OT: Nissan's return of the Silvia?

[trainerKEN]

More developments on Nissan's compact, RWD coupe

from Autoblog: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/more-developments-on-nissans-compact-rwd-coupe/

According to company insiders with whom we've spoken, Nissan has been working on its own compact, rear-wheel-drive vehicle for over three years, and the announcement from Toyota and Subaru about their own RWD coupe has caused Nissan to ramp-up development.

Details on the new vehicle are still scarce, but BestCar is reporting that Nissan is planning to utilize a shortened version of the Z's FM platform powered by either a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter or possibly a 1.6- or 1.8-liter turbocharged four. According to the Japanese pub, the successor to the S15 Silvia will be approximately 4,350 mm long, 1,750 mm wide and share the same wheelbase as the Z. Like the Subaru/Toyota vehicle, Nissan is attempting to keep the curb weight low, along with the price.

While the NA 2.0-liter is one possible form of motivation, Nissan is supposedly working on a new, direct-injection four-cylinder that could make use of Nissan's Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) system. Partnered with a small, efficient turbo, power could range from 140 to 215 hp, returning the fuel-economy of a smaller NA mill.

The Subaru/Toyota coupe is expected to debut in 2011, but Nissan wants to beat its competitor's offering to market, so expect the return of the Silvia to bow in late 2010.

 

[909FX]

wow, looks a lot like the Altima Coupe.

 

[trainerKEN]

in relation to the thread I started about Infiniti wanting a new car to rival BMW's 1 and Audi's A3 series... I think this "Silvia" will be the Nissan version of that (Infiniti) model, probably same plateform. BUT the Infiniti will have a V6.

 

[trainerKEN]

S'more info from Road and Track...

Last month, we reported that Toyota and Subaru are joining forces to create an affordable sports car, one that embraced the spirit of the Toyota Corolla Coupe, aka AE86. We have just confirmed reports that Nissan has similar plans, intending to bring its "affordable sports car" to market a year earlier than the Toyota. Nissan's new 2+2 rear-driver will revive the spirit of the 240SX, which has experienced renewed popularity after its discontinuation in 1998, mostly because of the popularity of drifting.

The name of the future 2-door is still unknown, but we're fairly sure it won't be labeled 240SX (nor "Silvia," its Japanese moniker). Here's what we do know: It will be about the same size as the 370Z, sharing the same wheelbase of 104.3 in. Overall length is rumored to be 171 in., and will come in 4-seat/2+2 form.

There's a bit of mystery concerning the engine. While some at Nissan have hinted the 240SX successor will be powered by the company's trusty 2.0-liter inline-4, we're now getting reports of a new engine, one with about 1.5 to 1.6 liters of displacement, complete with a small turbocharger. This new 4-banger will feature Nissan's new VCR Piston Crank System. "VCR" stands for Variable Compression Ratio, and it does just that by using a multilink connecting rod/crankshaft arrangement.

In light load conditions, it will use high compression ratio and limited turbo boost to increase thermal efficiency and improve fuel economy. When stronger acceleration is required, the system will shift to a lower compression ratio and increase turbo pressure. The lower compression ratio allows higher boost to be used for greater power creation while avoiding knock or detonation.

According to insiders, this small engine, equipped with VCR PCS, can produce up to 225 bhp. There's also talk of a hybrid and a full-electric version of this car, but those are just rumors at this point. We know Nissan will be coming out with a full electric vehicle in the next couple of years, but it probably won't be a sports car — the 240SX reincarnate will be.

As for the handling of the 240SX successor, it will incorporate a similar independent suspension setup to the 370Z and Infiniti G37 Coupe. Nissan hopes to keep the price right around $20,000 and beat the Toyota/Subaru sports car to the U.S. market. Expect the car to arrive in 2010 as a 2011 model.

 

[Frankiago]

Think anybody will make an all-electric that can rival the Tesla?

 

[trainerKEN]

there's a company that does 100% conversion on the Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice, but the performance won't be anywhere like the Tesla

http://www.ampmotorworks.com/index.html

 

[Frankiago]

Ah... with gas going to $200 a barrel in the next few years, which will equate to about $7 a gallon (probably closer to $8 for 93 octane), I have been drastically changing around my ideas on future car(s)...

It's a shame Tesla has absolutely no competition. That $100,000 price tag will surely sky-rocket once they realize what niche they have all to themselves with upcoming gas prices.

And you're absolutely right about this thing not matching the Tesla... 0-60 in 5.7 and a top speed of 90 mph?!?! If it could top out at 130 I'd be completely satisfied, but 90 is too realistic of a cap :P $25,000 is a healthy chunk to add on too

 

[trainerKEN]

A 220 - 250ps 1.6L turbo inline 4 cylinder engine gives Nissan's new compact FR sports car a slight power edge over Toyota... let the battle begin!

Best car continues its series of scoops on the Nissan FR sports car with some more specific information concerning body size, weight and power outputs which are rumored to be even closer to the Toyota offering that first thought. It turns out that these two cars will practically mirror each other in all but the powerplant. The Nissan is likely to use a HR16DET inline 4 cylinder turbo with VCR (Variable Compression Ratio Piston-Crank System) which will produce between 220 - 250ps, put out 30.0kg/m and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. At 1250kg it should have quite pleasing performance.

The body size will depend on the new platform which will be used for the Nissan FR sports car, that being the "54" type platform which at 1750mm, is likely to make it slightly wider than the S15 Silvia it will replace. The overall length will also be slightly shorter than the S15 and just a fraction taller according to Best Car. These dimensions are very close to the rumored dimension the Toyota FR sports car will have, so it will be very interesting to see just how these two cars perform alongside each other.

Although the final body styling hasn't been decided on yet, Best Car has gone ahead and made some images along the lines of what their source pointed out as being "similar to the V36 Skyline Coupe". Apparently Nissan is still aiming to keep the new FR sports car as close to the 2,000,000 yen mark as possible, although it is expected to break that barrier Nissan will have some stiff pricing competition from Toyota/Subaru who themselves are looking to keep costs to a minimum.

Justin Karow

2700 lbs with ~250hp!!!