Nissan has officially started working on a new version of the beloved Silvia sports car. This exciting news comes after over a decade of waiting and speculation since the Japanese automaker introduced the IDx concept, a retro-inspired sports coupe that could have joined the 370Z and GT-R in Nissan’s performance lineup. While the IDx never made it to production due to cost concerns and potential market cannibalization, Nissan's desire for a third sports car has not been abandoned. Now, it’s official: the Silvia is making a comeback. The new Silvia will almost certainly feature an electrified powertrain, which might dishearten purists who long for a gasoline-powered sports car. However, Nissan’s decision is driven by the increasingly stringent global emissions regulations, especially in regions like Europe. An all-gasoline Silvia would simply not be feasible in today’s regulatory environment. By embracing electrification, Nissan hopes to build a car that can be sold in as many markets as possible, achieving the economies of scale necessary to make such a niche vehicle viable.
Unlike other automakers who have partnered with rivals to produce sports cars—like Toyota with BMW for the Supra and Z4, or Subaru for the GR86/BRZ twins—Nissan plans to go it alone in developing the new Silvia. This is a bold move, given the high costs and low profit margins associated with sports cars. Espinosa acknowledged the difficulty, admitting that the project requires a "serious level of investment." Despite these challenges, Nissan is determined to create a Silvia that is 100% Nissan, rather than opting for a co-development approach with another brand.
The sports car market is notoriously tricky. These vehicles are expensive to develop, and sales are typically modest compared to more mainstream models. Nissan’s own experience with the 370Z illustrates this challenge; it took them over a decade to replace the 370Z with the new Z, which itself is not an all-new model but rather a heavily updated version of its predecessor. The GT-R, known affectionately as "Godzilla," is another example of how Nissan takes its time with sports cars. The R35 GT-R has been in production since 2007, and while a new version is in the works, Nissan isn’t rushing to replace it.
Given the high stakes and the complexities of launching a third sports car, it’s understandable why Nissan is being cautious. The company has already committed to the new Z and is developing a successor to the GT-R, so adding another performance car to the mix—especially one with the cult following of the Silvia—is a major undertaking. Still, Espinosa’s confidence in Nissan’s ability to develop the car in-house speaks to the company’s commitment to its performance heritage.
The Silvia, also known as the 200SX in some markets, has a long history dating back to the 1960s. It became particularly iconic in the 1990s with the S13, S14, and S15 models, which were praised for their balance, handling, and tuner-friendly nature. The car gained a devoted fanbase, especially in the drifting community, and remains a sought-after classic today.
The scarcity of affordable sports cars in the current market only adds to the excitement surrounding the new Silvia. In a world increasingly dominated by SUVs and electric crossovers, the prospect of a relatively affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car is a breath of fresh air. The recent resurgence of other iconic sports cars, like Honda’s upcoming Prelude revival, gives hope that there is still a place for these vehicles in the automotive landscape.
As Nissan moves forward with the development of the new Silvia, fans can expect a modern interpretation of the classic sports car. It will likely combine electrification with Nissan's performance expertise, offering a new take on the lightweight, driver-focused formula that made the Silvia a legend. While purists may lament the absence of a traditional gasoline engine, the move toward electrification is a necessary step in ensuring the car’s global viability.
It will be several years before we see the new Silvia on the road, but the fact that Nissan is officially working on the project is a promising sign. In a market where sports cars are becoming increasingly rare, the return of the Silvia offers a glimmer of hope for enthusiasts. Let’s hope Nissan delivers a car that honors the Silvia’s legacy while embracing the future of automotive performance.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
Chevrolet is excited to announce the arrival of the Equinox EV to the Middle East, making its first appearance at the Auto World Show in Kuwait from September 23rd to 28th 2024.
Mini is recalling over 140,000 of its electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide due to a potential battery fire risk, including 12,535 in the United States. The recall specifically affects the 2020-2024 Mini Cooper SE models. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall stems from possible faults in the high-voltage battery that may not meet the automaker's production standards.
Automakers have long had a penchant for nostalgia, often reviving vintage designs with modern twists that capture our hearts while leaving us wistful. The Renault R17 is a prime example of this trend—an exquisite concept car that marries the charm of the past with the innovation of the present. Unfortunately, despite its allure, Renault has no plans to bring the R17 to production. But let’s dive into what makes this concept so remarkable.
SHARE
