COTD - 27/01/25

Being a rather large fan of the sport of going sideways, naturally the S15 is one of the cars you learn about immediately when you enter this world…

Maybe I’d prefer an S13, but nonetheless the S15 is still a very cool car 👀

You don’t often hear of these staying standard as they’re such a great platform to modify to your taste! That being said, a few bits you need to know -

The Nissan Silvia S15, produced from 1999 to 2002, is a true JDM icon. The final chapter in the Silvia lineup, it took everything great about its predecessors and refined it into one of the most beloved rear wheel drive coupes ever built.

At its heart lies the SR20DET, a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 250hp (in Japanese spec) and delivers a perfect balance of power and reliability. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic (why?), the S15 offered spirited performance with a 0-60 mph time of around 5.5 seconds. The car’s rear-wheel-drive layout and lightweight chassis made it a dream to drift or carve up backroads.

The S15 was praised for its sharp, responsive handling. Equipped with multilink rear suspension and a limited slip differential, it offered incredible agility and balance. The Spec-R trim further enhanced performance with stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and reinforced chassis components, making it a favourite among enthusiasts.

The Nissan Silvia S15 is most famously modified for drifting. Thanks to its rear drive, lightweight chassis, and a highly tuneable engine, the S15 became a legend in the drifting world. It's one of the most popular platforms for both amateur drifters and professional competitors.

It’s also worth noting that the SR20DET has caused many people many issues, so instead, a lot of people opt to change the engine for something Supra, Skyline or Corvette flavoured.

As production ended in 2002, the S15 is now an extremely sought after modern classic. Prices in the UK range from £20,000 to £40,000, depending on the condition and spec. Pristine Spec-R models command a premium, especially as JDM imports grow rarer.

Drifting is a particular interest of mine, and to see such a wide variety of different builds made on this platform is very cool.

Maybe you guessed correctly today, maybe you didn’t - I know I did 😂

Hit ‘reply’ and let me know your thoughts on the Silvia 🍞

See you tomorrow, 6am sharp!

Love,

Angus