Nissan Skyline disguised as Infiniti: how a Japanese sports car became a premium sedan for the USA

When it comes to the legendary Nissan Skyline, most represent iconic models GT-R or naturally aspirated versions with straight sixes. But few people know that since 1989, some generations of Skyline have been officially sold in the USA and other countries... under the brand Infiniti. This is not just a re-gluing of nameplates - there was a complex marketing ploy behind it Nissanaimed at conquering the premium segment.

Why did the Japanese manufacturer take such a step? The point is the restrictions of the American market: in the 80s, the United States introduced voluntary export restrictions for Japanese cars, and Nissan I had to create a separate brand to sell luxury models. This is how it appeared Infiniti - a premium division, under which the converted versions were hidden Skyline, Laurel and other Japanese models. But if with Laurel (became Infiniti M) everything is more or less transparent, then the story with Skyline full of nuances: from modified bodies to unique engines that were not in the original line.

In this article we will look at which generations Skyline sold as Infiniti, how they differed from the Japanese versions, and why today these cars have become the object of hunting for collectors. We’ll also answer the main question: is it worth buying? Infiniti with soul Skyline, if you dream of a real Japanese?

Which generations of Skyline were sold as Infiniti?

Not all generations Skyline received alternative names under the brand Infiniti. The relabeling affected only three generations, with varying degrees of changes:

• 🔹 R32 (1989–1994) - the first generation to be officially exported to the USA as Infiniti G20. At the same time GT-R this generation was never sold under the brand Infiniti - only basic versions with naturally aspirated engines.
• 🔹 R33 (1993–1998) - the most “bifurcated” generation: Infiniti I30 (sedan) and Infiniti J30 (coupe) were based on the platform Skyline, but had unique bodies and interiors. GT-R R33 again remained only for Japan.
• 🔹 V35 (2001–2007) - the last generation to receive an alternative name: Infiniti G35. This was already a full-fledged rebranding with minimal differences from the Japanese version, with the exception of engines and options.

I wonder what Skyline R34 (1998–2002) - the most iconic generation thanks to the film "Fast and Furious" - never sold as Infiniti. This is due to the fact that by the end of the 90s Nissan has already clearly divided the brands: Skyline remained the flagship for the domestic market, and Infiniti became an independent brand with its own models.

If you are looking Skyline under the mask Infiniti, pay attention to VIN codes: for “disguised” cars they begin with JN1 (Japan), not with 1N4 (USA). This is a key sign that what you are looking at is not clean. Infiniti, and relabeled Nissan.

Infiniti G20 (R32): the first experiment with relabelling

Infiniti G20 1991–1996 is nothing less than Nissan Skyline R32 in a sedan body, but with a naturally aspirated engine SR20DE (2.0 l, 140 hp) instead of the legendary ones RB20DET or RB26DETT. Why is this so?

It's about American environmental regulations and taxes on powerful cars. Nissan could not afford to export turbo engines due to high certification costs, so G20 received the "disarmed" version. But the car received:

• 🔧 Reinforced suspension with settings for American roads (softer than Japanese Skyline).
• 🔧 Automatic transmission as standard (in Japan Skyline more often came with “mechanics”).
• 🔧 Improved sound insulation and finishing materials - to match the premium positioning Infiniti.
• 🔧 Other bumpers and grille - externally G20 looked more conservative than aggressive Skyline.

Today Infiniti G20 - rare on the secondary market. It is bought either by collectors or by those who want an inexpensive Japanese sedan with a reliable platform Skyline. But there is a nuance: due to a weak engine SR20DE the car is inferior in dynamics even to the basic versions Skyline GT with RB20DE.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Infiniti G20 Check the automatic transmission service history. In the USA, these cars were often operated in “taxi mode,” which led to wear and tear on the automatic transmission within 150–200 thousand km.

Infiniti I30 and J30 (R33): when the Skyline became a coupe and a sedan at the same time

With the generation Skyline R33 (1993–1998) Nissan made more radical changes. Instead of direct rebranding, as with G20, the company created two separate models:

• 🚗 Infiniti I30 - sedan based Skyline, but with an extended wheelbase (+100 mm) and a completely redesigned exterior. Under the hood was the same VG30DE (3.0 l, V6, 190 hp), same as Nissan Maxima.
• 🚘 Infiniti J30 - a coupe with a unique design that did not look like Skyline, but used its platform and suspension. Engine - VG30DE (210 hp in the Japanese version).

