FYI: Nissan Confirms a New Silvia Sports Car Is in Development
One of the most iconic names in Japanese sports cars is making a comeback. The Nissan Silvia, beloved by enthusiasts for generations, is set to return. This revelation comes after years of speculation and anticipation. Let’s delve into the exciting details surrounding Nissan’s plans for this affordable sports car.
What Will It Be Called?
The Silvia name is highly likely to be retained, continuing its legacy. However, considering its prior branding as the 200SX and 240SX in North America, regional variations in the name are a possibility. The vehicle’s powertrain could also influence its name, particularly if it incorporates electric or hybrid technology. We might see names like SX-E or E-Silvia emerge.
What Will It Look Like?
Design cues for the new Silvia may take inspiration from the Nissan IDx Nismo concept. This concept car embodied the spirit of a compact sports vehicle with a retro-modern aesthetic. Recently, Nissan also showcased a restomod EV version of the Silvia, emphasizing a clean and sleek design due to the reduced cooling needs of an electric powertrain.
What’s Under The Hood?
Nissan has hinted that the next Silvia will feature an electrified powertrain. This could mean a fully electric vehicle, but a plug-in hybrid setup is also a possibility. Details regarding power output and range, however, remain under wraps at this stage.
Who Will Build It?
Nissan aims to keep the development and production of the new Silvia in-house. However, the company’s Vice-President of Global Product Strategy, Ivan Espinosa, acknowledged that collaboration with external partners could be beneficial. This could potentially lead to different versions of the Silvia produced by different manufacturers.
When Will It Debut?
Nissan plans to unveil the new Silvia within this decade. If development progresses as expected, we might see camouflaged prototypes by 2026, with an official debut possibly occurring two to three years later.
How Much Will It Cost?
Adhering to Nissan’s pricing strategy, the new Silvia will need to be positioned below the Nissan Z, which starts at $42,920. Comparatively, the Nissan Leaf, their most affordable electric vehicle, begins at $28,140. Consequently, the new Silvia could be priced around $35,000, appealing to those seeking an affordable yet thrilling sports car.
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William Kouch,
Editor, Automotive.fyi
