The Nissan SR20DET, a 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with air-to-air intercooler that produces 250 horsepower and a power-to-weight ratio of less than 5 kilograms per horsepower, powers the rear-wheel-drive S15 sports coupe. The S15 includes a newly developed 6-speed close-ratio gearbox for better acceleration and an exhaust system that has been particularly adjusted to provide a loud sound at low engine speeds and a liner increase at high engine speeds.
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Australia[edit]
In Australia, the S12 chassis debuted in October 1983 under the Gazelle nameplate. The Australian Gazelle was offered as a hatchback and a coupe. It had the same 2.0-liter SOHC CA20E engine seen in North America, which produced 160 Nm (120 lbft) of torque at 3,200 rpm and 78 kW (105 horsepower) at 5,200 rpm. This engine may be paired with a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
The GL hatchback (basic) and the upscale SGL coupe were the trim levels available.
A six speaker sound system (over four), time delay inside lighting, variable intermittent wipers, an armrest, carpet kickpads, and cloth headlining/sunvisors/door trimmings were added to the coupe, according to the May 1984 brochure (over vinyl). Power steering, air conditioning, and a power sunroof were included in the coupe’s option package. Power steering, a power sunroof, and air conditioning were included in the hatchback’s option package.
The coupe’s option pack had been eliminated by the time of the August 1985 brochure, but the base SGL coupe now included power steering and a manual sunroof (a power sunroof was no longer offered). Power steering was added to the hatchback’s option list while air conditioning was kept as an option. The design of the alloy wheels was also modified.
S12 Nissan Silvia (1983-1989)
The S12, which began production in 1983 and underwent an exterior “Mark II” modification in 1986, was offered as a coupe and a hatchback.
This would once more offer a variety of engine options based on the production year and geolocation, as well as the debut of the CA18 engines. The V6 engine used in the 300ZX at the time was shared by other variations.
This was also badged as a Silvia and a Gazelle in Japan, similar to the S110. The S12 Gazelle was only a hatchback, but the S12 was offered as a coupe or a hatchback.
The 2.0L DOHC FJ20E was used in the RS model, and the FJ20ET turbocharged version was used in the RS-X.
When Nissan stopped making the FJ engine in 1987, they eventually switched to the CA18DET, which had two cams and a bigger turbo.
spec JDM The expensive optional accessories that came with Gazelles included voice command and a range of engine options.
The 2.0L SOHC N/A CA20E engine for the XE model came with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The same engine as well as the 1.8L CA18ET would be installed in the hatchback. The VG30E 3.0L V6 engine, which was also installed in the non-turbo 300ZX, was capable of producing 160 horsepower and 174 ft/lb of torque, and it was used in the SE model, which was introduced in 1987, replacing the turbo variant.
For the 1988 SE model, later updates would add 5hp, resulting in a final output of 165hp.
The S12 was designated as a Silvia for the European market, with the exception of Sweden, which referred to it as a 180ZX in order to avoid using the same name as the Queen of Sweden. After the 300ZX was no longer sold in the nation, they began using the ZX name.
The 1.8L SOHC turbo CA18ET engine was only offered in the hatchback version, which was the only choice in Europe. A very small number of vehicles were also equipped with the 2.0L DOHC FJ20E, which was under bored from 2.4L to 2.0L and was initially created for the 240RS rally car.
Additionally, Australia received its own version of the Gazelle, a coupe and hatchback with a CA20E engine.
The S12 underwent a small facelift in 1986, largely to the outside of the vehicle.
Traction is the key to everything.
Despite being a powerful performance sedan, the BMW M3 has both fresh and seasoned rivals. In a brand-new Carwow video, the channel races a 600-horsepower Nissan Silvia S15 against an M3 Competition (447 kilowatts). Before subjecting the two to a brake test, the film pits the two in a series of drag races with varying conditions.
If you only look at the stats, the Nissan appears poised to defeat the BMW, but the figures don’t tell the whole story. The 3.0-liter straight-six engine in the M3 Competition is twin-turbocharged and produces 510 horsepower (380 kW) and 479 pound-feet (650 Newton-meters) of torque. This power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic with launch control. The 2.1-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the Silvia has been bored out to produce 600 horsepower and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. The Silvia, however, features a manual transmission without the sophisticated launch control system used by BMW.
The Objective
The main objective was to honor George, a longtime friend of theirs. The construction had to be quick and attractive. Tim had a clear picture in his head, even if following this formula is easier said than done. He aimed to give the outside a refined yet understated appearance. The Silvia needed to deliver more than 400 horsepower to its rear wheels while using pump petrol in any case. To be true to the Silvia’s origins, Tim intended to switch to a top-mount turbocharger and preserve the SR20 engine. He wanted to make sure the car was always prepared for the track even if it was intended to be showcased at auto exhibitions all over. The strategy was immediately outlined, and it was time for the Silvia to fulfill more than just its reputation as a fantastic Japanese vehicle for drifters all over the world.
Nissan might produce an S16.
