Nissan Silvia S14 – 6th-Generation (1993-1999) | Japanese Legends

The outgoing S13 Series left behind a massive wave of widespread fame and recognition for the Silvia nameplate and made the Japanese legend even more desirable in the eyes of car enthusiasts around the globe. As S13 production was nearing its end in 1993, Nissan launched the new and improved Silvia S14 in Japan. And no need to mention that Nissan had a car able to uphold the impeccable reputation built over the years by the previous generations. One thing was for sure, for Nissan’s team to make this car live up to the legacy was not going to be a walk in the park.

So the question remains; was the S14 Silvia successful in living up to the expectations of millions of JDM enthusiasts around the world? Keep reading this post on the last iteration of the Nissan Silvia to find out.

Silvia S14 Background

The S13 Series was the most popular Silvia in Japan and export markets. The outgoing generation was responsible for bringing a tsunami of new and young customers into the Nissan brand thanks to the impressive driving dynamics that greatly appealed to avid car enthusiasts. In fact, the updated Type X, popularly known as the “Kouki” facelift, was produced and sold in Japan until 1998. Meanwhile, the rest of the S13 production officially ended around 1994. Hence, based on S13’s impressive sales in domestic and international markets, Nissan’s top brass would have been expecting the S14 to do even better.

However, the real challenge was to retain the scores of drifting & driving enthusiasts by designing a successor that embodies the traditional Silvia ethos while introducing technological advancements and other features.

Nissan introduced the brand-new S14 Silvia in Japan in 1993 as a ’94 model-year car. It took another year for the updated Silvia to reach the United States. The S14 was not an instant hit like its predecessor. However, the demand was there, despite Nissan opting to discontinue the notchback and convertible body styles. Notably, you could only have the S14 Series Silvia in Coupe form. In Japan, the updated model bore the name”Silvia,” while Nissan retained the 240SX name for North America. The iconic S-chassis was finally back for an all-new and exciting generation.

Domestic Version – Silvia S14 Coupe

Nissan had considerably narrowed the different trim levels and body styles compared to previous generations. Moreover, the S14 Silvia Coupe gained size, weight, power, and many other things. Thanks to the larger wheelbase and wider track, it featured significantly better handling characteristics. However, the common strategy to increase every parameter was not always advantageous; the increased overall dimensions made the car look bigger than it actually was. Besides, increased width also meant the S14 generation would fall into a higher tax bracket, potentially turning buyers away.

However, despite the issues related to its size, the demand was as strong as ever in Japan.

In terms of trim level designation, the S14 Series Silvia was quite similar to the outgoing generation. The three primary trim levels — J (Jack), Q (Queen), and K (King) were left untouched. However, Nissan ditched the optional “Club” selection package. Instead, Nissan offered “Aero” sub-models with Q and K trim levels. The aero kit included distinctively large rear wings in addition to exaggerated front splitters and other subtle aerodynamic upgrades around the exterior.

The S14 received a mid-cycle refresh in 1996, like most of its predecessors. The upgrades included an overall restyled design with sharper headlights & taillights and improvements to the powertrain setup. The facelift variant quickly gained popularity among enthusiasts, who also called it the S14A.

Under the skin

While Nissan marginally increased the S14 Silvia’s external dimensions, the brand also significantly decreased the powertrain options. In the domestic market, the S14 was available with only two engines — the SR20DE power unit and SR20DET (the T is for turbocharged). Nissan carried over both engines from the outgoing model, but the latter came with several improvements like Nissan’s new variable cam timing system and a larger turbocharger. The SR20DE engine was available in the J & Q trim levels, while Nissan reserved the turbocharged unit for the range-topping K variant.

The naturally aspirated powerplant developed 160 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque, representing slightly better performance than the SR20DE engine used in the S13 Silvia. On the other hand, the SR20DET in the K variant was good for 220 hp and 203 lb-ft torque. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission sending power exclusively to the rear wheels.

