SILVIA, 1/19/1999
January 19, 1999
Nissan Releases All-New Silvia
Tokyo ] Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the domestic release of the new-generation Silvia sporty coupe following the implementation of a full model change.
Silvia spec-R
Intended to be a car that people get excited about, the new Silvia, 7th generation in this series, has been developed around the concept of "a nimble, compact sporty coupe that is thrilling to look at, sit in and drive."
The exterior design, embodying the motif of a sculpted form exuding a sensation of speed, imparts a feeling of spirited, nimble driving performance the instant one sees the car. Contributing to the Silvia's image of "speed and beauty" are its low, slanted nose with an advanced look, the tenacious-looking rear fenders expressing the stellar driving performance of this rear-wheel-drive car, the two character lines accentuated by the wedge shape and the unique panel treatment that wraps around the sides toward the rear.
On the inside, the distinctive interior design evokes a sporty mood the moment one enters the Silvia. With a centrally positioned tachometer and a boost pressure gauge located on the front pillar, the instrumentation creates an ambience indicative of outstanding driving performance.
One of the engines powering the Silvia is the SR20DET, a 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder intercooled turbocharged engine that delivers improved power output of 250 PS to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of less than 5 kg/PS. This output figure applies to models on which the SR20DET engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission featuring close-ratio gearing for spirited acceleration performance. In addition, the Silvia features nimble vehicle dynamics, thanks largely to its down-sized body dimensions in width and length, increased body stiffness, adoption of a helical limited slip differential (available on manual transmission models fitted with 16-inch tires) and improved suspension. The braking system also provides excellent performance with a suitably stiff brake pedal feel. This has been accomplished by adopting opposed 4-piston calipers at the front wheels on spec-R series models and a larger brake booster, among other measures.
Moreover, models fitted with a manual transmission feature special exhaust system tuning that provides an emotive exhaust note characterized by a powerful impression at low speeds and a linear increase to the high speed range.
Overview of New Silvia
1. Sculpted form exuding a sensation of speed
An image of superb driving performance is projected by the flowing cabin form, created by the low, slanted hood with its advanced look and the forward rake of the rear pillars.
The thin-looking headlamps convey a bold expression, with the lamp, sporting a mechanical design treatment, positioned inside the transparent outer lens.
Adorning the hood is a new S-shaped emblem designed with a blade motif to suggest a sense of sharpness.
Large air intakes incorporated in the bumper, which appears integrated with the hood, emphasize the impression of stellar driving performance.
The Silvia's distinct image of "speed and beauty" is expressed by its two character lines, accentuated by the wedge shape of the body sides, and by the unique surface composition of the sheetmetal.
Rendered with a strong outward projection, the rear fender design conveys a sense of tenacity and chiseled solidity suggestive of the impressive driving performance expected of a rear-wheel-drive sporty coupe.
The wrap-around treatment of the sheetmetal from the rear fenders toward the trunk creates a low and wide rear view with a feel of nimble agility.
Executed with a three-dimensional design, the rear combination lamps express a fresh originality that tells the viewer at a glance that this is the Nissan Silvia.
The sill protectors highlighting the sharp body lines and the rear spoiler, with the high-mounted stop lamp shaped like an inverted triangle, combine to project an image of ultimate driving performance.
The Silvia is available in six sporty and dynamic body colors. Especially notable is the new Sparkling Silver Metallic color that accents the Silvia's sculpted form and is characterized by large differences in body surface brightness depending on how light strikes the car.
2. Distinctive interior design engenders a sporty mood
The simple instrument panel design has a two-stage composition, consisting of an upper portion with a soft sensation and a lower portion with a hard, metallic look to convey a powerful, sporty impression.
The ventilation grille, comprising of a lateral series of five round ducts with fully closing louvers, projects an image of daring originality.
Titanium-looking finish has been used throughout the interior to create a sporty ambience.
