Between the debut of the new Honda NSX->ke2673, reports that the Type-R may come stateside, and rumors of a seventh-generation Z->ke2077, there’s been a lot of activity as of late surrounding some of history’s most recognizable Japanese sports cars. Now, according to Aussie publication Motoring.co.au, it looks like it’s time to throw even more coal into the burner on the old speculation train.

The Nissan Silvia,->ke558 which shared the same chassis as the 180SX, 200SX, and 240SX->ke4965 sold worldwide, is regarded within drift->ke2756 circles as a premier platform for sideways shenanigans. It’s a lightweight car, with a rear-wheel-drive, front-engine layout that’s easily modified with a variety of engine transplants and suspension upgrades.

The original Silvia debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show->ke1834 in 1964 as the Datsun->ke4307 Coupe 1500. The vehicle enjoyed several generations until it was discontinued in 2002.

However, with the unveiling of the IDx concept vehicle at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, inside sources are whispering to Motoring.co.au that the Silvia may make a triumphant return, with a debut possibly coming as early as next year.

It’s believed that either a supercharged, 1.2-liter or turbocharged, 1.6-liter engine will sit under the hood, with output hovering somewhere around the 200-horsepower mark. There are also rumors that both a six-speed automatic and manual transmission will be available to slot the cogs. These kinds of specs would place the new Silvia sports car nicely behind the more powerful seventh-generation Z, with a performance-oriented NISMO-tuned version expected to follow soon after release.

Motoring.co.au

Click past the jump to read more about the future Nissan Silvia successor.0}

As far as I’m concerned, new performance vehicles are always welcome, and with the popularity of the Toyobaru 86, more commonly known as the Scion FR-S->ke3820 and Subaru BRZ,->ke3973 it’s not surprising that Nissan->ke62 is considering a revival of the Silvia. We certainly hope it makes it to production. With a new Silvia, Z car, MX-5->ke1185, S660, and the possibility of a true U.S.-spec Civic Type-R, we could be entering quite the golden age for small and affordable Japanese sport cars.

Why it matters

While the IDx certainly looks odd, with modern touches like LED lighting and a reversed-slanted nose mesh with the old-school boxy body lines of the Datsun 510, we’re definitely excited by it’s diminutive size. Less mass means a less-powerful engine is required to grant it that sporting intent. It also means crisper handling, better fuel mileage, and a lower price, all of which are features essential to the modern sports car. The interior looks good, with race-inspired, Alcantara-covered bucket seats, large gauges, and a grippy-looking steering wheel. Throw in a six-speed manual to row, decent tires and brake pads, and maybe little more boost, and the IDx should make for quite the enticing package.