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Nissan is set to uncover two new sports car concepts at the Tokyo motor show next month, signalling the continuation of two of the brand’s most celebrated model lines.
UK mag What Car reports that the more production ready of the two will hint at an upcoming successor to the hallowed 200SX/Silvia series, which would represent Nissan’s answer to the hugely successful Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ twins.
Nissan’s executive vice president Andy Palmer previously implied that the second concept will preview the replacement for the 370Z. "When will you see it? Come to Tokyo," he was quoted as saying last month.
While the Z concept’s styling is expected to take a new direction beyond the more recent 350Z/370Z lineage, the 200SX concept will reportedly display clear references to a previous model that does not belong to the Z family.
Nissan’s most recent sports concept was the Esflow coupe shown at the 2011 Tokyo motor show, but it is unclear whether either of the new concepts will draw on its design.
A new 200SX/Silvia could draw power from a version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine used in the Juke crossover and Pulsar SSS and ST-S, albeit modified to suit the model’s likely rear-drive layout.
The last 200SX/Silvia bowed out in 2002, with the development of its already delayed replacement halted by the GFC in 2008.
Subsequent reports have suggested that the model line would be absorbed by a smaller, cheaper 370Z replacement, but the runaway success of the 86/BRZ twins may have convinced Nissan to continue with two distinct model lines.
Mazda’s upcoming new MX-5 along with the jointly-developed Alfa Romeo Spider may have also encouraged Nissan to take its slice of the budget rear-wheel drive sports car pie.
This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn
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