures e-POWER versions of the Qashqai. The arrival of the Kicks will allow the plant to build on that expertise while adding another electrified model to its production portfolio.

Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said:

“I’m proud to welcome this new model allocation for Sunderland. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our 40th year as a world-class manufacturing site.”

The Kicks will be the tenth model produced at Sunderland since 1986, following a succession of Nissan vehicles that includes the Bluebird, Primera, Micra, Almera, Note, Infiniti Q30, Juke, Qashqai and LEAF.

From next year, Sunderland will also manufacture the third-generation Nissan Juke, which will be fully electric for the first time.

Nissan Kicks Has Already Sold More Than 1.8 Million Units Worldwide

Although the European debut is new, the Nissan Kicks is already an established global model. The second-generation version is currently built in Japan, Mexico and Brazil, serving markets around the world.

Nissan says the Kicks has surpassed 1.8 million sales in more than 70 countries, providing the compact crossover with a substantial international customer base before its European arrival.

The European version will add a new e-POWER option to Nissan’s lineup, complementing the company’s existing petrol, hybrid and fully electric offerings.

Sunderland Plant Reaches 12 Million Vehicles After 40 Years

The £170 million Kicks investment arrives at a significant moment for Nissan’s UK manufacturing operation.

Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK has grown into the UK’s largest single-site car manufacturing plant, supported by approximately £5 billion in investment over four decades. The Sunderland facility has built vehicles for more than 100 markets worldwide.

The plant currently employs around 6,000 people directly and supports a further 30,000 jobs across its supply chain.

Its latest production milestone—12 million vehicles—equates to an average of approximately one car every 1 minute and 45 seconds since production began.

UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds welcomed the decision, describing Sunderland’s role in British manufacturing as a major contributor to the North East’s automotive industry.

“The decision to build this new model in Sunderland is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s manufacturing expertise and automotive future.”

What the Nissan Kicks Announcement Means for Europe

The European arrival of the Nissan Kicks e-POWER gives the company another compact crossover with an electrified powertrain, while allowing Nissan to expand production at one of its most important manufacturing sites.

The model’s combination of electric-motor drive and petrol-powered electricity generation positions it between conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles. Its success in global markets also gives Nissan an established product to introduce to European buyers.

With the Kicks, the upcoming electric Juke and the existing Qashqai and LEAF, Sunderland is becoming an increasingly important part of Nissan’s strategy for electrified vehicles.

Nissan Kicks e-POWER Europe: Key Facts

FeatureDetails
ModelNissan Kicks
European debutConfirmed
Production locationSunderland, UK
Investment£170 million
Vehicle segmentB-segment compact crossover
PowertrainThird-generation Nissan e-POWER hybrid
Wheel driveElectric motor only
Petrol engine roleGenerates electricity and recharges the battery
Markets suppliedUK, Europe and Turkey
Global salesMore than 1.8 million units
Global marketsMore than 70 countries
Sunderland plant milestone12 million vehicles
Plant anniversary40 years
Next major Sunderland modelThird-generation, fully electric Nissan Juke

Source: Nissan

NEW CARS

Nissan Pixo Returns as New Entry-Level Electric City Car Below the Micra

Nissan is bringing back the Pixo name for a new electric city car that will become the Japanese automaker’s smallest and most affordable EV in Europe. Set to make its world debut on September 23, the new Nissan Pixo will sit below the Micra in the company’s growing electric vehicle lineup and target buyers looking for a compact, affordable car designed primarily for urban driving.

The new Nissan Pixo will be closely related to the Renault Twingo, with the two electric city cars expected to share their underlying technology. Nissan’s latest small EV is part of a wider partnership with Renault that has already produced the new Micra, which is based on the Renault 5.

Nissan says the Pixo will bring a “fresh, fun character” to the compact electric vehicle segment while combining small dimensions with technology and a distinctive interpretation of the brand’s current design language.

New Nissan Pixo Debuts September 23

Nissan has released a short teaser video ahead of the Pixo’s official unveiling, confirming that the new electric city car will be revealed in full on September 23.

Although the company has yet to release complete specifications, Nissan describes the model as a car created for “modern urban life.” The automaker is emphasizing compact dimensions, intuitive technology and distinctive Nissan styling as some of the Pixo’s key characteristics.

The teaser also appears to provide an early hint at the car’s design philosophy. Its retro arcade-game aesthetic fits with previous reports that the new Pixo will draw inspiration from Nissan’s distinctive Pike cars of the 1980s.

That could give the Pixo a more playful visual identity than the conventional styling typically associated with affordable electric city cars.

Nissan Pixo Expected to Share Technology With Renault Twingo

Underneath its Nissan-specific styling, the new Pixo is expected to be closely related to the latest Renault Twingo.

The Renault Twingo’s electric powertrain provides a strong indication of what Nissan’s smallest EV could offer. The expected configuration uses an 80-hp front-mounted electric motor paired with a 27.5-kWh battery.

With that setup, the Pixo could offer a driving range of approximately 155 miles, although Nissan has not yet officially confirmed the figures for its own version.

The relatively small battery is consistent with the Pixo’s intended role. Rather than attempting to compete with larger electric hatchbacks on long-distance range, the Nissan EV is expected to prioritize low weight, compact dimensions and efficiency in urban environments.

For city drivers, a smaller battery can also help reduce both the weight and cost of the vehicle, two factors that are particularly important in the affordable EV market.

