Student-Built Nissan Z Lealia Wagon And Bluebird Kiwami Wow At 2025 Auto Salon
by AutoExpert | 31 December, 2024
The 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon is just around the corner, and Nissan is bringing an impressive lineup of vehicles. But a few creations really stand out—especially these one-off builds designed by students at the Nissan Automobile Technical College.
Although these custom rides, built as part of their coursework, won't be going into production, they are brimming with creativity and craftsmanship.
Z Lealia
This quirky Z-inspired wagon merges the second-gen Nissan Stagea platform with design cues from the modern Z coupe and the rear end of a Nissan Leaf. The result? This bold mashup features a Z front end, a widened stance, and a coat of Ikazuchi Yellow for that unmistakable Z vibe.
To create the Z Lealia, fourth-year students at Nissan’s Kyoto campus cut, widened, and welded the Stagea’s body, transforming it into a “sports station wagon for family journeys.” Nissan hasn't disclosed the engine, but the Stagea's VQ35 V6 likely powers the rear wheels.
NEO Skyline
This blue coupe takes a V35 Skyline chassis (sold as an Infiniti G35 in the U.S.) and blends retro and modern design elements. Its flat nose and kinked side pillars echo the 1970s Skylines, but the rear end gets a dramatic twist, resembling the 1973 Skyline 2000GT with a reverse wedge shape meant to represent Nissan’s present-day style.
It’s a bold tribute to the Skyline legacy, created to showcase the students’ ability to mix classic inspiration with contemporary design cues.
Bluebird Kiwami
Based on the U11 Nissan Bluebird—a sibling of the first-gen Maxima—this build gets a full widebody treatment. Crafted by third-year students at Nissan’s Aichi campus, it highlights their expertise in auto body repair and design modifications. The aggressive proportions and custom details make it a standout among the student projects.
These unique builds will be on display alongside Nissan’s broader lineup at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon from January 10–12. Whether you’re into nostalgic throwbacks or wild mashups, these student-made creations prove that Nissan’s next generation of designers is already pushing boundaries.