65.216.191.194 (talk) |
mNo edit summary |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[Image:Nissan-Silvia-99.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1999 Nissan Silvia]] |
[[Image:Nissan-Silvia-99.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1999 Nissan Silvia]] |
||
The '''Silvia |
The '''Silvia''' series of cars are one of [[Nissan]]'s low-priced [[rear wheel drive]] (RWD), [[FR layout|front mounted engine]] [[sports car|sports]] [[coupe]]s on the [[Nissan S platform]]. Generally powered by an [[inline-4]] engine, the S-series chassis underpins a number of different cars, each generation an evolution of the last. |
||
==Early Silvias== |
==Early Silvias== |
||
Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
===S12=== |
===S12=== |
||
The S12 platform was produced from late 1983 to early 1988. This new series saw the debut of the [[nissan CA engine|CA-series engine]], as well as pop-up headlamps. US and Canadian models were still all known as "200SX" even though displacement varied from 1.8L (the CA18ET turbocharged engine, only available in the fastback body style, 1984-1986, -1988 in Canada), to 2.0L (the CA20E, available in all models and all years), and 3.0L (the VG30E V6, available only in the SE-V6 fastback in the US in 1987-1988). In Australia, Europe, and Japan, quite a few different engines were available. The CA20E was available in all of these areas throughout the entire production run. Both a coupe and a hatchback were available in these markets. 1984-1988 hatchbacks were available with any engine offered in the given area (FJ20E, FJ20ET, CA20E, CA18ET) but the Coupe was only available with the CA20E, except for the RS-X version which came with the FJ20ET. The FJ20ET and the FJ20E are dual cam motors (this is not denoted in the engine code, unlike more modern Nissan engine series). The 1988 Japanese RS-X was equipped with a CA18DET in place of the previous FJ20ET. |
The S12 platform was produced from late 1983 to early 1988. This new series saw the debut of the [[nissan CA engine|CA-series engine]], as well as pop-up headlamps. US and Canadian models were still all known as "200SX" even though displacement varied from 1.8L (the CA18ET turbocharged engine, only available in the fastback body style, 1984-1986, -1988 in Canada), to 2.0L (the CA20E, available in all models and all years), and 3.0L (the VG30E V6, available only in the SE-V6 fastback in the US in 1987-1988). In Australia, Europe, and Japan, quite a few different engines were available. The CA20E was available in all of these areas throughout the entire production run. Both a coupe and a hatchback were available in these markets. 1984-1988 hatchbacks were available with any engine offered in the given area (FJ20E, FJ20ET, CA20E, CA18ET) but the Coupe was only available with the CA20E, except for the RS-X version which came with the FJ20ET. The FJ20ET and the FJ20E are dual cam motors (this is not denoted in the engine code, unlike more modern Nissan engine series). The 1988 Japanese RS-X was equipped with a CA18DET in place of the previous FJ20ET. |
||
S12 Model Breakdown: |
|||
United States and Canada: 200SX (XE, Turbo, and SE-V6). |
|||
Europe: 180ZX or Silvia. |
|||
Australia: Gazelle (GL & SGL). |
|||
Japan: Gazelle and Silvia (RS, RX, RS-X, [[Fuji Speedway|Fisco]], and others). |
|||
===S13=== |
===S13=== |
||
The S13, introduced in mid-1988 for the 1989 model year, was immensely popular in Japan, where it was sold as the Silvia (notchback) and 180SX (fastback). Both S13 |
The S13, introduced in mid-1988 for the 1989 model year, was immensely popular in Japan, where it was sold as the Silvia (notchback) and 180SX (fastback). Both S13 bodies were also exported to [[North America]] as the [[Nissan 240SX|240SX]]. 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. |
||
Japanese S13s were powered by the [[Nissan CA engine#CA18DET|CA18DET]] in the case of the K's or [[Nissan CA engine#CA18DE|CA18DE]] for the J's and Q's in the very first years of production, but all S13s circa [[1991]] were powered by a [[Nissan SR engine#SR20DET|SR20DET]] for the K's or [[Nissan SR engine#SR20DE|SR20DE]] for the J's and Q's. Upon its introduction in the U.S. and Canada, the 240SX was powered by the [[Nissan KA engine#KA24E|KA24E]], an engine that also saw duty in Nissan's light pickup trucks, U12 Stanza and [[Nissan Bluebird|Bluebird]] sedans, and [[Nissan Axxess|Axxess]] minivan. In [[1991]], as the JDM S13s switched to the SR20, the 240SX received the [[Nissan KA engine#KA24DE|KA24DE]]. |
