the 240SX reincarnate will be.

With all of the excitement surrounding the next-generation Nissan 370Z, it's sometimes easy to forget that its little rear-wheel-drive brother is on the way, as well. A few weeks ago, we shared some info about this future Nissan RWD coupe, and now we have an official photo to share that popped up at a Nissan GT 2012 meeting. Although fuzzy, it shows a bulging rear fender flare, tiny rear quarter window and swoopy side that we've already seen on some unofficial renderings. As we recently reported, Nissan has kicked development of its future 240SX replacement into high gear after hearing that the Toyota/Subaru coupe is coming along nicely.

Expected to be based on a shortened version of the Z's FM platform and dubbed FR, the new coupe should be powered by either a naturally aspirated 2.0L or possibly a 1.6L or 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder. Speculation is that the S15 Silvia successor will be approximately 4,350 mm long, 1,750 mm wide and share the same wheelbase as the Z. Low weight and low price are key, and just like with its competitors from Subaru and Toyota, Nissan wants to keep the curb weight low, along with the price. We expect Nissan to beat Toyota to the punch by debuting the coupe in 2010, a full year before the Toyota/Subaru.

A 220 - 250ps 1.6L turbo inline 4 cylinder engine gives Nissan's new compact FR sports car a slight power edge over Toyota... let the battle begin!

Best Car continues its series of scoops on the Nissan FR sports car with some more specific information concerning body size, weight and power outputs which are rumored to be even closer to the Toyota offering that first thought. It turns out that these two cars will practically mirror each other in all but the powerplant. The Nissan is likely to use a HR16DET inline 4 cylinder turbo with VCR (Variable Compression Ratio Piston-Crank System) which will produce between 220 - 250ps, put out 30.0kg/m and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. At 1250kg it should have quite pleasing performance.

The body size will depend on the new platform which will be used for the Nissan FR sports car, that being the "54" type platform which at 1750mm, is likely to make it slightly wider than the S15 Silvia it will replace. The overall length will also be slightly shorter than the S15 and just a fraction taller according to Best Car. These dimensions are very close to the rumored dimension the Toyota FR sports car will have, so it will be very interesting to see just how these two cars perform alongside each other.

Although the final body styling hasn't been decided on yet, Best Car has gone ahead and made some images along the lines of what their source pointed out as being "similar to the V36 Skyline Coupe". Apparently Nissan is still aiming to keep the new FR sports car as close to the 2,000,000 yen mark as possible, although it is expected to break that barrier Nissan will have some stiff pricing competition from Toyota/Subaru who themselves are looking to keep costs to a minimum.

Justin Karow

Images: Best Car

let the battle begin!

Nissan’s planned 240SX/Silvia successor has been cancelled, according to a report published Thursday. The 2011 Silvia project was said to be inspired by the Foria and Urge concepts, and we published an exclusive illustration last year of the car.

According to the U.K.’s Autocar, the decision was made in response to the Renault-Nissan’s $1.27 billion loss incurred during the second half of 2008, details of which were announced today.

CEO Carlos Ghosn has reportedly indicated the company must focus all of its resources on small and medium-sized cars, including an electric Prius rival, expected to arrive in showrooms next year. As recently noted, Nissan has also applied for loans from America’s Department of Energy for U.S.-based EV and battery development.

The 240SX sports car was to be sold in hybrid and gasoline variants. It was intended as a low-cost alternative to the 370Z. There is apparently no hope for a revival of the program.