The driving position has been designed to allow quicker, surer execution of driving operations and to provide a seating posture for minimal fatigue during sporty driving. In addition, driving ease has been enhanced by changing the accelerator pedal angle to enable easier switching between the pedals and by moving the shift lever positions of the third through the sixth gear closer to the driver.
The instrumentation is laid out with the large-size tachometer positioned in the center for an enhanced atmosphere of sporty driving. Moreover, a lettering font with a feeling of speed is used on the silver-faced instruments. Orange reflective lighting has been adopted for the instrument panel to project a sporty image. Additionally, spec-R series models come with titanium-looking instrument finishers that impart a high-performance impression.
A 52-mm-diameter boost pressure gauge with a 250-degree needle angle of deflection is attached to the driver's side front pillar on spec-R series models to enhance the sensation of superior driving performance. (The spec-S Aero model comes with an oil pressure gauge.)
The 370-mm-diameter steering wheel is adorned with a center pad emblem to highlight its presence. Moreover, with the genuine leather specification, the spokes on both sides feature a titanium-looking finish that projects a sporty feeling.
The shift lever knob of the six-speed manual transmission is designed with a combination of leather and a metallic-looking material, giving it a mechanical atmosphere with a high-performance look.
The door step adopts a kicking plate incorporating a stainless-steel car name ornament to impart a sports car-like feeling the moment the door is opened.
Designed with a well-balanced surface composition and a firm feel, the front seats provide good support for holding occupants securely as well as excellent functionality for easy shift lever operation.
The seats are covered with a handsome jersey fabric that combines a sporty black and metallic look. An optional interior package is also available featuring a colorful orange suede tricot for the front seat fabric and door trim.
3. Spirited, agile driving performance befitting a rear-drive, 4-cylinder-engined sporty coupe
(1) Exhilarating acceleration
Powering the spec-R series models is the 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder intercooled turbocharged SR20DET engine that improves power output by 30 PS over the previous model when mated to the 6-speed manual transmission. This results in a power-to-weight ratio of less than 5 kg/PS for exhilarating acceleration.
The spec-S series models are fitted with the 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder twin-cam SR20DE engine that delivers highly responsive, nimble driving performance. As a result of reducing exhaust resistance, among other improvements, this engine provides greater power output on models fitted with the 5-speed manual transmission.
Models powered by the SR20DET engine are fitted with a newly developed 6-speed manual transmission that adopts close-ratio gearing for spirited acceleration performance. The gearbox also incorporates triple cone synchronizers in the first, second and third gear positions for enhanced shifting ease. Moreover, the synchronizing mechanism of the second through the fourth gear adopts an asymmetric chamfered construction to provide a delightfully smooth shift feel.
(2) Nimble vehicle dynamics
Steering system stiffness has been increased to provide an improved steering feel.
The front strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension that were highly acclaimed on the previous model have been continued on the new Silvia. Highly nimble vehicle dynamics with little response delay have been achieved by increasing the stiffness at the places where the suspension is attached, changing the suspension geometry and adding suitably placed reinforcements, among other improvements.
Body stiffness has been augmented largely by strengthening the upper member of the hood ledge and adding reinforcements to the rear pillars. Along with the down-sized body dimensions, the increased stiffness contributes to remarkably nimble driving performance.
Moreover, models fitted with 16-inch tires adopt a "sports-tuned body" which is achieved by adding a front crossbar, rear floor stays, a trunk bar and a rear crossbar, in addition to increasing the plate thickness of the floor panel extension.
A helical limited-slip differential (LSD) has been adopted for outstanding response and controllability during cornering.
(3) Braking system with a suitably stiff pedal feel
Besides adopting front disc brakes with opposed 4-piston calipers and highly responsive ABS, spec-R series models are also fitted with a larger brake booster, resulting in a braking system with a greater feeling of brake pedal stiffness for more confident braking.
Larger brake rotors and a larger brake booster are used on spec-S series models for the same purpose.
All models come with ABS, incorporating a compact, lightweight actuator and controller, and Braking Assist as standard equipment for enhanced emergency avoidance capabilities.
