Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa recently gave an interview and mentioned two model names that may be of particular interest to enthusiasts. The first was the the Silvia, which Espinosa has a special passion for and wants to bring back. The second was the IDx concept, a compact FR coupe that ignited a fervor across the internet when it debuted but never came to fruition.
In speaking with Kuruma News, Espinosa was asked about whether Nissan should explore a concept like the IDx any more. His response was unexpected. “I would love to bring the Silvia back. I don’t know if it’s possible, because the concept is very difficult to realize in the modern era,” the CEO replied.
“The S15, especially with its high-output 2.0-liter turbo engine, is one of my favorite cars in Nissan’s history. To me, it’s one of the best lightweight sports cars we’ve made,” Espinosa continued.
He described how the lightweight, performance-tuned chassis was a lot of fun, but lamented that modern crash safety regulations make the creation of such a chassis difficult. “Nevertheless, this is one of the car names I would very much like to revive,” he said.
On the matter of the IDx, Espinosa affirmed what many enthusiasts have been saying since the concept shocked the automotive world in 2013. “I think [a car like the IDx] will serve many purposes. One, as I said earlier, is that it will be a car that helps express the Nissan brand. Secondly, it has the potential to appeal to a younger demographic, as it is very important for an automaker to continue to attract younger customers to its brand.”
It’s no secret that for many years Nissan has been losing, as the kids say, “clout”. Despite Skyline GT-R interest at an all-time high among enthusiasts and hype beasts alike, Nissan’s new car lineup isn’t striking the same chord. The brand needs an injection of excitement to bring discerning and influential buyers back to its fold.
“It’s not just about price, although price is certainly a factor, but there needs to be something compelling that makes young customers want to follow the brand,” Espinosa told Kuruma News. “This is one of the reasons why I am very interested in this car name [Silvia], even from a business perspective.”
Before you get too excited, however, the CEO was quick to bring the conversation back down to Earth. “There’s nothing I can share at this point. It’s just an idea in my head, but I hope one day it will come to fruition,” he said.
So while we shouldn’t hold our breaths for an S16 Silvia or IDx, this is encouraging news. At least the top brass is aware that bringing back a beloved, entry-level FR sports model can help rekindle interest in the Nissan brand.
Well, while I’d love for them to bring the IDx back, modernise the front headlights to feel like a CSP311 Silvia (I actually did a version for that), I won’t hold my breath.