Japanese S13s were powered by the [[Nissan CA engine#CA18DET|CA18DET]] in the case of the K's or [[Nissan CA engine#CA18DE|CA18DE]] for the J's and Q's in the very first years of production, but all S13s circa [[1991]] were powered by a [[Nissan SR engine#SR20DET|SR20DET]] for the K's or [[Nissan SR engine#SR20DE|SR20DE]] for the J's and Q's. Upon its introduction in the U.S. and Canada, the 240SX was powered by the [[Nissan KA engine#KA24E|KA24E]], an engine that also saw duty in Nissan's light pickup trucks, U12 Stanza and [[Nissan Bluebird|Bluebird]] sedans, and [[Nissan Axxess|Axxess]] minivan. In [[1991]], as the JDM S13s switched to the SR20, the 240SX received the [[Nissan KA engine#KA24DE|KA24DE]]. |
||
Line 30: | Line 24: | ||
The S13 Silvia reverted to fixed headlamps, while the new 180SX (and export 200SX and 240SX models) retained pop-up headlamps. |
The S13 Silvia reverted to fixed headlamps, while the new 180SX (and export 200SX and 240SX models) retained pop-up headlamps. |
||
The RPS13 180SX and its stateside sister 240SX fastback were the only exported S-chassis variants to incorporate Nissan's |
The RPS13 180SX and its stateside sister, 240SX fastback, were the only exported S-chassis variants to incorporate Nissan's SuperHICAS 4-wheel steering system, which was included in an options package that usually included ABS and VLSD. However in Japan, the SuperHICAS was equipped on many of the Silvia S13s that were produced and LSD was standard. |
||
The S13 Silvia was discontinued after the 1993 model year, in favor of the new S14 chassis design. However, the RPS13 180SX proved to be so successful in Japan that Nissan continued production of the 180SX through 1998. The S13 240SX [[convertible]] was also kept in production for the US market through the 1994 model year, both to clear out remaining stock, and because the S14 240SX would not be ready until 1995. |
The S13 Silvia was discontinued after the 1993 model year, in favor of the new S14 chassis design. However, the RPS13 180SX proved to be so successful in Japan that Nissan continued production of the 180SX through 1998. The S13 240SX [[convertible]] was also kept in production for the US market through the 1994 model year, both to clear out remaining stock, and because the S14 240SX would not be ready until 1995. |
||
Line 36: | Line 30: | ||
The 180SX's front end styling (along with the similar 200SX and 240SX) was freshened for the 1991 model year. It was refreshed again for the 1997 model year. S13 Silvia styling remained constant, except for the addition of [[projector]] fog lamps to models equipped with projector headlamps. |
The 180SX's front end styling (along with the similar 200SX and 240SX) was freshened for the 1991 model year. It was refreshed again for the 1997 model year. S13 Silvia styling remained constant, except for the addition of [[projector]] fog lamps to models equipped with projector headlamps. |
||
In 1998, a variant was produced by [[Kid's Heart]] for Nissan called the [[Sileighty]], which featured the 180SX body with the front end styling from the Silvia. The Sileighty style was originally created by Japanese enthusiasts for their own 180SXs, and is still a common modification for the 180SX and 240SX fastback. |
|||
Because the Silvia and 180SX used different nose styling, but the body panels could be directly swapped, it became popular for enthusiasts to mount the cheaper and lighter S13 Silvia components on the front end of a 180SX body, particularly as a collision repair for cars damaged during motorsports. This combination is commonly known as a [[Sileighty]]. This modification became so common that Kid's Heart, a Nissan dealer in Japan, built and distributed about 500 Sileightys in 1997 with the help of Nissan, featuring the SR20DET, S13 fascia, a tuned ECU and upgraded LSD. |
|||
The opposite swap can also be performed, and in fact, Nissan themselves did this for the S13 [[Nissan 240SX|240SX]] coupe to be sold in the US, due to American headlamp requirements and a preference for pop-up headlamps. When performed by the owner on a Silvia, this is known as a "Onevia." |
|||
====Nomenclature==== |
====Nomenclature==== |
Revision as of 04:51, 1 March 2006
The Silvia series of cars are one of Nissan's low-priced rear wheel drive (RWD), front mounted engine sports coupes on the Nissan S platform. Generally powered by an inline-4 engine, the S-series chassis underpins a number of different cars, each generation an evolution of the last.
