Nissan’s automotive apprentices have unleashed their creativity ahead of this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, presenting three distinct vehicles that challenge conventional design limits.
Students from the Nissan Automobile College are rigorously trained in various aspects of vehicle production, encompassing everything from sheet metal fabrication and painting to maintenance and motorsport skills.
For the January event, aspiring designers from Nissan’s campuses in Aichi and Kyoto have crafted a trio of concept vehicles, drawing inspiration from both contemporary and classic automotive designs.
Among these innovative creations, the standout model is the ‘Z Lealia’ from the Kyoto team. This striking wagon harmoniously blends the aggressive aesthetics of the Z sports coupe with a practical long-roof format. Built on the M35-generation Stagea wagon platform, the fourth-year students seamlessly integrated the Z’s front bumper while the rear showcases a union of the Z’s distinctive wheel arches, tail lights, and roofline with elements borrowed from the Nissan Leaf.
The Z Lealia flaunts an eye-catching exterior in the Z’s signature Ikazuchi Yellow, while the interior, largely preserved, features sleek black and yellow accents along with the sporty Z steering wheel.
The Kyoto team also unveiled the ‘NEO Skyline,’ a tribute to the iconic fourth-generation Skyline Hardtop, known in Australia as the Datsun 240K. This reimagined V35-generation model—dubbed the Kemmeri Skyline thanks to a memorable marketing campaign—targets buyers in their 30s to 50s, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The NEO designation signifies Nostalgia, Enthusiastic, and Original; however, the design merges elements from the classic Skyline with hints reminiscent of the Fiat Coupe.
Interior updates on the NEO Skyline are minimal, focused on color enhancements and a sportier steering wheel. Notably, this model features a brand-new exterior hue named Tomoaki Blue.
Completing the trio is the Bluebird Kiwami, conceived by third-year students from the Aichi campus specializing in vehicle maintenance and bodywork. This modern take on the 1980s PU11 Bluebird Maxima reinterprets the four-door sedan for a contemporary audience, characterized by bold body contours, a prominent front bumper, a ducktail spoiler, and a muscular rear end. It showcases Aurora Flare Blue Pearl—a color borrowed from the R35 GT-R—paired with a Nardi steering wheel and stylish Work wheels that pay homage to the car modification culture of the late 20th century.
These concepts are only a glimpse of what Nissan will showcase at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, which will also feature an electric version of the legendary R32 Skyline GT-R.
For further insights: Classic Nissan Skyline GT-R goes electric.
Source:www.carexpert.com.au
