Nissan Silvia

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The Nissan Silvia is the name given to the company's long-running line of sport coupes based on the Nissan S platform. Although recent models have shared this chassis with other vehicles produced by Nissan (most notably the European 200SX and North American 240SX in the S13 and S14 generations, and 180SX in the Japanese market), the name Silvia is not interchangeable with the chassis codes.

[edit] The Original Silvia

Nissan Silvia (CSP311)
CSP311 Silvia ‎

The Nissan Silvia CSP311 made its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in September of 1964. The introductory model was a hand-built coupe based on the Fairlady convertible, styled with input from Count Albrecht Goertz. Production ceased in 1968 after a mere 554 were made, every one unique with hand-formed body panels. Most of the cars remained in Japan, however 49 examples were exported to Australia and another 10 went to other countries. The low production numbers and tedious method of construction assured each car was unique and valuable; this is reflected by the car's purchase price of almost twice as much as the next model in the manufacturer's lineup at the time. After production ceased in 1968, the name Silvia would not grace another Nissan until 1974.

[edit] S10

Nissan Silvia (S10)
Silvia S10

The S10 was the first Silvia built on the S platform. It featured more "traditional" lines than similar offerings from rivals Toyota and Mazda and was summarily less popular with consumers in most markets. In Japan it was fitted with an L18B engine, which it shared with the Datsun 610/Bluebird 180B. In the North American market a version incorporating the larger-displacement L20B was offered as the 200B of the same series Bluebird. This model was affixed with the mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) bumpers and badged as the Datsun 200sx. Its success in both markets was limited, most buyers opting for the Celica over what was considered the more mundane S-Chassis.

[edit] S110

Nissan Silvia (S110)
S110 Silvia ‎
Production	1979–1983
Engine(s)	Z20, Z22
Height	sa

This iteration of the Silvia (sold in North America as the 200SX), available as a 2-door hardtop coupe and a 3-door hatchback, was uniquely progressive in that it was originally intended to feature a rotary engine, designed and built by Nissan. The resulting unit was fairly unreliable, and forestalled production. Ironically, it shared a chassis code with the also ill-fated Mazda Cosmo, first Japanese production car to feature a rotary engine. The car was redesigned shortly after it was released and the Wankel power plant was replaced by a line of conventional piston engines based on the new Z-series engine. These included the Z20 and the turbocharged and fuel injected Z18ET. In USA/Canada the 200SX had the Z20E with H165 rear axle and from 1982-1983 It had a Z22E engine with H190 rear axle

This generation saw the introduction of the Silvia 240RS, a coupe fitted with the 2.4 liter DOHC FJ24 engine. The 240RS was built between 1983 and 1985, its production extending the end of the S110 itself. The resulting monster became Nissan's official rally car in the World Rally Championship from 1983 to 1985, and finished 2nd in the 1983 New Zealand Rally.

front

rear

[edit] S12

The S12 was produced from 1984 through 1988, and went through a lot of changes along the way. The chassis became a test bench for all sorts of Nissan technology, ranging from digital voice commands, rain sensing wipers, Heads Up Display on the windshield, exterior mounted intercoolers and accomplishing all this with eight different engine configurations and three separate drivetrain setups. Not only that, but they were all called different names depending on which country they were being exported to.

In North America:

The S12 chassis in North America was badged 200SX. The Coupe was available with the CA20E while the Hatchback received the CA20E or CA18ET. In 1987 in the United States, Nissan discontinued putting the CA18ET into the Hatchback and created the SE model which had the potent VG30E generating 160 hp (120 kW) and 165 hp (123 kW) in 1988 with the introduction of the "W" series engine which had floating piston wrist pins.

In Europe:

The S12 chassis in Europe was badged Silvia. The only body option for the Silvia in Europe was the Hatchback; they did not receive the Coupe. The engine available was the CA18ET and in some areas the FJ20E.

Japan:

The S12 chassis in Japan was also badged as a Silvia. The Silvia was available in both the coupe and hatchback. They were badged as the RS and RS-X. The RS was equipped with the FJ20E while the RS-X was equipped with the FJ20ET which is considered by some to have fathered the SR series. In 1987 Nissan discontinued to put in the FJ Series engine and installed the CA18DET. Both Engines being DOHC.

Australia:

The S12 chassis in Australia was badged as a Gazelle. The Gazelle was available in both the coupe and hatchback, and was equipped with the CA20E. IRS was introduced in 1985, electronic ignition following with a mild revision of appearance in 1986.