Early Silvias
Before the series of budget coupes, the Silvia name was first introduced in 1964. The CSP311 Silvia was a hand-built coupe based on the Fairlady convertible, styled with input from Albrecht Goertz. Production ceased in 1968 after a mere 554 were made, every one unique with hand-formed body panels. A majority of exports (49 cars) were sent to Australia. Most of the cars, however, remained in Japan. The Silvia name was to remain unused until 1974.
S Chassis
S10
The S10 was the first under the S chassis code, and featured a sports-coupe shape, as was popular at the time -- Unfortunately, it featured more traditional lines than rivals Celica, Capella and others, and was summarily less popular, even in Japan. It was available with many luxury features -- in Japan it was fitted with an L18B engine, as was fitted to the Datsun 610/Bluebird 180B. In America it was fitted with the same 2 litre variant, the L20B, as the 200B of the same series Bluebird. The car, as known in America as a 200SX, was unpopular, owing mostly to the federally-mandated "5-mph" bumpers ruining the intended lines of the car, and also, because America had yet to warm to the idea of a Japanese sports car. Its success in Japan was limited, most buyers opting for Celicas over the more humdrum Silvia.
S110
The S110 was the next in the chain. This Silvia was unusual because it was originally intended to feature a rotary engine, designed and built by Nissan. This engine however 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. This generation saw the debut of the "Gazelle" name, used for the luxury models of the S110. It was redesigned shortly after it was originally released, the rotary replaced by several piston engines for different markets, most based around the new Z-series engine, including the Z20, and the turbocharged and fuel injected Z18ET. It was not the most powerful though—the Silvia RS240 was a notchback S110 fitted with a 2.4 litre, DOHC, FJ24 engine, built between 1983 and 1985, past the end of production for the S110 itself.
S12
The S12 platform was produced from late 1983 to early 1988. This new series saw the debut of the CA-series engine, as well as pop-up headlamps. US and Canadian models were still all known as "200SX" even though displacement varied from 1.8L (the CA18ET turbocharged engine, only available in the fastback body style, 1984-1986, -1988 in Canada), to 2.0L (the CA20E, available in all models and all years), and 3.0L (the VG30E V6, available only in the SE-V6 fastback in the US in 1987-1988). In Australia, Europe, and Japan, quite a few different engines were available. The CA20E was available in all of these areas throughout the entire production run. Both a coupe and a hatchback were available in these markets. 1984-1988 hatchbacks were available with any engine offered in the given area (FJ20E, FJ20ET, CA20E, CA18ET) but the Coupe was only available with the CA20E, except for the RS-X version which came with the FJ20ET. The FJ20ET and the FJ20E are dual cam motors (this is not denoted in the engine code, unlike more modern Nissan engine series). The 1988 Japanese RS-X was equipped with a CA18DET in place of the previous FJ20ET.
S13
The S13, introduced in mid-1988 for the 1989 model year, was immensely popular in Japan, where it was sold as the Silvia (notchback) and 180SX (fastback). Both S13 bodies were also exported to North America as the 240SX. 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.
Japanese S13s were powered by the CA18DET in the case of the K's or CA18DE for the J's and Q's in the very first years of production, but all S13s circa 1991 were powered by a SR20DET for the K's or SR20DE for the J's and Q's. Upon its introduction in the U.S. and Canada, the 240SX was powered by the KA24E, an engine that also saw duty in Nissan's light pickup trucks, U12 Stanza and Bluebird sedans, and Axxess minivan. In 1991, as the JDM S13s switched to the SR20, the 240SX received the KA24DE.
The S13 Silvia reverted to fixed headlamps, while the new 180SX (and export 200SX and 240SX models) retained pop-up headlamps.
The RPS13 180SX and its stateside sister, 240SX fastback, were the only exported S-chassis variants to incorporate Nissan's SuperHICAS 4-wheel steering system, which was included in an options package that usually included ABS and VLSD. However in Japan, the SuperHICAS was equipped on many of the Silvia S13s that were produced and LSD was standard.
