With all media buzz surrounding Toyota's FT-86 and Honda's CR-Z lately, Nissan, which considers itself the preeminent Japanese sports-car maker, is planning to strike back with an all-new version of the 240SX.
After getting the proverbial axe in 2002, the 240SX (we call it the Silvia here) will feature styling and packaging loosely based on the Foria concept car that was shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.
The next 240SX will be built on a shortened version of Nissan's FR-L platform, the same used for the 370Z and G sedan, meaning that the power will be transferred to the rear wheels.
The resurrected 240SX front-engine/rear-drive 2+2 coupe, will retain its predecessor's image (the S15) as Nissan's entry-level performance car. The engine is expected to come in the form of a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4 with about 200 horsepower. There also may be a naturally-aspirated powerplant added to the mix, one that will cater to the bargain hunters.
There will be plenty of options offered including a flamboyant body kit. We hear that the car will tip the scales around 2800 lb., so expect 0-60-mph times in the six to seven-second range.
That the new 240SX will be a popular tuner car is a given, so don't be surprised to see 300- to 400-horsepower conversions (or more) soon after the car is introduced in 2011 or 2012. As for price, we haven't heard much, but expect it to be right on top of those of the FT-86 and next-generation Mazda MX-5.-- Mak Tokuyama, reporting from Japan.
IL News: The Return of the Nissan 240SX
alman08 says:
08:32 AM, 12/11/09
that's great news. now perhaps mazda will bring back the mx-6, acura will bring back the cl!!! loving it.
mnml says:
08:58 AM, 12/11/09
More comepetition for FT-86, Genesis Coupe, etc...
Cool!
7driver says:
09:49 AM, 12/11/09
Interesting development indeed. I'm a bit skeptical how it'll do against the FT-86 and Miata since Nissan's FM platform isn't exactly a featherweight. I'm also still a bit bitter over them putting the KA24 truck motor in the S13 for the USDM instead of the SR20DE.
stephen987 says:
02:34 PM, 12/11/09
I had one of those RS13s, a '90 model with the "truck motor" KA24E. It was actually a really nice combo--terrifically balanced handling and mountains of torque. It was almost impossible to screw up while driving it--but it was still a lot of fun. It even got 30 mpg on the interstate at a steady 75 mph, and was a surprisingly good cruiser.
Of course, the twin-cam version introduced in 1992 was better still.
billt9 says:
07:22 PM, 12/11/09
On the Foria? That thing looks like a good Chrysler.
Better make a new Foria concept.
inlinesix says:
10:35 PM, 12/11/09
That concept is ugly. Just launch an updated s15 here in the states.
estreka says:
10:53 PM, 12/11/09
Uh, I believe that IS an S15.
The Silvia has always been a looker. I especially liked the S14 (latter half) and S15. The weight sounds superb at 2800 lbs. A little tweaking would make that thing a monster.
inlinesix says:
10:57 PM, 12/11/09
Thats an S15. The Foria concept is the ugly thing. I saw a lot of S15's back in the day and I love the look and size of those cars.