[edit] Engine

[edit] Drivetrain Variations

[edit] S13

Nissan Silvia (S13)
S13 Silvia, K's model ‎
Production	1988–1993
Body style(s)	2-door coupe
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	1.8 L DOHC-I4 (CA18DE) 1.8 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (CA18DET) 2.0 L DOHC-I4 (SR20DE), 140 PS 2.0 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (SR20DET), 205 PS
Transmission(s)	5 speed manual transmission 4 speed automatic
Wheelbase	97.4 in (2475 mm)
Length	176.0  in (4470 mm)
Width	66.5  in (1690 mm)
Height	50.8  in (1290 mm)
Curb weight	2450-2675 lb (1110-1210 kg)

The S13 Silvia, introduced in mid-1988 for the 1989 model year, was immensely popular in Japan. The Silvia name was no longer used on export models, however; European models were now known as 200SX. Following industry trends, the S13 Silvia switched to relampable fixed headlights. Projector optics were offered as an option.

The Silvia fastback was discontinued and replaced by a new model sharing the S platform, the Nissan 180SX. The 180SX continued using pop-up headlights. A convertible was briefly offered soon after the start of production, but it was never popular, perhaps due to high cost (3.25 million Yen in 1988), heavier curb weight, and chassis flex.

The S13 was one of the first uses of Nissan's multi-link rear suspension, the technology of which was previewed in concept cars in previous years, such as the Nissan MID-4. It also offered a four-wheel steering system for the first time, known as HICAS-II. In 1990, HICAS-II would be updated and renamed SuperHICAS. The S13 also saw the introduction of a viscous-type limited slip differential for some models.

S13 Silvias were initially powered by the CA18DE and CA18DET engines carried over from the end of S12 production, with an intercooler added to the CA18DET for a slight increase in stability and power. In mid 1990, (for the 1991 model year) the SR20DE and SR20DET engines debuted, offering improvements across the board in power and torque due to increased displacement and a more efficient turbocharger than was offered on the previous cars.

The S13 Silvia was replaced after the 1993 model year by the new S14 design. In 1998, the S13 Silvia was resurrected, in part. A variant was produced by Kid's Heart for Nissan called the Sileighty, which featured the 180SX body with the front end from the Silvia. The Sileighty style was originally created by Japanese enthusiasts for their own 180SX's, and is still a common modification for the 180SX and 240SX fastback.

[edit] Trim Level Designation

The S13 Silvia was the first S-series car to use the J's , Q's, and K's (references to the face cards of English playing cards) designations for the different trim levels or "grades."

The J's was the base model with a very basic interior, few standard amenities, and 14" steel wheels. The Q's model offered a slightly more refined experience and received electric options and an available LSD. The K's grade received the turbocharged CA18DET or SR20DET (depending on the year of manufacture) in addition to the options offered on the Q's.

On top of the K's and Q's models, The Club and Diamond Selection packages came with specific options bundled together. For example, all K's Club Selections came with projector headlamps, a rear spoiler, and 15" aluminum wheels.

The rare Silvia A's "Almighty" was introduced in late 1992. Trim wise, the Almighty slotted between the J's and Q's, offering options not available on J's, but not including all the standard features of Q's. The Almighty was purportedly offered as a "purer" form of the sports car. The only available engine/transmission was the naturally-aspirated SR20DE coupled with the 4-speed automatic.

[edit] S14

Nissan Silvia (S14)
1993-1996 S14 (Zenki)
Production	1994-1998
Body style(s)	2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	2.0 L DOHC-I4 (SR20DE), 160-165 PS 2.0 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (SR20DET), 225-250 PS
Transmission(s)	5 speed manual transmission 4 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2525 mm (99.4 in)
Length	4498 mm (177.0 in)
Width	1727 mm (68.0 in)
Height	1288 mm (50.7 in)
Curb weight	1253 kg (2762 lb)

1996-1998 S14 (Kouki)

The S14 Silvia debuted in Japan at the end of 1993. It was lower and wider than the S13. New rounded styling contributed to the illusion of a much greater increase in size than actually occurred. Wheelbase and track were both increased, leading to slightly improved handling. Unlike export markets, where sales of the S14 chassis variants faltered, the Silvia remained popular in Japan.

Trim level designations were similar to the S13, however the Club Selection package was dropped. "Aero" variants of the Q's and K's were offered that featured large rear wings and mild ground effects.

The S14 Silvia K's received a new version of the SR20DET, boasting a slight bump in power due to the implementation of Nissan's variable valve timing system, VTC, and a larger T28 turbocharger.