The S13 Silvia was discontinued after the 1993 model year, in favor of the new S14 chassis design. However, the RPS13 180SX proved to be so successful in Japan that Nissan continued production of the 180SX through 1998. The S13 240SX convertible was also kept in production for the US market through the 1994 model year, both to clear out remaining stock, and because the S14 240SX would not be ready until 1995.
The 180SX's front end styling (along with the similar 200SX and 240SX) was freshened for the 1991 model year. It was refreshed again for the 1997 model year. S13 Silvia styling remained constant, except for the addition of projector fog lamps to models equipped with projector headlamps.
In 1998, a variant was produced by Kid's Heart for Nissan called the Sileighty, which featured the 180SX body with the front end styling from the Silvia. The Sileighty style was originally created by Japanese enthusiasts for their own 180SXs, and is still a common modification for the 180SX and 240SX fastback.
Nomenclature
The S13 was the first S-series car to use the J's (Jack), Q's (Queen), K's (King) naming for the different trim levels. The K's were the only model to receive the turbocharged engines. The Club Selection cars came with specific options bundled together. For example all Club Selection K's came with projector headlights, a rear spoiler, and aluminum wheels. There was also a Dia(mond) Selection model available for selected years that included another similar accessories bundle.
J's were the base model with a very basic interior, little electronics and are rarely found outside of Japan. The Q's model is middle-of-the-road. They received full electric options and an optional LSD. The K's were considered the top of the line and featured the turbocharged engine and the same full electric options as the Q's. K's have an LSD as standard equipment.
There also exists the rare and widely-disputed Silvia A's "Almighty." The only available engine was the normally-aspirated SR20DE.
S14
In 1993, with the advent of the S14 Silvia, Nissan once again exported variants of the Silvia as the 200SX/240SX to key markets.
The model name varied between Japan (Silvia); Europe, Australia, and New Zealand (200SX); and the United States and Canada (240SX). Note that the 200SX name was also used in the United States and Canada on a different car, a 2-door variant of the Nissan Sentra.
In the U.S. and Canada, the 240SX continued to use the KA24DE, while the Japanese and European S14s received the new "notchtop" SR20DET, boasting a slight bump in power due to the implementation of Nissan's variable valve timing system and a more efficient turbocharger.
There was a mild styling update to the S14 worldwide for model year 1997, which added aggressive projector headlamps to all models, and dark-tinted taillamps. The final model year of the S14 in all markets was 1998, however some leftovers may have been registered as 1999 models, as the car had grown very expensive in export markets due to the weak Asian economy, and generally sold slowly. 1998 would be the last year for the S-chassis altogether in the US, Canada, and Europe.
S15
Japan saw a new version of the Silvia (S15) in 1999, now boasting 250 hp (164 kW) from its SR20DET engine thanks to another turbocharger upgrade. Australia and New Zealand eventually got it as their new 200SX, though Europe and North America did not.
The S15 Silvia included aggressive, Ferrari-like 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 (a four-speed automatic was still available). 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-S line was later expanded to include budget-priced and luxury variants. Autech, Nissan's special-car division, also offered two tuned versions of the Spec-S; one with body and interior trim modeled after the Ferrari 456, and one with the engine output increased to 200hp 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.
There was also a convertible variant of the Silvia, with a folding hardtop, the naturally aspirated Spec-S engine, and an automatic transmission called the Silvia Varietta.
Production of the Silvia (and Fairlady/300ZX) ended in 2002 amidst Nissan's efforts to reduce its number of platforms. Nissan's sole sports car platform in the world is now the FM Platform, which underpins America's 350Z and Infiniti G35 and will serve as next the Skyline GT-R.
Motorsports
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. The 240SX was a multiple-time champion in the IMSA GTU series. 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.
Weight-conscious sports car fans should note that the 2800 lb (1270 kg) 240SX is 500 lb (225 kg) lighter than the new 350Z.
Future development
As of 2002, Nissan stopped producing the S-series with the S15-series Nissan Silvia being the final variant. No production plans are in place to bring this vehicle back, although a concept model has been produced for the S16 model, which makes production a possibility in the future.
See also
References
Nissan Museum: Silvia History (Japanese text only)