From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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
The Nissan Silvia CSP311 made its public debut at the
Tokyo Motor Show in September 1964. The introductory model was a hand-built coupe based on the
Fairlady convertible, styled with input from Count
Albrecht Goertz. The CSP311 was powered by the 1.6 L
Nissan G series engine. Production ceased in 1968 after a mere 554 were made (mainly in 1965), 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.
The engine was equipped with twin
SU carburetors.
The S10 was the first Silvia built on the
S platform. This was "Nissan's compact, rear-wheel-drive, sporty car
platform".
[1]
The S10 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
L18 I4 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. The S10 Silvia and Datsun 200SX were based on the B210. Its success in both markets was limited, most buyers opting for the Celica over what was considered the more mundane S-Chassis. The car had the same drivetrain as the cult-classic 510, but with cart springs in the rear rather than the 510's IRS. Its appearance seems to be influenced by the 1970-1975
Citroën SM.
Nissan Silvia coupe with
FJ20E DOHC engine
This iteration of the Silvia (sold in
United States and
Canada as the
Datsun 200SX and in
Mexico as the
Datsun Sakura), 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 from 1979-1981. From 1982–1983, it had a Z22E engine with H190 rear axle. Vehicles with engines over 2000cc are still considered "compact" vehicles under
Japanese regulations regarding engine size.
[edit] Nissan 240RS
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.
The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 (referred to as "Mark II"). It was sold in three configurations—a coupe (often called a "notchback"), a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix (only 50 units made worldwide).
A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more specifically on the geographic market. These engines borrowed from previous designs, or in some cases, inspired future engine platforms (with the exception of the FJ series, which was designed solely with Rally competition in mind). For instance, the CA series initially borrowed design cues from the NAP-Z series. The CA18DET's DOHC head design was similar to that utilized in the later "RB" engine series, the
inline-six engine that powered the
Skyline GT-Rs. The
VG30 V6 engine was also used, the VG is the predecessor to Nissans
VQ Engine.
[edit] Regional badgings
[edit] North America
The S12 chassis in North America was badged "200SX". The Coupe was available with a 2.0 L SOHC engine
(CA20E), while the fastback received both the 2.0 L SOHC engine, and a 1.8 L SOHC Turbo (non-intercooled) engine
(CA18ET). For 1987 in the United States, Nissan discontinued putting the 1.8 Turbo into the fastback, and created the "SE" model which had the 3.0L SOHC
V6 engine (VG30E), generating 160 hp (120 kW) and 174 lb·ft (236 N·m) of torque. This was the same engine offered in the non-turbo 300ZX for that generation. For 1988 the "SE" model received a 5 hp (3.7 kW) gain from using the later "W" series
(VG30E) with a total output of 165 hp (123 kW) while torque remains the same at 174. The 200SX was replaced with the S13
Nissan 240SX in 1989.
[edit] Europe
The S12 chassis in Europe was badged Silvia, and was available in the hatchback and the grandprix configuration. The difference between the hatchback and the grandprix were the widebody, different wheels, and minor interior differences. The engine available was the same 1.8L SOHC Turbo
(CA18ET) used in North America, and in some areas the 2.0 L DOHC "FJ" engine
(FJ20E). The "FJ" engine series was originally designed for the 240RS rallycar as a 2.4 L carbeurated system (FJ24), and was underbored to 2.0 L. It also saw use in the "DR30" Nissan Skyline chassis, in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions.
One exception for the Silvia badging was in Sweden, where the car was named the Nissan 180ZX instead.
[edit] Australia
The S12 chassis in Australia was badged as a Gazelle. The Gazelle was available in both the coupe and hatchback. It was equipped with the same 2.0 L SOHC engine
(CA20E) found elsewhere in the world.
The S12 chassis in Japan was badged as both a Silvia and a Gazelle. The Gazelle was produced so that Nissan's different dealership networks in Japan could all carry the Silvia. There are minor cosmetic differences. Both the S110 and
S12 Silvias have a Gazelle counterpart. The S12 Silvia in Japan was available in a hatchback as a basic model only, but the S12 Gazelle in Japan was strictly a hatchback, available in regular, RS and RS-X variants, as was the Silvia notchback. The RS was equipped with the 2.0 L DOHC "FJ" engine
(FJ20E), while the RS-X was equipped with the same engine in a turbocharged version
(FJ20ET). In 1987 Nissan discontinued the FJ Series engine in the S12 and installed the updated version of the older CA, with dual cams and a bigger turbocharger—the
CA18DET.
[edit] Revisions
The S12 chassis in 1984–86 is referred to as "Mark I", with "Mark II" as a revision in 1987. Below lists the description of both.
