S15
Nissan Silvia (S15) S15 Silvia Spec-R
Also called AREX Elite 951
Nissan 200SX
Production 1999–2002
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
Layout FR layout
Platform Nissan S platform
Engine(s) 2.0 L DOHC-I4 (SR20DE), 165 PS 2.0 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (SR20DET), 250 PS
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 99.4 in (2,525 mm)
Length 175 in (4,445 mm)
Width 66.7 in (1,694 mm)
Height 50.6 in (1,285 mm)
Curb weight 2650–2800 lb (1200–1270 kg)
Japan saw a new version of the Silvia (S15) in 1999, now boasting 250 hp (184 kW) from its SR20DET engine, thanks to a ball-bearing turbocharger upgrade, as well as improved engine management. The SR20DE (non-turbo motor) featured 165 hp (121 kW).
The S15 Silvia included aggressive styling inside and out, updating the previous Silvia styling in-line with modern car design trends.
The S15 Silvia model lineup was initially simplified to just the Spec-S and Spec-R , both models offering an "Aero" variant with a large rear wing and side skirts/valances.
This generation of the Silvia was only sold in Japan, Australia and New Zealand but was available as a grey import in most other countries. In Australia and New Zealand the car was sold as the Nissan 200SX.
Within the Australian domestic market (AUDM), the S15 sold in 2 trim levels as noted above; Spec S and Spec R - however both models featured the SR20DET motor, albeit slightly detuned from the JDM spec cars. Nissan S15s were never officially sold with the naturally aspirated SR20DE engine in Australia or New Zealand. These two models were available at Nissan showrooms until the Nissan 200SX GT was introduced in 2002, the last year of production for the S15. Main differences here were namely the wheels being finshed in a silver shadow chrome and updated larger rear wing.
The S15 was sold in Taiwan as the AREX Elite 951.
As of 2002, Nissan stopped producing the S platform with the S15-series Nissan Silvia being the final variant.
[edit] Variants
[edit] Spec-R
The Spec-R differed from previous Silvia models by featuring a 6-speed manual transmission. The Spec-R also included extensive chassis and suspension strengthening via the use of larger anti-roll bars and strut bracing. The S15 featured the same 4-piston front brake calipers that were found in the S14 but included a larger brake booster.
One of the biggest changes to the S15 model of the Silvia was the implementation of a helical limited slip differential. The result was a safer, more track suited drive; in some contrast to its drifting heritage and subsequent media attention.
As with many Nissans, HICAS (High Capacity Active Steering) four wheel steering was available as an option.
[edit] Spec-S
The Spec-S featured only a 5-speed manual transmission (in addition to a 4-speed automatic available on both the Spec-S and the Spec-R). It also lacked the additional chassis support of the Spec-R; featured 4-piston front brake caliper and a slightly smaller brake booster. The Spec-S also only featured the viscous limited slip differential, the same unit found in the S14.
The S15 line was later expanded to include various luxury and upgrade option packages for both the Spec-S and Spec-R. Autech, a specialty car developer, also offered several tuned versions of the S15; one with body and interior trim modeled after the Ferrari 456, called the style-A, available in both Spec-S and Spec-R based trims; and a second tuned version was based on the Spec-S trim level with the engine output increased to 200 hp (150 kW) through the use of increased compression, more aggressive camshafts, and free-breathing intake and exhaust tracts, along with ECU tuning and upgrades to the chassis and suspension. This version also included the 6-speed transmission and other upgrades normally found only in the Spec-R.
There was also a convertible variant of the Silvia, called the Varietta, featuring a folding retractable hardtop. The Varietta was built by Autech and was based on the Spec-S model, featuring the same naturally aspirated engine, with a choice of the 4-speed automatic transmission or the 5-speed manual transmission.
Production of the Silvia ended in August 2002 amidst Nissan's efforts to reduce its myriad of platforms. The S15 Silvia was therefore the last car to hold the Silvia badge. Nissan's worldwide sports car platform is now the FM Platform, which underpins the current Fairlady Z (the 350/370Z in North America), as well as the 2001–Present Nissan Skyline (the Infiniti G35/37 in North America).
In Japan, the S15 generation of the Silvia is colloquially known as the "Strawberry". The term is common, as most car enthusiasts in Japan refer to a car by its chassis name. In Japanese, the numbers one and five (from the name S15) are respectively "ichi" and "go". The word "ichigo" is also the Japanese word for strawberry.
Motorsports
S15 Silvia of 2004 D1GP champion Ryuji Miki
The S-series is a popular drift car, especially the S13 through S15 vehicles.
Silvias have been raced successfully in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (now Super GT) and its predecessors. In the late Eighties, when Group B was banned, S110 and S12 Silvias also saw limited success in rallying, mainly on endurance rallies. During the S13's production, there was a one-make series in Japan. The S13s were also successful in racing in the IMSA GTU class during the early 1990s.
