Nissan Silvia

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.

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)
S10 Silvia This image has an uncertain copyright status and is pending deletion. You can comment on the removal. ‎

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 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
Height	sa

This iteration of the Silvia, 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.

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.

[edit] S12

Nissan Silvia (S12)
S12 200sx, SE model ‎
Production	1984-1988
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	CA18S CA18E CA20E CA18ET CA18DET VG30E FJ20E FJ20ET
Transmission(s)	5-Speed Manual or 4-Speed Automatic

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 160hp and 165hp 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 the Grandfather of the SR Series engine. 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

[edit] Engine

	CA18S	CA18E	CA18ET	CA18DE	CA18DET	CA20E	FJ20E	FJ20ET	VG30E
Aspiration	Carburetion	Natural	Single turbo	Natural	Single turbo	Natural	Natural	Single turbo	Natural
Valvetrain	SOHC 8 valve	SOHC 8 valve	SOHC 8 valve	DOHC 16 valve	DOHC 16 valve	SOHC 8 valve	DOHC 16 valve	DOHC 16 valve	SOHC 12 valve
Cylinders	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	6
Displacement	1809cc	1809cc	1809cc	1809cc	1809cc	1974cc	1990cc	1990cc	2960cc
Max Power	98hp @ 5600rpm	90hp @ 6000rpm	120hp @ 5200rpm	135hp @ 6400rpm	145hp @ 6400rpm	102hp @ 5200rpm	148hp @ 6400rpm	188hp @ 6500rpm	160hp @ 5200rpm ('87) 165hp @ 5200rpm ('88)
Max Torque	110ftlb @ 2800rpm	98ftlb @ 4000rpm	134ftlb @ 3200rpm	141ftlb @ 5200rpm	156ftlb @ 4000rpm	116ftlb @ 3200rpm	136ftlb @ 4800rpm	173ftlb @ 4800rpm	174ftlb @ 4000rpm
Drivetrain	Rear wheel drive
Transmission	4-speed automatic / 5-speed manual

[edit] Drivetrain Variations

Code Name	H190	R180	R200
Style	Solid Axle	Independent	Independent
Years	1984	1985 - 1988	1984 - 1988
Engines	CA20E	CA20E	CA18ET CA18DET VG30E FJ20E FJ20ET
Ring Gear Size	7.5"	7.0"	8.0"
Limited Slip	No	No	No (Most) Yes (Some FJ20ET models)
Ratio	4.11:1	4.11:1	4.11:1 & 3.90:1 (VG30E models)

[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 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 suits and 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 SR20DET in addition to the options offered on the Q's.

On top of the K's and Q's models, The Club and Dia(mond) 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 and often misunderstood Silvia A's "Almighty" (オールマイティ) was introduced in late 1992. Confusingly, the A's grade doesn't fit into the established name scheme; it is stripped of all options, purportedly offered as a "purer" form of the sports car. The only available engine was the naturally-aspirated SR20DE coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

[edit] S14

1993-1996 S14

1996-1998 S14

The S14 Silvia debuted in Japan at the end of 1993. It was lower, wider, and slightly shorter 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 "latter period") S14, or it is sometimes called the S14a. The final model year of S14 production in all markets was 1998.

[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 240sx. 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] 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), 160-165 PS 2.0 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (SR20DET), 225-250 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, Nissan's special-car division, 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 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.