Smooth Moves: Nissan Skyline Sedan (V36)
Skyline. A name that strikes fear and passion in equal terms, a name that shows the best Japan can do in terms of sports cars. But a few years back, Nissan changed the meaning of the name into something else. A people's champ that went to the big city and got fancy, if you say. However, some didn't like the change. Keichi Tsuchiya even called the car, quote, "a (Nissan) Cefiro!", which in car terms, it's kinda of a insult. The newfound luxury turned a sports car into a 5-series, and that's not bad, but with that sort of rival, Nissan should and could do better. And that leads us to this car.
This car is the Nissan Skyline 350 Type SP sedan. But you call it an Infiniti G35, because that is this model is. A 5 door lux filled sports sedan, with a V6 engine and loads of techno. But that doesn't mean this is a IS-F, because the mindset of this car is keeping its passengers calm and peaceful, and not breaking their spines with huge G-forces. A product of modern calm Nissan, rather than the mad high-speed one that created the old Skyline.
But in general terms, this car looks good. The lines don't feel heavy nor out of place, and the whole product feels smooth and somewhat attractive, which helps getting customers. It sure looks better than the ugly duck that was the V35.
When you look into the interior, you see plenty of similarities with the R35, including the button layout and the GPS system, which sadly only knows one destiny, "Nissan". Wonder where that is... But it is a confy looking cabin, which is not too shaby. Everywhere else, it's pretty much like the V35 sedan, so there aren't much shocking add-ons.
So, we then must drive it to see how it goes when you put all the leather and the GPS through its paces. Well, don't expect massive drifts nor amazing sound, this is, like I've said, a calm ride. The engine does its job well, gradually building speed and accel for the yes-man who likes a smooth ride. It does have over 300 hp, but those 300 hp are for bussinessman, not for Clarkson. And the 4WD traction gives you so much grip you need to rip off the wheels to knock it off its train tracks, and that takes a lot of time to happen...
It is indeed a calm ride, incredibly calm. And a bit boring. Yes, boring. If you're looking for a emotional ride, forget this one. This car does everything you want. If you're a yes-man, that is. And I'm not one of them, sadly.
The whole handling part is pretty solid, not much goes wrong when you drive this, because the car never strays far from its calm roots. It ain't that sporty, but it sure feels like one of those cars that you want to drive in a long straight road, with the windows down, cruising along at a reasonable speed. Along with the quiet V6 engine, it is a very easy going type of car, so Mr. Richman will be pleased with it when he buys it.
It's a good sedan, a calm ride that helps you relax after you had to race that nerd in the X2011 online. But then Madson will pass you by in his M5 and laugh at you, while speeding away into the sunset. Comparing to the V35, it is a better pick. But if you're looking for fun, nah, I'd pass. Even Nissan themselves sell the coupe version, which is basically a R35 that is RWD and doesn't look like a car that was smashed with a hammer. And then you have the RS4, the C63, etc...
So, it's not that fast nor is it a powerslide machine that smokes more than a AC\DC member, but you have better cars for that. If you wish for a sporty Japanese sedan, you buy a IS-F, even if a M5 can easely smoke it. So where does this car fits? Well, it fits in the... Ok, it doesn't have that much competition.
But in the end, it does its job well, regardless of the lack of emotion in its driving. And since the closest thing, the normal IS, isn't that good, its a good lux barge. It's kinda boring, though...
I do like this car, though. It's a relaxed drive, and I'm the kind of person that likes relaxing stuff. But when I race, I pick a Merc, thank you very much.
I guess it wouldn't hurt (me) to strap Niku into a Prius once more for a comparison against a CR-Z or something.
Obviously, practicality tests are out, as we can't fill the boot of either with much ease
but long range economical-ness could be tested in a race with no pit stops
I suppose. And then
we can try other things to fill the gaps.
No but seriously, the Insight and CR-Z are in a whole other league compared to the Prius. The Cervo also has 63bhp. 
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