Nissan Pixo Price Could Start at Around £17,000

Price could be one of the biggest selling points of the new Nissan Pixo.

The electric city car is expected to closely mirror the Renault Twingo on pricing, potentially giving it a starting price of around £17,000 in the UK.

If that figure is confirmed, the Pixo would become an important model for Nissan as the company attempts to make electric mobility more accessible.

The car will occupy a position below the Nissan Micra, giving the Japanese manufacturer a smaller and potentially cheaper alternative for customers who do not need the space or performance of a conventional supermini.

The Pixo could therefore play a similar role in Nissan’s electric range to the one traditionally occupied by affordable petrol-powered city cars.

Nissan Revives the Pixo Name

The return of the Pixo badge is not entirely unexpected, as Nissan had previously indicated that it planned to use an established name for its new city car.

Earlier reports suggested that Nissan was considering the name “Wave,” but the company ultimately opted for Pixo.

The name has a history in the European market. Between 2009 and 2013, Nissan sold the Pixo in the UK as a rebadged version of the Suzuki Alto, which was manufactured in India.

At the time, the Nissan Pixo was positioned as one of the cheapest new cars available in Britain, with prices starting at just £5,995.

The new electric Pixo will be a very different proposition. Instead of being an inexpensive conventional city car, it will become Nissan’s entry point into its European electric vehicle lineup.

Retro Nissan Design Could Give the Pixo a Distinctive Character

One of the most intriguing aspects of the new Nissan Pixo is its expected design.

Nissan has previously indicated that the car will take inspiration from the company’s Pike series of compact models from the 1980s. Those cars became known for their unusual, retro-inspired designs and distinctive personalities.

The teaser video’s arcade-game theme appears to reinforce that direction.

That could make the Pixo stand out in a growing segment of small electric vehicles. Rather than relying solely on affordability and efficiency, Nissan appears to be positioning the car as an EV with a strong emotional and visual appeal.

The strategy also fits with Nissan’s recent efforts to give its smaller electric models more individual identities.

Pixo Will Become Nissan’s Smallest European EV

Once launched, the Nissan Pixo will sit at the bottom of the company’s European electric vehicle range.

Above it will be the Nissan Micra, followed by the larger Leaf and Ariya.

The new Micra itself is closely related to Renault’s electric lineup, being a reworked version of the Renault 5. This means Nissan’s partnership with Renault is playing an increasingly important role in the automaker’s European EV strategy.

The Pixo takes that approach a step further by bringing a compact A-segment electric model to the market.

For Nissan, the timing could be significant. European demand for smaller and more affordable electric cars is increasing, while automakers are under pressure to reduce the cost of EVs and expand their offerings beyond larger, more expensive models.

Nissan Pixo vs. Renault Twingo

The Nissan Pixo and Renault Twingo are expected to share much of their underlying technology, but Nissan is likely to give its model a distinct personality.

The biggest differences should come from exterior and interior design, equipment, branding and the way each manufacturer positions its car.

Where the Twingo focuses on reviving Renault’s famous city-car nameplate with a modern electric interpretation, Nissan appears ready to use the Pixo as an opportunity to combine affordability with its own retro-inspired design language.

The result could be one of the more distinctive entries in Europe’s affordable EV market.

Nissan’s Expanding Electric Vehicle Lineup

The Pixo will join a rapidly expanding Nissan EV lineup in Europe.

The new Micra has already moved Nissan into the small electric hatchback segment, while the new Leaf returns as a larger model positioned for buyers seeking greater practicality.

At the top of the current range sits the Ariya electric crossover.

The Pixo will therefore give Nissan something it has increasingly lacked in its European range: an extremely compact, relatively affordable electric model aimed specifically at urban motorists.

Its success could depend heavily on pricing. If Nissan manages to deliver a starting price close to the expected £17,000 figure while maintaining a useful range and attractive equipment levels, the Pixo could become an important player among Europe’s next generation of affordable EVs.

Nissan Pixo: What We Know So Far

The new Nissan Pixo is expected to offer:

  • A-segment electric city-car dimensions
  • Front-mounted electric motor
  • Approximately 80 hp
  • 27.5-kWh battery
  • Expected range of around 155 miles
  • Renault Twingo-based technology
  • Retro-inspired Nissan design
  • Positioning below the Nissan Micra
  • Expected UK starting price of around £17,000
  • Official unveiling on September 23

Nissan has yet to confirm the complete technical specifications, equipment levels, charging capabilities and final pricing.

Nissan Pixo Could Become a Key Affordable EV

The return of the Pixo name marks a significant transformation for Nissan’s smallest European model.

The original Pixo was designed around low purchase prices and simple city-car transportation. Its successor will retain the compact urban mission but replace the conventional powertrain with electric propulsion and add considerably more technology and design ambition.

With Renault Twingo underpinnings, an expected 80-hp electric motor and a 27.5-kWh battery, the Pixo could offer a straightforward formula for urban EV buyers. Its expected range of approximately 155 miles should be sufficient for the daily needs of many city drivers, while a potential £17,000 starting price would make it one of the more accessible new electric cars in Europe.

The biggest unanswered question is whether Nissan can deliver that combination of affordability, range and distinctive design without pushing the final price significantly higher.

We will know much more when Nissan officially reveals the new Pixo on September 23.

Source: Nissan