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:
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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.
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!