Should Nissan revive the Silvia as an EV?

This EV design study was inspired by the original Nissan Silvia

Nissan's current lineup of sports cars consists of two models – the GT-R and the Z. But roll back the clock, and there was one other model on that list – the Silvia. Depending on where you were, it was also called the 180SX, 200SX, 240SX. However, the model was discontinued in 2002, with the S15 being the last model. It has been nearly 20 years since then, but is it time for a comeback?

Nissan Europe design boss Matthew Weaver has reimagined what the Silvia would look like as a modern-day electric vehicle (EV). Interestingly, Weaver didn't base it off the more popular S13, S14, and S15 models loved by drifters and tuners around the world. Instead, the sketch you see here was inspired by the first-generation CSP311, which introduced the Silvia nameplate at the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show.

Weaver's design kept most of the CSP311's signature styling cues and brought it into the modern era. For example, the single clean line connecting the upper and lower body can still be seen. Then there are the round headlights still integrated into the grille. This being an EV, the grille is smaller than before, and the bumper is closed off. At the rear, there are slim LED taillights to match the rest of the body.

“The Silvia was ahead of its time, in a very quiet, understated way. It has aged very well and would still have its place on the roads today. It's also a great example of what is expected of a global product: high quality and universally appealing,” said Weaver.

At the moment, the Silvia EV you see here is merely a design study. There's no word whether Nissan will build one in real life either as a concept or a production model. Hopefully, they do. With several automakers reviving old nameplates like the Lamborghini Countach and the Acura Integra, a new Silvia would be a great addition to Nissan's lineup.