[edit] Mark I
The first trim of the S12 chassis. Bumpers featured matte-finish raised surfaces, and sides featured half-inch rubstripping. Cars featured a honeycomb radiator grille, and long cornerlights. The 1984 Turbo came with a "TURBO" monogrammed hood bulge accent. The 1984–85 could be had with a foam rubber deck spoiler. In 1986 the foam rubber deck spoiler was changed for a fiberglass version with an integrated third brake light. Some hatchbacks and all Turbo models came with ground effects—a combination of plastic mudflaps and accommodating foam rubber sideskirts, as well as a foam rubber lower deflection lip.
[edit] Mark II
In 1987, the bumpers were updated, and the matte finished surfaces were eliminated for a more uniform surface. Rubstripping was increased to 2-inch height w/ scribe detailing. The honeycomb radiator grille was replaced with a slatted version that spanned the entire front end (previous was shorter), and cornerlights were shortened. The "SE" model and the Turbo (Canada, Europe) came with new ground fiberglass ground effects and mudflaps, painted in the color of the car, and a new and more pronounced lower deflection lip in the front. "SE" model also received a new hood bulge design to accommodate clearance for the 3.0 L V6. Optional rear mudflap accents were available.
[edit] Drivetrain
[edit] Engine
| CA18ET | CA18DET | CA20E | FJ20E | FJ20ET | VG30E |
|---|
| Aspiration | Single turbo | Single turbo | Natural | Natural | Single turbo | Natural |
| Valvetrain | SOHC 8 valve | DOHC 16 valve | SOHC 8 valve | DOHC 16 valve | DOHC 16 valve | SOHC 12 valve |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Displacement | 1809cc | 1809cc | 1974cc | 1990cc | 1990cc | 2960cc |
| Max Power | 120 hp @ 5200 rpm | 169 hp @ 6400 rpm | 102 hp @ 5200 rpm | 148 hp @ 6400 rpm | 188 hp @ 6500 rpm | 160 hp @ 5200rpm ('87) 165 hp @ 5200rpm ('88) |
| Max Torque | 134ftlb (181.7Nm) @ 3200 rpm | 156ftlb (211.6Nm) @ 4000 rpm | 116ftlb (157.3Nm) @ 3200 rpm | 136ftlb (184.4Nm) @ 4800 rpm | 173ftlb (234.6Nm) @ 4800 rpm | 174ftlb (235.9Nm) @ 4000 rpm |
| 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 | 1983–1984 | 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 & 3.90:1 (Auto & manual) | 4.11:1 | 4.11:1 & 3.90:1(VG30E models only) |
This section is about this vehicle's Japanese model. See
Nissan 240SX for information on the North American model.
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. In North America, the S13 was known as the
240SX. The Nissan 200SX nameplate would return on a
coupe version of the B14
Nissan Sentra (1995-99). The S13 was based on the first generation
Nissan Cefiro, the A31. Following industry trends, the S13 Silvia switched to relampable fixed headlights. Projector optics were offered as an option.
The S13 Silvia coupe was made from 1988-1994, overlapping with the S14 Silvia introduced in 1993. The Nissan Silvia used fixed headlights; whereas, the 180SX, simply a hatchback version of the Silvia, introduced at the same time used pop-up headlights. The 180SX was made until 1998. A Silvia
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 MID4. It also offered a four-wheel steering system for the first time, known as HICAS-II. In 1990, HICAS-II was 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. One of the other simple changes that was made between the
CA generation and the
SR generation was the switch to a single colour paint job, instead of the two-tone colour sets that were previously offered. On top of this, the SR motor later debuted another variant of the platform known simply as the "purple top". Identifiable by its black and silver rocker-cover (as opposed to the traditional red/silver cover), it featured a number of minor changes, resulting in little performance gain. It is vastly different to the more powerful "black top" used in the S14 and S15 variants. Amazingly, a revised and revamped version of the Nissan SR20 engine that first appeared in the S13 is still in use today, as can be seen in the following sections of this page.
In the U.S. the S13 was replaced after the 1994 model year by the new S14 design, but lived on till 1999 in Japan with a major face lift the 180sx Aero (Type X) this was the kouki generation while the previous was chouki gen the kouki featured newly design tail lights a redesigned aero body kit and out fitted with an airbag . 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. The
Sileighty also made an appearance in a Japanese
anime and
manga series known as
Initial D. The series (based around the Japanese motor sports of
Touge and
drifting) featured the
Sileighty in one of the last battles of the
First Stage (or first season in the anime).