The main difference from Skyline R33 - lack of turbo engines RB and all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS. Infiniti I30/J30 were exclusively rear-wheel drive with naturally aspirated V6s, making them more comfortable cruisers than sports sedans.

Interesting fact: Infiniti J30 became the first model of the brand to be officially sold in Japan - but already under the name Nissan Leopard J.Ferry. It was a reverse rebranding: a car created for the USA returned to its homeland with a different name.

Model	Body	Engine	Power (hp)	Drive
Nissan Skyline R33	Sedan/coupe	RB20DE, RB25DET, RB26DETT	155–280	Rear/Full
Infiniti I30	Sedan	VG30DE	190	Rear
Infiniti J30	Coupe	VG30DE	210	Rear
Nissan Leopard J.Ferry	Coupe	VG30DE	210	Rear

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Infiniti J30 pay attention to the condition of the suspension - due to the heavy weight and soft settings, shock absorbers and silent blocks wear out faster than Skyline R33.

Infiniti G35 (V35): the latest generation of Skyline under a different name

With the exit Skyline V35 in 2001 Nissan finally separated the brands: in Japan the car was sold as Skyline, and beyond - as Infiniti G35. This was the first generation where the differences between versions were kept to a minimum:

• 🔧 Engines: offered in Japan VQ25DD (2.5 l) and VQ30DD (3.0 l), and in the USA - only VQ35DE (3.5 l, 260–280 hp).
• 🔧 Gearboxes: American versions received a 5-speed automatic, while in Japan a 6-speed manual was available.
• 🔧 Exterior: y Infiniti G35 there were different bumpers, radiator grille and optics, but the body remained the same.
• 🔧 Suspension: settings were softer than Japanese Skyline 350GT, but tougher than I30/J30.

Important nuance: Infiniti G35 became the first model of the brand that was officially sold in Russia - but already under the name Nissan Skyline (V35). That is, the car returned to its roots, but only for the post-Soviet market.

Today Infiniti G35 (especially in the coupe body) is one of the most sought-after models on the US secondary market. It is valued for its reliable engine VQ35DE, rear-wheel drive and potential for tuning. In Japan Skyline V35 with the same engine it costs less due to high taxes on cars with a volume of over 2.0 liters.

Why can a Skyline like an Infiniti be more profitable than the original?

At first glance, the purchase Skyline under the brand Infiniti seems strange: why pay for a relabeled car if you can buy a “real” Japanese copy? In fact, this choice has significant advantages:

1. 💰 Lower taxes and cost of ownership. In Japan, cars with an engine capacity over 2.0 liters are subject to high road taxes (keicar tax). Therefore Skyline with motors VQ30DE or VQ35DE in Japan they are cheaper than the same branded cars Infiniti in the USA.
2. 🔧 Easier with spare parts. Infiniti G35 in the USA were sold in large quantities, so spare parts (especially for VQ35DE) is cheaper and more accessible than the rare Japanese versions.
3. 📜 Transparent history. American cars often have a full service history (via Carfax), while Japanese Skyline They are often brought in with “gray” documents.
4. 🚗 More comfortable settings. Infiniti-versions often have soft suspension and better sound insulation, which is important for daily use.

But there are also disadvantages. For example, Infiniti G20 (R32) with motor SR20DE loses in dynamics even to the basic one Skyline 25GT with RB25DE. A Infiniti I30/J30 (R33) deprived of legendary turbo engines RB, which makes them less interesting for tuning.

If your goal is naturally aspirated V6 with rear wheel drive, then Infiniti G35 (V35) - an excellent choice. But if you need turbo Skyline with all-wheel drive, then you will have to look for the original Japanese versions.

How to distinguish Infiniti G35 from Nissan Skyline V35?

The main external differences are the shape of the bumpers, the radiator grille and the taillights. U Infiniti G35 the lights are red with transparent inserts, while the Japanese Skyline V35 - completely red. Also Infiniti There are often chrome moldings on the doors, which the Japanese version does not have.

Tuning and modifications: what can be done with the Skyline-based Infiniti?

