The 2020 Nissan Skyline 400R (V37 chassis) is a sleeper performance sedan. Built as the JDM equivalent of the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, the 400R revives a legendary trim name last seen on the iconic R33 GT-R 400R, packaging sports car performance into a comfortable, executive four-door setup.
Exterior Design
The 2020 facelift brought significant visual updates that align the Skyline closer to Nissan’s performance DNA:
- GT-R Inspired Front End: Features Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille with a dark honeycomb mesh, giving it a far more aggressive front fascia compared to standard V37 models.
- Signature Lighting: Redesigned LED headlights up front and return of the iconic four-ring circular LED taillights at the rear—a direct homage to classic Skylines of the past.
- 400R Stance: Sits on model-specific 19-inch dark metallic alloy wheels wrapped in performance run-flat tires, hiding large ventilated disc brakes. Dual chrome exhaust tips and subtle
400Rbadging finish off the rear.
Interior & Luxury Features
Inside, the 400R balances luxury grand touring with a driver-focused cockpit:
Seating & Upholstery: Premium diamond-stitched leather sport seats with contrast red stitching, offering side bolstering to keep passengers planted during spirited driving.
Dual-Screen Infotainment: Features NissanConnect with two stacked displays—an upper screen for navigation/telematics and a lower screen for media, climate, and vehicle telemetry. Includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Driver Interface: Aluminum pedals, magnesium paddle shifters mounted to the steering column, and carbon-fiber trim accents across the center console.
Audio & Comfort: 16-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats with electronic memory settings.
3. Engine, Powertrain & Performance Specs
Under the hood lies the heart of the 400R—a factory-tuned derivative of Nissan’s Z-car engine:
| Attribute | Specification |
| Engine | 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V6 (VR30DDTT) |
| Horsepower | 405 PS (400 hp) @ 6,400 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm @ 1,600 – 5,200 RPM |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Automatic with manual paddle shift mode |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with LSD |
| 0–100 km/h | ~4.5 seconds |
| Suspension | Adaptive Dynamic Suspension (Double Wishbone Front / Multi-link Rear) |
Market Competitors
The 400R sits in the compact-to-midsize luxury performance sedan bracket:
- BMW M340i (G20): The primary rival. Powered by a 3.0L B58 inline-6 (382 hp), the M340i offers a sharper 8-speed ZF transmission and xDrive grip, though the Skyline offers raw rear-wheel-drive playfulness and exclusivity.
- Mercedes-AMG C43 (W205): Features a 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (385 hp) with 4MATIC. The AMG beats the Skyline in interior tech luxury, but the Skyline matches it in straight-line thrust.
- Audi S4 (B9): 3.0L Turbo V6 (349 hp) Quattro. Highly capable in wet conditions, though less tail-happy than the RWD 400R.
- Lexus IS350 F-Sport: Naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 (311 hp). Highly reliable, but down nearly 90 hp compared to the twin-turboed Nissan.
Pricing in Kenya
Because the 2020 model falls within the allowable 8-year import window for Kenya, pricing varies based on mileage, auction grade, and duty clearance fees:
- Import / Landed Cost (2020 Model): KES 5,500,000 to KES 6,200,000 fully cleared in Nairobi/Mombasa.
- Showroom / Dealer Price: Expect to pay between KES 6,000,000 and KES 6,500,000 for high-grade, low-mileage imports on local forecourts.
Running Costs in Kenya
Fuel Economy & Fuel Type
- Consumption: Expect 7.5 km/L to 9.0 km/L in Nairobi urban traffic, improving to around 12.5 km/L on highway runs (e.g., Nairobi–Mombasa road).
- Fuel Grade: Requires strict V-Power / 95+ Octane Premium Unleaded due to high-boost twin turbochargers. Regular 93 octane will cause knocking and ECU de-tuning.
Maintenance & Parts Availability
Routine Servicing: Oil changes require high-grade synthetic oil (5W-30) every 5,000 km–7,500 km. Minor service runs roughly KES 20,000 – KES 35,000.
Spare Parts Sourcing: Basic wear-and-tear items (brake pads, filters, fluids) can be cross-referenced with local Nissan/Infiniti specialists in Nairobi. However, 400R-specific body panels, turbo sensors, and suspension parts will often need to be imported directly from Japan or UAE, leading to longer lead times.
Insurance & Taxes: Comprehensive insurance typically averages 3.5% – 4% of the vehicle’s value annually (approx. KES 220,000 – KES 270,000/year). Annual KRA engine capacity levies apply due to the 3,000cc displacement.
The 2020 Nissan Skyline 400R is a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking 400-horsepower twin-turbo performance without drawing the overt attention of a traditional supercar.
Compiled by Sipitali Shitsukane
Automoive Enthusiast, Car Imports Consultant