Cult classic 90s motor dubbed ‘Godzilla’ is being reborn after 23 years – and it’ll be a manual
AN iconic car model is set for a brand new look – and it will be as a manual.
Nissan is set to build an all-new Skyline for 2027, featuring a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
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The Skyline will be re-launched as a manualCredit: Nissan
The new launch is a rebirth of the 90s cult classic motorCredit: Nissan
The Japanese marque has gone through a tricky spell of late and is in the process of desperately trying to turn the tide on a £3.8 billion net loss in the 2024/25 financial year.
Speaking to AutoExpress, Nissan’s global design director Alfonso Albaisa said: “Think back to the car of 1968 or 1970.
“That expressive shape. Iconic.
“Think big, wide, and blocky. Agressive and not retro.
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“The Nissan Z is on one side, the GT-R is on the other – Skyline will sit somewhere between.”
Unfortunately for UK motorists, it appears this Skyline model will only be on Japanese roads.
The performance of the 80s Skyline model R32 GT-R earned the nickname “Godzilla.”
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Due to their previously announced overhaul, Nissan will cut 20,000 jobs across factories and design studios, and shut down seven plants worldwide.
To regain some momentum, Nissan has re-released the loveable Micra as an EV city car to compete with the likes of Renault.
Ivan Espinosa, the brand’s CEO who took over from Makoto Uchida in April 2025, has also hinted that the brand could be considering a new sports car that could reignite the brand’s appeal, especially among younger drivers.
According to Motor1, this could even take the shape of the mythical IDx Concepts.
These were first discussed some twelve years ago when Nissan unveiled concept cars called the IDx Freeflow and IDx Nismo.
In an interview with Japanese magazine Kuruma News, Nissan’s boss said: “I think [a car like the IDx] will serve many purposes.
“It would be a car that helps express the Nissan brand.
Nissan hopes the new launch will appeal to a younger age groupCredit: Getty
The original Nissan Skyline was dubbed ‘Godzilla’Credit: Getty
“Secondly, it has the potential to appeal to a younger demographic, as it is very important for an automaker to continue to attract younger customers to its brand.
“It’s not just about price, although price is certainly a factor, but there needs to be something compelling that makes young customers want to follow the brand.”
Earlier this year, it was reported a world-class brand rivalling Nissan was finally on sale in the UK.
The little-known brand, which offers affordable yet high-quality motors, has achieved impressive sales figures in markets as diverse as Brazil, Egypt and Indonesia.
Chery Automotive is officially available in the UK, with two stylish models to start out with.
The Tiggo 7 is particularly interesting, as it targets C-segment SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage – both big sellers in the UK.
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The Tiggo 8 is larger, offering a seven-seat layout for families, and will likely go after rivals such as the Peugeot 5008, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Audi Q7.
Chery also has ambitious plans, with two more SUVs – the Tiggo 4 and Tiggo 9 – expected in the coming months to expand its lineup.
The new car should be on the roads in 2027Credit: AFP
The new Skyline is likely to only be available in Japan for the time beingCredit: Alamy
