Nissan officially begins work on a new Silvia sports car, aiming for an electrified model by the end of the decade amid growing emission regulations.
Nissan has confirmed that a new Silvia sports car is officially in development, though a production version has yet to be approved. It’s been over a decade since Nissan hinted at a third sports car with the retro-inspired IDx concept. However, that project was ultimately canceled due to high production costs and concerns it could cannibalize sales of the 370Z.
Recently, Nissan has been dropping hints about reviving the beloved Silvia nameplate. In an interview with *Drive* magazine, Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s Vice President of Global Product Strategy, confirmed that early development for the Silvia is underway. He referred to this phase as “upstream exercises,” which involve the initial planning and conceptual stages of the car’s architecture.
Nissan is targeting a launch before the end of the decade, with the new Silvia likely featuring an electrified powertrain to comply with global emission regulations, especially in markets like Europe. While this may disappoint purists, a fully gasoline-powered version would not be feasible in many regions due to increasingly stringent emissions rules.
Despite the high costs and niche market for sports cars, Nissan plans to develop the Silvia independently, rather than partnering with another automaker, unlike collaborations seen with models like the Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ. Espinosa acknowledged that creating a new Silvia requires significant investment, but the company is committed to going it alone.
Though sports cars generally have low sales volumes, Nissan is confident in the potential of a reborn Silvia. With growing demand for electrified vehicles, and following the success of models like the Z and GT-R, the Silvia may find its place in Nissan’s lineup. Additionally, the recent announcement of Honda’s revived Prelude gives hope that affordable sports cars can still thrive in an SUV-dominated market.
