This Z Wagon Is Two Nissans in One: Students Build Unique Concepts for Tokyo Auto Salon

The upcoming 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, set for January 10-12, promises an exciting lineup of vehicles from Nissan. Among them are three fascinating one-off creations by students from the Nissan Automobile Technical College, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and a touch of nostalgia.

Here’s a closer look at these unique builds:

Z Lealia: A Sports Wagon Nobody Asked For

The Z Lealia is a quirky mix of the Nissan Stagea, Z, and Leaf—a mashup that results in a station wagon unlike anything else.

  • Chassis & Design: Built on the second-gen Nissan Stagea platform, it features squarish sides and a four-door layout.
  • Hybrid Bodywork: The front borrows the aggressive face of the new Z, while the rear incorporates the tail end of a Nissan Leaf, all painted in Ikazuchi Yellow.
  • Purpose: Designed by fourth-year Kyoto campus students, it’s described as a “sports station wagon for family journeys.”

Though odd in proportions, the Z Lealia embodies innovation, showcasing the students’ ability to blend classic and modern elements in a bold concept.

 

Unique Nissan concept cars by students, including the Z Lealia sports wagon, NEO Skyline coupe, and widebody Bluebird Kiwami sedan, on display at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.

 

NEO Skyline: Nostalgia Meets Modernity

This blue coupe, dubbed the NEO Skyline, is a retro-modern take on the iconic Skyline series, blending elements from the 1970s and mid-2000s.

  • Foundation: Based on the V35 Skyline (Infiniti G35 in the U.S.), it sports bodywork inspired by the classic 1973 Skyline 2000GT.
  • Retro Styling: A flat nose and kinked side pillars bring old-school vibes, while the rear design represents contemporary lines.
  • Philosophy: The car aims to appeal to both nostalgic older buyers and younger enthusiasts, combining the best of past and present Skylines.

Built by Kyoto campus fourth-year students, the NEO Skyline is a bold reinterpretation of a beloved nameplate.

 

Unique Nissan concept cars by students, including the Z Lealia sports wagon, NEO Skyline coupe, and widebody Bluebird Kiwami sedan, on display at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.

 

Bluebird Kiwami: The 1980s Reimagined

The Bluebird Kiwami brings a widebody, retro-cool vibe to the U11 Nissan Bluebird, which shares its platform with the first-gen Maxima.

  • Widebody Excellence: With a kit that rivals Rocket Bunny’s designs, this boxy sedan transforms into a muscular two-door-look coupe.
  • Hidden Rear Doors: Cleverly integrated handles above the rear wheel arches maintain the sedan’s functionality.
  • Craftsmanship: Created by third-year Aichi campus students specializing in auto body repair, it highlights extensive bodywork skills.

Of the three, the Bluebird Kiwami arguably steals the show with its unapologetically bold design.

 

Unique Nissan concept cars by students, including the Z Lealia sports wagon, NEO Skyline coupe, and widebody Bluebird Kiwami sedan, on display at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.

 

A Celebration of Innovation and Skill

These cars aren’t destined for production, but they showcase the immense talent and imagination of Nissan’s student teams. Whether it’s the funky Z Lealia, nostalgic NEO Skyline, or the aggressively cool Bluebird Kiwami, each concept pushes boundaries while staying rooted in Nissan’s history.

If you’re attending the Tokyo Auto Salon, these one-of-a-kind creations are a must-see!