One of the main questions that worries buyers: is it possible to Infiniti make a full-fledged one Skyline? The answer is yes, but with reservations. Here are the main directions for modifications:

• 🔥 Engine swap. The most radical option is to install RB26DETT (from GT-R) or VQ35HR (from Infiniti G37). For G20 (R32) swap is also popular SR20DET.
• 🔧 Suspension and brakes. Installation of racks from Skyline GT-R, brake calipers Brembo and reinforced stabilizers transforms the behavior of the car.
• 🎨 Exterior. You can install bumpers and spoilers from Japanese versions Skylineto make the car look more aggressive.
• 📈 Electronics. ECU firmware (for example, Haltech or AEM) allows you to unlock the potential of naturally aspirated engines VQ.

The easiest one for tuning is Infiniti G35 (V35). His motor VQ35DE well known to tuners, and the platform allows you to install parts from Nissan 350Z (which is based on the same chassis FM). The hardest thing with Infiniti G20 (R32) - due to a weak base engine SR20DE Swap often turns out to be economically unfeasible.

⚠️ Attention: When swapping the engine to Infiniti I30/J30 (R33) you will have to solve the issue with electronics - the original wiring is not designed for turbo engines RB. A complete replacement of the harnesses or the manufacture of adapters will be required.

How much does a Skyline cost like an Infiniti today?

Prices for Skyline under the brand Infiniti highly dependent on generation, mileage and market. Here are the current prices for 2026 (in US dollars):

Model	Year	Condition	Price (USD)	Notes
Infiniti G20 (R32)	1991–1996	Good (100-150 thousand miles)	3 000–6 000	Rare, often with automatic transmission. Prices are rising due to its status as a "Japanese classic".
Infiniti I30 (R33)	1996–1999	Satisfactory (150–200 thousand miles)	2 500–5 000	Cheaper J30 due to a less sporty image.
Infiniti J30 (R33)	1993–1997	Excellent (up to 100 thousand miles)	8 000–15 000	The coupe is valued higher than the sedan. Restyled versions (1995+) are more expensive.
Infiniti G35 Sedan (V35)	2003–2006	Good (80-120 thousand miles)	6 000–12 000	6MT versions are 20–30% more expensive than automatic ones.
Infiniti G35 Coupe (V35)	2003–2007	Excellent (up to 80 thousand miles)	12 000–20 000	The most popular coupe. Prices are approaching Nissan 350Z.

On the Russian market Infiniti G35 (V35) can be found for 1.5–3 million rubles depending on condition. Infiniti I30/J30 (R33) - very rare, they are brought to order from the USA or Japan. Infiniti G20 (R32) Almost never found on sale due to age and registration problems.

Is it worth buying? If you are interested naturally aspirated V6 with rear wheel drive, then Infiniti G35 - one of the best options in terms of price/quality ratio. If you need turbo Skyline with all-wheel drive, then it is better to consider the original Japanese versions R32, R33 or R34 GT-R.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline as Infiniti

Is it possible to install a GT-R engine in an Infiniti G20 (R32)?

Technically yes, but it is very expensive. Replacement of the subframe, wiring, fuel system and ECU tuning will be required. Much easier and cheaper to swap SR20DET or RB25DE from other models Skyline.

What is the difference between the Infiniti G35 and the Nissan Skyline V35?

Main differences:

• Engines: y G35 only VQ35DE (3.5 l), and the Japanese Skyline there were also VQ25DD (2.5 l) and VQ30DD (3.0 l).
• Exterior: different bumpers, grille, taillights.
• Suspension: y Infiniti softer settings.
• Gearboxes: in the USA they often came with a 5-speed automatic, in Japan - with a 6-speed manual.

Should you buy an Infiniti J30 (R33) instead of a Skyline R33?

Depends on your goals. Infiniti J30 - this is a comfortable coupe with atmospheric VG30DE, whereas Skyline R33 maybe with turbo engines RB and all-wheel drive. If you want a stylish retro car with a reliable V6, then J30 - a good choice. If you want a sports car, it's better to look Skyline GT-R or GT-S.

Which Skyline-based Infiniti is the most reliable?

Leading in reliability Infiniti G35 (V35) with motor VQ35DE. This engine is known for its service life (300+ thousand km with proper maintenance) and ease of repair. Infiniti I30/J30 (R33) also reliable, but spare parts for VG30DE harder to find. Infiniti G20 (R32) — the most problematic due to age and weak engine SR20DE in the American version.

Is it possible to officially convert an Infiniti G35 into a Nissan Skyline in Russia?

No, that's impossible. The PTS indicates the make and model under which the car was certified. Infiniti G35 And Nissan Skyline V35 - different models in terms of documentation, even if they are based on the same platform.