The creation of the
Sileighty then followed by another version of the Silvia known as the Onevia. Based on the chassis of the S13, the front end of the Silvia would be removed and replaced with the front end of a
180SX. The Onevia was never retailed as a complete car in Japan (though it was in North America: the notchback version of the 240SX was essentially a left hand drive version of the Silvia with the 180SX/240SX nose) as the
Sileighty was, but is still sought after by drifters, being seen to offer the best of both cars, the looks of a
180SX with the rigid rear end of the S13 Silvia.
[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 packages.
The J's was the base model . 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. And all Q's models came out with Automatic Climate Control.
The 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 only available engine/transmission was the naturally-aspirated
SR20DE coupled with the 4-speed automatic.
This section is about this vehicle's Japanese model. See
Nissan 240SX for information on the North American model.
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 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, with a slight bump in power due to the implementation of Nissan's
variable valve timing system known as VTC, on the intake cam, 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 also known as the
kouki (後期, literally "later period") S14, or by enthusiasts as the S14A. This car was sold as the second generation
240SX in Japan from 1995–1998. The final model year of S14 production in all markets was 2000, called the Touring Model, which had a better engine, pistons and a high throtle on lower gears.
The S14 was sold in Taiwan as the
AREX Elite 901.
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 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 Version 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 182
kW (245
HP/250
PS).
According to the Autech website, the vehicle is still available at a cost of ¥2.99 million
yen (
US$26,875).
Japan saw a new version of the Silvia (S15) in 1999, now boasting 250 hp (184 kW) from its
SR20DET engine, thanks to a ball-bearing turbocharger upgrade, as well as improved engine management. The SR20DE (non-turbo motor) featured 165 hp (121 kW).
The S15 Silvia included aggressive styling inside and out, updating the previous Silvia styling in-line with modern car design trends.
The S15 Silvia model lineup was initially simplified to just the
Spec-S and
Spec-R , both models offering an "Aero" variant with a large rear
wing and side skirts/valances.
This generation of the Silvia was only sold in Japan, Australia and New Zealand but was available as a
grey import in most other countries. In Australia and New Zealand the car was sold as the Nissan 200SX.
Within the Australian domestic market (AUDM), the S15 sold in 2 trim levels as noted above; Spec S and Spec R - however both models featured the SR20DET motor, albeit slightly detuned from the JDM spec cars. Nissan S15s were never officially sold with the naturally aspirated SR20DE engine in Australia or New Zealand. These two models were available at Nissan showrooms until the Nissan 200SX GT was introduced in 2002, the last year of production for the S15. Main differences here were namely the wheels being finshed in a silver shadow chrome and updated larger rear wing.
The S15 was sold in Taiwan as the
AREX Elite 951.
As of 2002, Nissan stopped producing the
S platform with the S15-series Nissan Silvia being the final variant.
[edit] Variants
[edit] Spec-R
The Spec-R differed from previous Silvia models by featuring a 6-speed manual transmission. The Spec-R also included extensive chassis and suspension strengthening via the use of larger
anti-roll bars and strut bracing. The S15 featured the same 4-piston front brake calipers that were found in the S14 but included a larger brake booster.
One of the biggest changes to the S15 model of the Silvia was the implementation of a helical limited slip differential. The result was a safer, more track suited drive; in some contrast to its drifting heritage and subsequent media attention.
As with many Nissans, HICAS (High Capacity Active Steering) four wheel steering was available as an option.
[edit] Spec-S
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). It also lacked the additional chassis support of the Spec-R; featured 4-piston front brake caliper and a slightly smaller brake booster. The Spec-S also only featured the viscous limited slip differential, the same unit found in the S14.
The S15 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 on 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 2002 amidst Nissan's efforts to reduce its myriad of platforms. The S15 Silvia was therefore the last car to hold the Silvia badge. Nissan's sole worldwide sports car platform is now the
FM Platform, which underpins the current
Fairlady Z (the
350/370Z in North America), as well as the 2001–Present
Nissan Skyline (the
Infiniti G35/37 in North America).
In Japan, the S15 generation of the Silvia is colloquially known as the "
Strawberry". The term is common, as most car enthusiasts in Japan refer to a car by its chassis name. In
Japanese, the numbers one and five (from the name S15) are respectively "ichi" and "go". The word "ichigo" is also the Japanese word for strawberry.
[edit] Motorsports
The S-series is a popular
drift car, especially the S13 through S15 vehicles.
Silvias have been raced successfully in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (now
Super GT) and its predecessors. In the late Eighties, when
Group B was banned, S110 and S12 Silvias also saw limited success in
rallying, mainly on endurance rallies. During the S13's production, there was a one-make series in Japan.
[edit] References
- ^ "Nissan Silvia". Automotive Engineering International (Society of Automotive Engineers) 107: 23. 1999.
[edit] External links
Media related to Nissan 180SX at Wikimedia Commons 
