Infiniti EX Badged As Nissan Skyline Crossover For Japan Market

Available in US and European markets, Nissan’s luxury arm Infiniti is set to release its EX all-wheel-drive ‘crossover SUV’ in Japan, where it will be badged as a Nissan Skyline Crossover.

It might seem odd that the vehicle has previously not been available to Japanese buyers (after all, it's made there), and even odder to slap the revered ‘Skyline’ badge on an SUV-style vehicle, but there is some method to Nissan’s madness.

The Infiniti EX is built on the same FM platform that underpins the likes of the M series of cars, as well as the 350Z and the Infiniti G37 (a derivation of the Nissan V36 Skyline sedan and coupe).  So, the Skyline heritage is there.

Due to go on sale in Japan on April 18, the Nissan Skyline Crossover will carry Nissan’s 3.7 litre VQ37HR engine – which also powers the G37 and 370Z – mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Nissan, in its wisdom, has opted to not offer the Skyline or the Skyline Crossover in Australia - we get the Maxima (hmm... oh well). Keen drivers live in hope that the Skyline will some day make its triumphant return to the Aussie market.

See our review of the 2008 Nissan V36 Skyline 370GT.