The landscape of affordable sports cars has shifted, but hope remains. A Nissan executive recently hinted at plans for a new entry-level model, potentially reviving the electrified Silvia by decade’s end.
In an interview with Drive, an Australian publication, Nissan’s vice president for global product strategy, Ivan Espinosa, revealed the company is considering adding a third sports car to its lineup alongside the Z and GT-R models.
Although the project is still in early stages, Espinosa expressed enthusiasm for the idea, noting that such a vehicle would require significant investment. “I keep saying in my brain, three sports cars in my line-up, a GT-R, a Z, and something else,” Espinosa told Drive. “This something else in my brain is called the Silvia. Now, will we do it? I’m trying.”
The Silvia, introduced in the 1960s, became a legend among drifters, especially the S14 and S15 generations. However, there’s no word yet on whether the name will return or if it will reach North America.
Espinosa acknowledged the challenges of building a new sports car in today's market, where the segment is shrinking. Unlike Toyota, which partnered to create the GR 86 and Supra, Nissan would prefer to develop the Silvia independently. However, the electrification process would require engineering new components, a costly venture for the company, especially in a less profitable market.
If the Silvia does return, it will face tough competition from Mazda’s next-generation MX-5, Honda’s upcoming Prelude, and Toyota’s GR 86, all of which are likely to feature electrification. Whether Nissan can bring the Silvia back depends on its financial outlook, but fans are certainly hopeful.
Source: Drive
