2010 Nissan 200SX Silvia: Turbocharged Rear-Wheel Drive Coupe

Motoring Channel Staff - 27/November/2007

Tokyo, Japan — Fans of 4-cylinder performance cars right across the globe were dismayed when in late 2002 Nissan confirmed that it would cease producing the 200SX, otherwise known as the Silvia.

But that dismay could turn to joy if the Japanese motoring media are on the money.

One Japanese magazine has released its own computer generated images that bookend an article about the 2010 model Nissan 200SX/Silvia, which would rival Hyundai's upcoming 2009 model Genesis Coupe, which we reported on last week and has the makings to be a massive hit. 

But why did Nissan stop making what is still one of the best-looking Japanese sports coupes out there? 

In 2002, Nissan cut the production of a number of vehicles as part of its restructure, which meant getting rid of its various different platforms - and included the S15 designated 200SX/Silvia.

For those who are unaware, the Nissan 200SX/Silvia was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, outputting anywhere between 147 and 180kW, and it was a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Around the turn of the century, 2000 to 2002, there were many Subaru WRX vs Nissan 200SX arguments, which gives you an idea of the performance the Nissan coupe was capable of delivering. 

The Japanese press has been speculating about a Nissan 200SX/Silvia replacement for some time now, but the momentum seems to be building. At present Nissan has not confirmed that such a model would be released, but concept cars like the Foria concept coupe that Nissan released in 2005 suggest that a new compact sports coupe is still a consideration.

Another reason why the Japanese mags could be furiously speculating on the next generation hot four rear-wheel drive coupe is that the Nissan 350Z (Fairlady Z in Japan) and the new GT-R are selling like hotcakes. 

Nissan's reputation for building reliable, high performance sports cars are second to none in the Asian region and the FM platform that underpins the 350Z could be used as a building block for the new model. 

Now that Hyundai is releasing its own 4-cylinder rear-wheel drive coupe in 2009, which is an odd-on favourite to make lots of money for the Korean car maker, perhaps Nissan will decide that the market is again ready for a budget sports car?

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