Nissan’s Kyoto Automobile Technical College Designs: Bluebird Kiwami, NEO Skyline & Z Lealia

The Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 will feature an exciting lineup of student-built vehicles that merge tradition with modern flair, showcasing the passion and creativity of the next generation of automotive designers. These impressive projects, developed by talented students from Nissan’s technical colleges, highlight a unique blend of luxury, performance, and style. Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Nissan Bluebird Kiwami, Nissan NEO Skyline, and Nissan Z Lealia—three vehicles that embody the students’ vision for the future of automotive design while paying homage to Nissan’s rich heritage.

2025 Nissan Bluebird Kiwami: A Bold Fusion of Luxury and Sportiness

Created by third-year students from the Auto Body Master Course at Nissan Aichi Automobile Technical College, the Bluebird Kiwami is a stunning reinterpretation of a classic. Built on the foundation of the PU11 Bluebird Maxima, a top-tier model from 36 years ago, this vehicle combines luxury and sportiness, targeting young drivers who want a car that’s as fun to drive as it is stylish.

The Bluebird Maxima, known for its 4-door hardtop body and spacious interior, was an icon of luxury in its time. The students, however, aimed to push boundaries, blending that same luxury with a youthful energy and a sporty driving experience. The name “Kiwami,” which means “ultimate” in Japanese, reflects the students' desire to perfect every aspect of the car—from the exterior design to the interior and driving experience.

Finished in the striking ‘Aurora Flare Blue Pearl,’ the Bluebird Kiwami’s color evokes images of the sea and blue skies, setting the tone for an active and vibrant driving experience. In just 2.5 months, the students managed to capture the essence of Nissan’s DNA, infusing it with a youthful, energetic spirit that appeals to the next generation of car enthusiasts.

2025 Nissan NEO Skyline: A Modern Tribute to the Kenmary

The Nissan NEO Skyline, crafted by fourth-year students from Nissan Kyoto Automobile Technical College, is a tribute to the iconic Skyline from the 1970s—fondly known as the Kenmary. This modern reimagining of the classic model draws inspiration from the CV35 Skyline Coupe, giving it a sleek and contemporary design that appeals to a new generation while staying true to its roots.

The NEO Skyline was created with a specific audience in mind: car enthusiasts in their 30s to 50s who remember the Kenmary fondly, rediscovering the joy of driving. The name “NEO” stands for nostalgia, encouragement, and originality, capturing the essence of this blend of past and present. The students worked meticulously to retain the spirit of the Kenmary, while also modernizing its design to fit contemporary tastes.

Finished in a custom ‘Tomoaki Blue’ that builds upon the original Kenmary’s bright blue metallic with a pearl finish, the NEO Skyline captures both nostalgia and newness. The students’ attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, from the sculpted bodywork to the carefully selected color palette, making the NEO Skyline a true homage to the Skyline legacy.

2025 Nissan Z Lealia: A Family-Friendly Sports Station Wagon

The Z Lealia, another project from Nissan Kyoto Automobile Technical College, offers a fresh take on family transportation, blending the thrill of sports car driving with the practicality needed for family journeys. Built by fourth-year students, the Z Lealia was created with the vision of a “sports station wagon for family journeys”—a vehicle that combines excitement with everyday functionality.

Inspired by the M35 Stagea and featuring elements from the latest RZ34 Fairlady Z, the Z Lealia is designed to appeal to fathers who love sports cars but also need a vehicle that can accommodate their families. The name “Lealia” combines the English word “lead” with the Latin word “familia,” reflecting the students' intent to lead the way with a car that can fulfill both performance and family needs.

Finished in the striking ‘Ikazuchi Yellow,’ a color that matches the Fairlady Z, the Z Lealia features a complete redesign, including rear fenders widened to give it a muscular stance, and the rear section of a Nissan LEAF to enhance its unique look. The students took inspiration from the Fairlady Z’s design language and successfully merged it with the functional needs of a family car, creating a vehicle that stands out on both style and substance.

A Future of Innovation

These three projects from Nissan’s technical colleges offer a glimpse into the future of automotive design, where creativity, passion, and technical skill come together to create vehicles that are both innovative and grounded in Nissan’s legacy. The students have shown remarkable dedication, pushing the limits of what is possible with their respective projects, and in doing so, they’ve created cars that are not only visually stunning but also embody a forward-thinking spirit.

The Bluebird Kiwami, NEO Skyline, and Z Lealia may be student projects, but they stand as proof that the next generation of automotive designers is more than ready to carry the torch. These cars are more than just vehicles—they are a reflection of the students' aspirations and their desire to create something that resonates with car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. With these projects, Nissan is clearly paving the way for an exciting and innovative future in the automotive world.