A brand-new Nissan S16 Silvia is rumored to be in development for 2025, although it might forgo the traditional turbocharged gasoline engine in favor of an all-electric drivetrain.
The Silvia, also known as the 200SX in Australia, is one of Nissan’s most recognizable automobiles and is positioned as a mid-range sports car between the Zed models and the top-of-the-line Skyline GT-R.
After Europe design boss Matthew Weaver unveiled retro concept sketches modeled after the original Silvia of 1964, Japanese newspaper Best Car now reports that Nissan is working on a new Silvia.
Nissan Europe’s Silvia EV concept art. Top: A future Silvia EV as depicted by Best Car.
Weaver remarked at the time, “By recreating this car for the future, we wanted to pay honor to its tradition.
“Being an electric car, it offered us the chance to extend the clean surface across the front because an electric engine has significantly lower cooling requirements, thus there is no need for a grille where radiators are typically positioned,” says the author.
In comparison to an automobile powered by an internal combustion engine, the essential parts of an electric vehicle are “very different and can be packed differently,” according to Weaver.
Therefore, the Silvia that we have pictured in this scenario would have a larger inside than its outside measurements would imply.
Nissan may finally be considering releasing a vehicle that can compete with the Toyota AE86 Sprinter, Toyota GR86, and Subaru BRZ, which are vehicles inspired by the 1980s S12 Silvia (badged as a Gazelle in Australia).
Is S15 a reliable car?
The S15 is without a doubt one of the most attractive vehicles on the road today. With a fantastic engine and excellent handling built into a compact, light chassis, some straightforward improvements can turn this car into a delight to drive.
Although there is severely restricted rear legroom, especially with aftermarket seats, they can make good daily drives. In light of how long your children’s legs are, you might want to think again about making this your next family vehicle.
The low seating position of an S15, especially one with an aftermarket seat, is ideal for spirited driving or drifting, for that matter. Right out of the box, it handles wonderfully precisely and firmly; add some coilovers, and you’ll be giggling.
If you have extra money to spend, you can upgrade the SR20DET to produce up to 400 horsepower with reliability, so you can be sure the two will work well together.
As an alternative, the less expensive Spec-S will unquestionably be the superior option if you wish to perform an engine exchange. Alternately, the Autech will handle the punishment nicely and put a tremendous smile on your face at the same time if you’re looking some high-revving drifting mayhem from a N/A engine.
However, you might need to postpone your plans for a time until the 25-year import prohibition is repealed. Why not acquire yourself a 240SX and start honing your abilities in the interim? If that’s your strategy, keep in mind that the majority of S14 and S15 parts are interchangeable, which will come in very handy when switching to your subsequent build!
When the S15 finally makes it to the United States, pricing are unknown, but we’re confident that whatever they are will be worth it. We’ve all seen how the value of GTRs has skyrocketed, so be sure to grab a future classic as soon as you can!
Check out the video game Drift Hunters if you want to drift an S15 before they become legal in the US!
A Silvia is it a skyline?
Since the middle of the 1970s, Nissan’s classic sports models have been sold in Japan alongside the larger Nissan Skyline coupe in the Nissan Silvia coupe series. Before its manufacturing ceased in 2002, the Nissan Silvia, which was propelled by the rear wheels, influenced Japanese designers’ plans for the small sports coupe. The Nissan Silvia was produced across seven generations and was marketed under several names depending on the nation. While the Nissan Silvia moniker was almost continuously used in Japan during development, the 2 + 2 seater Nissan 200SX entered the market in the majority of European nations between 1989 and 1998. The Silvia was available in Europe as an import for little over four years after 1998.
Where can I buy an S15?
In theory, you may already purchase one. It is entirely lawful to purchase an S15 and store it outside of the country until you can bring it to the U.S. because the prohibition only pertains to auto imports. You all need to wait until January 2024 before you may drive your car.
The precise year of your particular car is another factor that must be taken into account. In 2024, there will only be 1999 models available. Is your S15 from 2000 or a later year? You still have some time to wait. A
In showroom shape Typically, Nissan S15s cost around $20,000. If the price seems reasonable to you, beware of additional expenses! Due to the many modifications that are available for regular automobiles, the cost of many cars varies. Additionally, you all must pay the necessary import fees. A
A Key Learning S15 imports are prohibited until at least January 2024. You risk penalties or jail time if you try to bring one in before the ban is removed. A
The 240SX is an S15.
The S15 wasn’t made available in American stores. Nissan introduced it in Japan in 1999, equipped with a T28 ball bearing turbo and the newest SR20DET engine. This variant performed better in several ways because it had larger fuel injectors, which could provide 480 cc/min. On paper, the six-speed transmission appears to be an excellent option, but due to the thinner gears, many drift enthusiasts were unsatisfied. The 240SX’s primary market at this point was drifters, and the break around 350–400HP apparently irked them. This is perhaps the reason why the S13 and S14 are still well-liked in the American drift scene today.
S15: What does that mean?
One of the lines on the Zurcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV), Zurich’s transportation network, that connects the cantons of Zurich and St. Gallen, is the S15, a regional train line of the S-Bahn Zurich.