Nissan Skyline V36 – Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Integration
- Naviplus
- Oct 5, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 14
This marks our 4th Skyline installation this year, and we’re hoping to see more of these cars on Australian roads—because the V36 Skyline makes a fantastic daily driver.
This particular V36 belongs to an importer, who brought it to us last week to have Apple CarPlay & Android Auto fitted before handing it over to its first Australian owner.
How the Integration Works
Our CarPlay & Android Auto system integrates directly into the factory audio setup via hardware installation. Components are mounted neatly behind or inside the head unit and screen, with no need for removal or replacement—similar to installing an HDD or SSD in a computer.
Factory Functions Stay Intact
All the original features of the vehicle remain untouched, including the Japanese console and interface, even if they aren’t the most user-friendly. What you gain is the convenience of modern smartphone integration, while keeping the car completely original
Using the Existing Audio Setup
Our CarPlay / Android Auto integration relies on the vehicle’s factory audio system. It makes use of the existing hardware and touchscreen control buttons, though only a select few of these controls are compatible with CarPlay / Android Auto functions
Reminder and Heads Up
The displays in these Skylines are still good quality for their time, but the touch function is not on par with modern models. Naturally, the 2007 to 2012 era systems cannot match the high-quality capacitive screens found in current Infiniti models.
As a result, touch swipe and response will not be as prompt or smooth. Since the original audio was never designed with swipe left and right functions, this is something users will need to accept
SOUND INTEGRATION
Just like our other products, this system uses the AUX input of the factory audio. The actual connection is made between the head unit and our device, so the smartphone does not need to be connected to the AUX cable at all
Sync with those steering wheel controls
Steering wheel controls are generally not compatible with an integration product like ours, since most integration systems focus on bypassing the video and touch input from the factory audio rather than connecting to the additional control buttons.
With the help of our SWC Adapter, however, certain steering wheel buttons, such as the track or voice command controls, can be enabled.
In this case, only the track buttons can be synced. The native voice command cannot be suppressed, so pressing that button will still activate the factory voice command instead of Siri or Google Assistant
The camera will continue to work and display whenever the car is in reverse gear, and most Skylines are already fitted with a factory camera. If not, we can retrofit one using an aftermarket camera, which often provides better image quality. Considering these cars are generally 10 to 15 years old, the overall technology is not as modern as what you would find in current vehicles
Demonstration Video
Here’s a short video taken after the installation, showing how the system works and integrates within the original infotainment setup.
FAQs
Q. Does this work with any Skyline?A. Yes, as long as it has the same audio system. It will not work with the V35 series, as those use a completely different setup.
Q. Can you make the screen more HD?A. No, and it’s not worth attempting. The Infiniti head units used in these cars are not compatible with local Infiniti models or the newer 370Z systems.
Q. How is the touchscreen quality?A. The touchscreen in these cars is fairly average, even below average by today’s standards. Don’t expect flawless swipe or touch performance like an iPad or smartphone. This is due to the nature of the factory display, not our product. Remember, these Skylines are over a decade old, and the technology of that time was far behind what we have now.
Q. Will it also work with local 370Z models?A. No. Although the exterior looks similar, the 370Z uses a different head unit. We do have dedicated kits for the 370Z available in our online store.
Q. Will it work with V36 Skyline sedans?A. Yes, as long as they have the same audio system, which most do.
Q. Will it work with other JDM Nissans from the same era?A. Possibly, but it depends on the head unit and connectors. The Skyline is the most common, but checking the audio setup is the only way to confirm.
Q. Can you upgrade the camera?A. The issue isn’t just the camera, but also the display. Even if you replace the camera with one from a newer Infiniti Q60, the screen’s graphic controller won’t match the quality of modern cars. That said, an aftermarket camera will provide a sharper and brighter image.
Q. Do you offer language conversion?A. No.
Q. Can the voice command button be used for Siri or Google Assistant?A. Unfortunately not. The native voice command menu cannot be suppressed without causing constant error codes.
Q. Will it work with the R35 GT-R?A. No. The GT-R uses a unique Denso head unit designed specifically for that model. We have a separate kit made for the GT-R.
Q. Are there any other Nissan vehicles that might work with this kit?A. Not fully tested, but the E51 Elgrand and Nissan President may be possible candidates
Product lInk:
Get in Touch: 📞 03 9546 0452 ✉️ sales@naviplus.com.au 🌐 www.naviplus.com.au
Comments