Now, remember, we are talking about the 1990s here. It was a time when automotive technologies and weren’t as high-tech & sophisticated as they are today. Moreover, the trend of manufacturing every imaginable component from exotic lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, etc., hadn’t quite caught on back then. So, a small price to pay for the minor improvements in handling, power, or styling was weight. Unfortunately, weighing in at around 2,700 lbs, the S14 Silvia weighed significantly more than its forbearers.

Styling features

In general, the Silvia is famous for adopting a western design language right from the first generation in 1964. Since then, Nissan has worked to perfect the western-style over several generations. Silvia’s out-of-the-box styling may have been criticized in the past for lacking the traditional essence of Japanese design. Still, it was very popular even in the domestic market during the 90s. The latest Silvia did a great job of improving the distinctively western design by adding a small yet significant dash of modern values.

Since Nissan decided to drop the hatchback variant for this generation, there was no S14 variant available with pop-up headlamps. Instead, you got standard headlights and taillights with smooth-flowing lines from front to rear that resulted in a rounded body style. Also, don’t forget the Aero upgrades, such as a large rear spoiler, front splitters, and other aerodynamic upgrades available for the top two trims.

Come 1996 and Nissan decided to give the S14 a mid-cycle update; this included revised overall styling that made the car look significantly more aggressive. Other aesthetic upgrades included all-new projector headlamps and tinted taillights.

Export Version

The S14 platform was introduced to North American markets in 1994 as a 1995 model-year car. The export version was known as the second generation 240SX here in the US. Nissan did not continue the J, Q, and K nomenclature it used back home, but instead, there was a base model coupe, an SE mid-level trim, and an LE range-topping model.

The base trim came sufficiently feature-loaded with ABS, leather seats, limited-slip differential, etc., as optional extras. The LE trim had several standard features, such as leather seats, keyless entry, an anti-theft system, and a CD player. ABS and the viscous limited-slip differential were optional in all models.

Unlike the record-breaking sales back home, this generation’s export versions were not doing so well. There were several reasons for that, but the most significant one is the availability of Kouki S13 cars that were more desirable.

Under the skin

If you thought the domestic variant did not have enough flexibility in engine options, wait until you hear about the export version’s story. All trims of the 240SX came with the 2.4-liter KA24DE engine from the first generation 240SX. The powerplant produced 155 horsepower and 160 lb-ft torque. In addition to being significantly less powerful than Japanese S14 engines, these performance figures have remained unchanged compared to the S13 outgoing model. Buyers could choose to have their brand new 240SX with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

This generation featured a stiffer suspension setup across the line-up, while SE & LE trim levels came with a rear sway bar to increase rigidity. As a result, Nissan claims a 50% and 100% increase in torsional and bending rigidity.

Styling features

The 240SX’s styling did not feature any significant changes compared to its Japanese counterpart. Even the mid-cycle refresh in 1996 was almost entirely similar with new bumpers, hood, projector headlamps, fenders, taillights, etc. Sadly though, the 240SX was discontinued in July 1998 due to a lack of demand in the US.

Nismo 270R

Just like all other Silvia generations, Nissan also built a limited-edition model based on the S14 Series. The exclusive car was called the Nismo 270R, where the number 270 represented the number of horses under its hood. The limited-run special was based on the pre-facelift S14 and built by the Motorsports department at Nissan. The car featured aggressive all-around styling, including a vented hood to supply steady airflow to the front intercooler. Performance upgrades included a 2-way limited-slip differential and a new heavy-duty clutch.

Last Words

The S14 Series Nissan Silvia had all the right ingredients to become a competent and deserving successor to the famed S13. But, ultimately, it failed to garner the level of popularity and desirability in export markets, such as North America.

Which begs the question, then, where exactly did Nissan go wrong with the S14? And my answer to that is – absolutely nowhere. The S14 Series was an amazing sports car, totally deserving to wear the prestigious Silvia nameplate; however, even that wasn’t enough to beat the mighty S13. Of course, you also have to consider that Nissan continued selling the S13 180SX alongside the new car. I know which one I would rather have.

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