There was a mild styling update to the S14 during 1996, which added aggressive-looking projector headlamps and tinted taillights to all models. Fascias and other exterior trim pieces were also revised. The turbocharger now used a more efficient ball bearing center section. This updated version is popularly known as the kouki (後期, literally "later period") S14, or by enthusiasts as the CS14. The final model year of S14 production in all markets was 2000.

[edit] 270R

The Nismo 270R was a limited edition vehicle developed by Nissan Motorsports. The vehicle was built on the S14 chassis but had many enhancements over the Silvia. Only fifty 270Rs were ever built and they were only produced in 1994. The '270' is in reference to the horsepower of the unique car as opposed to the displacement of the engine (as other vehicles, including the 240sx, were previously named upon). The 270R featured a vented hood, Nismo 'Edge' Aero kit, heavy duty clutch, 2-way limited slip differential, and a front mount intercooler among many other upgrades. All the 270s were painted black with 'Nismo 270R' badging above the rear wheels and a product numbered plaque in the glove compartment.

[edit] Autech K's MF-T

Tuning company Autech, has a tuned adaption of the CS14 King's variant. This includes Aero style HUD with white displays and gauges for oil pressure, boost, and voltage in the centre console, along with a MOMO steering wheel and leather gear knob. The interior trim is also revised.

Handling improvements include multi-link suspension, firmer shocks and springs, front strut brace, and a rear sway bar. A large F40 style rear spoiler and aero bodykit with Autech indicators are also fitted. An "Autech Version K's MF-T" badge and sticker can be found on the boot.

An IHI ball bearing turbo (VN14) was fitted in favour of the Garrett T28 for slightly quicker response and flow. Larger 480 cc Injectors found in the later S15 Spec R's were also fitted as well as a thicker 80 mm intercooler also found in S15's. To help expel exhaust, a higher flowing Fujitsubo Giken (FGK) exhaust was fitted.

The engine is an Autech-tuned SR20DET that produces 182kW (245HP).

According to the Autech website, the vehicle is still available at a cost of ¥2.99 Million Yen ($USD26875).

[edit] S15

Nissan Silvia (S15)
S15 Silvia Spec-R Aero
Production	1999–2002
Body style(s)	2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	2.0 L DOHC-I4 (SR20DE), 165 PS 2.0 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (SR20DET), 250 PS
Transmission(s)	5 or 6 speed manual transmission 4 speed automatic
Wheelbase	99.4 in (2525 mm)
Length	175.0  in (4445 mm)
Width	66.7  in (1695 mm)
Height	50.6  in (1285 mm)
Curb weight	2650-2800 lb (1200-1270 kg)

Japan saw a new version of the Silvia (S15) in 1999, now boasting 250 hp (184 kW) from its SR20DET engine, thanks to a slight turbocharger upgrade, as well as improved engine management. The SR20DE (non-turbo motor) featured only 165 hp (121 kW).

The S15 Silvia included aggressive styling inside and out; upgrades to the chassis and suspension, including increased use of light alloy suspension components; and for the first time, a six-speed manual transmission (in addition to a 5-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic). Also for the first time, instead of a viscous limited slip differential, the S15 offered a more effective helical limited slip unit.

For the S15 Silvia, the model lineup was initially simplified to just the Spec-S (non-turbo) and Spec-R (turbo), both models offering an "Aero" variant with a large rear wing and mild ground effects. The Spec-R featured the available 6-speed manual transmission, increased body and suspension rigidity, 4-piston front brake calipers, a larger brake power booster, the upgraded helical limited slip differential, and HICAS (High Capacity Active Steering) four wheel steering as an option; the Spec-S featured only a 5-speed manual transmission (in addition to a 4-speed automatic available on both the Spec-S and the Spec-R), lacks the additional support structures of the Spec-R, 2-piston front brake calipers, a slightly smaller brake power booster, and the viscous limited slip differential.

The line was later expanded to include various luxury and upgrade option packages for both the Spec-S and Spec-R. Autech, a specialty car developer, also offered several tuned versions of the S15; one with body and interior trim modeled after the Ferrari 456, called the style-A, available in both Spec-S and Spec-R based trims; and a second tuned version was based of the Spec-S trim level with the engine output increased to 200 hp (150 kW) through the use of increased compression, more aggressive camshafts, and free-breathing intake and exhaust tracts, along with ECU tuning and upgrades to the chassis and suspension. This version also included the 6-speed transmission and other upgrades normally found only in the Spec-R.

There was also a convertible variant of the Silvia, called the Varietta, featuring a folding retractable hardtop. The Varietta was built by Autech and was based on the Spec-S model, featuring the same naturally aspirated engine, with a choice of the 4-speed automatic transmission or the 5-speed manual transmission.