(4) Pleasingly buoyant exhaust note
Manual transmission models are equipped with an exhaust system featuring reduced back pressure for increased engine power output. This is accomplished by modifying the internal structure of the muffler and increasing the diameter of all exhaust system tubes.
On manual transmission models, the muffler is specially tuned to provide an emotive exhaust note with an impression of power in the low-rpm range and a well-balanced, linear increase to the high speed range.
4. Safety
With the aim of further augmenting safety performance, Nissan designs and engineers all its vehicles on the basis the Triple Safety concept comprising three key principles of safety. The first is "information safety" for forewarning the driver of potential danger, the second is "control safety" for assisting the driver in avoiding potential danger, and the third is "impact safety" for helping reduce injury in the event of an accident.
Major safety technologies featured on the Silvia
Information safety features for forewarning the driver
Projector headlamps
Xenon headlamps (low beam with levelizer; factory-installed option on all models)
High-mounted stop lamp
Titanium Clear Outside Mirrors
Long-life water repellent coating on front door glass
Rear intermittent wiper
Halogen fog lamps embedded in the front bumper (standard on Aero series models)
Fog lamps incorporated in the rear combination lamps (factory-installed option on cold
climate specification models)
Control safety features for avoiding potential danger
ABS
Braking Assist
Impact safety features for helping reduce injury
High-strength Zone Body construction
Dual airbag SRS for driver and front passenger
Side airbag SRS with head protection capability for driver and front passenger
(factory-installed option on all models)
Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and ELR
Three-point rear seatbelts with ELR and child locking mechanism in outboard
positions
Water-resistant power window switch system
Rollover fuel cut-off valve
Flame-retardant interior materials
5. Environmental friendliness
Nissan has a vigorous program of company-wide activities aimed at promoting environmental protection and effective utilization of natural resources.
Silvia models fitted with the SR20DE engine are available with a low-emission vehicle (LEV) specification for significantly cleaner exhaust emissions. These LEV models reduce exhaust emission levels, including hydrocarbons (HC), to around one-tenth of the average regulation values specified for operation under Japan's 10-15 test mode.
Various measures have been taken to protect the ozone layer and to preserve water quality. These include the adoption of an ozone-safe air-conditioning system that uses the HFC-134a alternative refrigerant and the use of a recyclable paint guard film for protecting the body paint finish during new vehicle shipment.
Easy-to-recycle thermoplastics are used extensively to manufacture numerous parts, nearly all plastic parts and some rubber parts are marked with material codes for easy recycling and the use of lead has been reduced, among other steps taken to enhance overall environmental friendliness.
Moreover, a Nissan Silvia Environmental Note is placed in every model to explain to customers the wide-ranging efforts made to improve the environmental friendliness of the Silvia.
Price Range and Sales Target
The new Silvia is priced in a range from 1,770,000 yen to 2,607,000 yen.
Nissan projects a monthly sales volume of 3,000 units.
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SILVIA
Grade spec-R (6MT)
Overall Length (mm) 4,445
Overall Width (mm) 1,695
Overall Height (mm) 1,285
Wheel base (mm) 2,525
Track Front (mm) 1,470
Rear (mm) 1,460
Ground Clearance (mm) 130
Curb Weight (kg) 1,240
Turning Radius (m) 4.9
Steering Rack & Pinion with power assistance
Suspension Front Struts
Rear Multi- link
Brakes Front Ventilated disks
Rear Disks
Tires Front 205/55R16 89V
Rear 205/55R16 89V
Engine
Type SR20DET Turbocharged DOHC, In-line 4
Displacement (cc) 1,998
Bore ~ Stroke (mm) 86.0 ~ 86.0
Max. Power (PS/rpm) 250/6,400
Max. Torque (kg-m/rpm) 28.0/4,800
Compression Ratio 8.5:1
Induction EGI(ECCS)
Transmission
6-speed Manual Transmission
Gear ratio
1st 3.626
2nd 2.200
3rd 1.541
4th 1.213
5th 1.000
6th 0.767
Reverse 3.437
Final 3.692
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