Nissan Skyline (2003)

Nissan Skyline

The 11th generation (V35) Nissan Skyline, introduced in June 2001, is based on Nissan's FM platform, which is shared with the 350Z. Sporting the ubiquitous (and esteemed) VQ35DE engine, the Nissan Skyline uses a front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the sedan) to achieve a 52%/48% weight distribution. The V35 also marks the first generation of Skyline made for export to the United States. There it is sold under the company's luxury brand, Infiniti, as the Infiniti G35.

The V35 marks a major turning point for the Skyline. There is no straight 6, no turbo variant, and to date no GT-R variant. Nissan put a slightly more powerful VQ35DE in the 350Z, and although the Skyline & the 350Z share the same platform, the 350Z has additional bracing, underbody aero parts, and weighs 100 kg less. Though it does have its following, many tuners have studiously ignored the V35 Skyline, the 2006 Tsukuba Super Lap Battle had not a single V35 entrant.

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