The Long-Awaited Return of the Nissan Silvia
It’s been over a decade since Nissan first teased us with the retro-styled IDx concept, hinting at a third sports car to join the ranks of the 370Z and GT-R. Fast forward to today—the shiny new Z has replaced the 370Z, and the GT-R is currently taking a breather. As for the IDx, well, that project never quite made it off the drawing board. Nissan worried it would be too costly to produce, and let’s be honest, they didn’t want it stealing the spotlight from the 370Z.
Nissan Drops the Bombshell
But now, hold onto your hats, because Nissan has been dropping some tantalizing hints lately. Yes, it’s official: the legendary Silvia is making a comeback! In a recent interview with Australia’s Drive magazine, Nissan’s Vice-President of Global Product Strategy, Ivan Espinosa, confirmed that the wheels are in motion. “We’ve started some very early upstream exercises of what the architecture could look like,” he revealed, sparking excitement among car enthusiasts everywhere.
What Exactly Are “Upstream Exercises”?
Now, in corporate speak, “upstream exercises” are essentially fancy words for the initial planning and development stages. Espinosa aims to have this sports car ready to hit the streets by the end of the decade, but there’s a twist—this Silvia is expected to come with an electrified powertrain. That may not be music to the ears of purists, but let’s face it, a gas-only setup wouldn’t fly in today’s world, especially in Europe, where emissions regulations are tighter than a drum.
Why Electrification is a Must
Nissan is playing the long game here. They want the reborn Silvia to meet regulations across as many markets as possible to justify the serious investment it will take to bring this beauty back to life. And don’t expect a collaboration with another automaker like the Z4/Supra or GR86/BRZ twins. No, this new Silvia is going to be an all-Nissan effort, with Espinosa confident that the company can handle the engineering solo.
The Challenges of Reviving a Classic
That said, even Espinosa admits this project is no walk in the park. Developing a sports car from the ground up is a costly venture, and the sports car market isn’t exactly booming. Nissan took its sweet time replacing the 370Z with the new Z, and even that wasn’t a complete overhaul. So it’s understandable that the company might be hesitant to pour money into another niche product, especially when they’re already juggling the Z and the upcoming GT-R.
Will the Silvia Make the Cut?
Launching a third sports car adds another layer of complexity during tough times for Nissan, especially with the need to electrify their lineup. However, with the Silvia’s cult following and the growing scarcity of affordable sports cars, there’s a glimmer of hope that this icon will return. If Honda can resurrect the Prelude, maybe—just maybe—the Silvia can survive in today’s SUV-dominated world.
Stay tuned, because the rebirth of the Silvia could be the spark that reignites the sports car segment!
1. When can we expect the new Nissan Silvia to be released?
While there isn’t an official release date yet, Nissan aims to have the new Silvia ready by the end of the decade. The development process is still in its early stages, so it may be a few years before we see the final product.
2. Will the new Silvia be fully electric?
The revived Silvia is expected to feature an electrified powertrain. Given the strict emissions regulations, especially in Europe, a gas-only setup is unlikely. However, it’s not clear whether it will be fully electric or a hybrid.
3. Is Nissan really bringing back the Silvia?
Yes, Nissan has confirmed that the iconic Silvia is set to make a comeback. The confirmation came from Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s Vice-President of Global Product Strategy, who revealed that the early stages of development, known as “upstream exercises,” have begun.