Nissan Has Begun Developing An Electrified Version Of The Silvia Sports Car

Key Highlights

• Nissan is working on an electrified version of the Silvia sports car.

• Unclear if it will be fully electric or a hybrid model.

• Development is aimed at meeting global regulations and achieving economies of scale.

• Nissan plans to launch the Silvia by the end of the decade.

• The project is independent, with no external collaborations.

Over a decade ago, Nissan unveiled the IDx concept, hinting a new sports car to join the GT-R and 370Z lineup. Though the Z replaced the 370Z and the GT-R is set for an electric comeback, the IDx was canceled due to low demand and high costs. However, in a recent interview in Abu Dhabi, Nissan's Vice President, Ivan Espinosa, revealed that early development has begun on a new Silvia sports car.

Espinosa confirmed that the new Silvia will be electrified, but didn't specify whether it will be fully electric or a hybrid. He stressed the need for a globally viable solution to achieve enough scale. Developing an electrified Silvia requires starting from scratch and significant investment.

While he aims to add a third sports car to Nissan's lineup alongside the Z and GT-R, he acknowledges the challenges. He anticipates Silvia's arrival by the end of the decade, as Nissan faces stiff competition from other Japanese brands in the electrified sports car market.

Nissan aims for the new Silvia to meet global regulations to scale production efficiently. Despite the high costs and niche market, Nissan plans to develop the Silvia on its own, without partnerships.

As competitors like Mazda are working on the next MX-5 and Honda is reviving the Prelude with a hybrid engine, Espinosa stated that Nissan will handle the Silvia project solo and strive to stand out in the electrified sports car market.

Verdict

Nissan is committed to reviving the Silvia as an electrified sports car, despite challenges such as high costs and fierce competition from other brands. By focusing on meeting global regulations and independently developing the Silvia, Nissan aims to create a standout model in the growing electrified sports car segment, with plans to debut it by the end of the decade.

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