Production of the Silvia ended in August of 2002 amidst Nissan's efforts to reduce its myriad of platforms. Nissan's sole sports car platform in the world is now the FM Platform, which underpins the current Fairlady Z and Skyline; marketed in the United States as the 350Z and Infiniti G35 respectively.

[edit] Motorsports

S15 Silvia of 2004 D1GP champion Ryuji Miki

The S-series' claim to fame is that it is one of the world's most popular drift cars, especially the S13 through S15 vehicles. It also has a long history in road racing. Its sister, the 240SX S13, was a multiple-time champion in the IMSA GTU series which its Silvia counterpart had a one make series in Japan. Silvias have been raced successfully in the JGTC and its predecessors. S110 and S12 Silvias also enjoyed limited success in rallying before AWD cars (including Nissan's own Pulsar GTI-R) proceeded to dominate the sport. During the S13's production, there was a one-make series in Japan. the car was origanl desinge to win race but it fald

[edit] Future development

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As of 2002, Nissan stopped producing the S platform with the S15-series Nissan Silvia being the final variant.

In early September of 2007, it was confirmed by a few unnamed Japanese magazines that Nissan is planning a new 4-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive, turbo sports coupe. Evidence of this confirmed report has been popping up all over the web with photos of what appears to be a test mule FM chassis that has been heavily chopped down and welded back together. The test mule FM chassis has been shortened quite a bit from a normal 350Z and resembles what appears to be a much smaller hatchback hybrid (this can be seen in the images on the doors, roofline, front bumper and bonnet).

It is speculated that with the GTR being re-released into the market all over the world, with the absence of the Silvia for so long, and the run away success of Nissan's FM chassis (the 350Z and G35/G37 and upcoming GTR) that the market place is ready once again for an affordable, turbo, rear drive sports car.

The new iteration of the Silvia is rumored to be priced in a very affordable range of 21,000 to 23,000 USD and will be available as soon as 2010.

Nissan has neither confirmed nor denied any of the above claims, however, in 2003 and 2004, during a few key Nissan press conferences, Carlos Gohsn was asked about the Silvia in Japan, Australia and even the US. His response to the "Silvia" question was simply "It is a good time to be a Nissan fan. Keep your eyes and ears open around the time the new GTR is being released as you may find a surprise."

As of June 2008, rumors have been abound about the future of the new Silvia. Toyota and Subaru have officially announced a new rear-wheel-drive sports coupe to be introduced to the Japanese, European and American markets starting in 2011 (infact a new test mule Toyota/Subaru chassis has been seen running around a few tracks in Japan). The new platform will be priced between $20,000 - $23,000 USD. The new "Toybaru" coupe has yet to be named. A few days after the cars official announcement, reports from various Japanese car enthusiast magainzes reported that their inside sources at Nissan have said "Nissan is not sitting back and taking the new Toyota/Subaru sports coupe lightly. A new Silvia will be available on the market before the end of 2010 and will be priced in direct competition with the new Toyota/Subaru sports coupe." The report went on to say "The new Silvia has in-fact been in development for over 3 years now and that it is being built on a modified FM platform." The motor for the car was discussed in the reports as well sighting that either a new 1.8 litre or 2.0 litre turbo charged, rear-wheel-drive, 4 cylinder engine will be used (that outputs nearly 250hp).

Again, nothing has been made official at this time, however, it is speculated heavily that the new Silvia platform resurrection will be officially announced within the next year at either the Tokyo Motor Show, LA Auto Show or Detroit Motor Show.

At the 2008 Nissan360 conference, Infiniti of America confirmed that they are planning on releasing a brand new BMW 1-Series fighter by 2011 (this new car is to be slotted below the G35/G37 series as a entry level vehicle for Infiniti much like the old Infiniti G20 was). This announcement gives fuel to the new Silvia fire as from a marketing and financial standpoint, it would be very unprofitable of Nissan to build a brand new, compact, RWD car to compete directly with the BMW 1-series and not use the chassis in any other Nissan or Infiniti branded cars. Nissan had a glimpse of what the new 1-Series competitor would look like on hand in the form of a top-down view plastic mold of the car. The only definitive details the mold showed was the body lines, that the car was definitely smaller than the current Nissan 350Z/G37 and that it was looking to be a hatchback styled chassis.

[edit] External links

• Nissan Silvia S15 - Archive of Nissan's official site for the S15 Silvia.
• Nissan Silvia - Australian Nissan Silvia Club.

[edit] See also

• Nissan 180SX
• Nissan 200SX
• Nissan 240SX
• Sileighty

[edit] References

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Nissan Silvia