Nissan is in a complicated spot right now. The company seems to be on the precipice of merging with Honda. In addition, the automaker’s sales in the United States were basically flat through the third quarter, with deliveries up just 0.6 percent.
While Nissan is having financial difficulties, plenty of talented people are still working there. This year’s Tokyo Auto Salon runs from January 10-12, 2025, and students from the Nissan Automobile College have an exciting trio of custom vehicles to premiere there.
Students Build A Nissan Z Wagon
A group of fourth-year college students took six months to build the Z Lealia, a four-door station wagon that looks like a modern Nissan Z. The concept’s name comes from combining the English word “Lead” with the Latin word “Familia”. However, the company doesn’t offer a meaning for this odd portmanteau.
Despite looking like a modern Z, the underpinnings are from the Nissan M35 Stagea, a wagon that shared underpinnings with the contemporary Skyline, which was available from 2001 to 2007. The team cut off the rear fenders and roof and then attached the back section from a Leaf.
The students wanted to create a vehicle that would be “a sports wagon for families,” according to the model’s announcement. The front end comes directly from the current Z. The designers extend the roof far enough to add an extra pair of doors and a hatchback rear. The vibrant exterior color is Ikazuchi Yellow,
A Tribute To A Classic Skyline
Another team of fourth-year students took six months to build the Neo Skyline concept. The crew started by overhauling the body of the Nissan CV35 Skyline Coupe, which was available from 2003 to 2007 in Japan and similar to the Infiniti G35 Coupe in the United States. The members then made a retro throwback to the version of the Skyline available from 1972 to 1977.
The resulting machine follows the general lines from the ‘70s Skyline but with a modern edge. The body has more curves than the original, but the exterior retains the original’s trademark elements, such as the raised element that cuts through the rear fenders. The exterior is Tomoaki Blue, a throwback to a metallic color available on the original model.
A Modified Maxima
Finally, the third-year students built a heavily modified Bluebird Maxima over 2.5 months, which they named the Bluebird Kiwami. This model is related to the second-gen Maxima in the United States. However, it has a rare four-door hardtop body without a pillar separating the front and rear doors.
The young designers give this Bluebird Maxima a body kit straight out of the 1980s. The sharp-edged fender extensions are so broad that the rear door handles have to stick out farther than usual. A blocky front and rear fascia complete the retro appearance. Aurora Flare Blue Pearl paint makes the car shine under lights.
TopSpeed’s Take
These are three fun concepts. It’s fascinating to see what Nissan’s student teams can come up with. Even if Nissan is struggling, there are clearly talented people working there.
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