1995 Nissan Silva - High-End "Hybrid"

No GaugesYou might notice the lack of instrument gauges. All engine vitals are monitored by the HKS automated multi-player, which is displayed via the dashboard screen.

Electric TintAnother unique feature of the Silvia is the addition of four activated plasma glass panels. When off, the glass is black, but when electrical current is added, the panels become clear.

AmpsThe system features eight Genesis amplifiers totaling 4,700 watts: six Monoblock amps whose output has been modified to reach 500 watts at 4-ohms and two Dual Mono Extremes that produce 350 watts per channel. The Dual Mono Extremes are biamplified to the front midrange and tweeters, while two Monoblocks run the front midwoofers. The remaining four Monoblock amps are dedicated to the main subwoofer system, which will eventually be located under the dash.

Rear WindowThe fiberglass rear "window" was sanded and smoothed to 500-grit before receiving a coat of primer. Then, a phone call was made to the local Sikkens paint supply rep for a line on whom could create the desired effect. That eventually led to a local Atlanta motorcycle painter, who made the part resemble a deeply tinted window with airbrushed graphics depicting defroster lines.

WiringEvery strand of the over 4,000' of wiring was replaced with IXOS wire. Every fuse in the car is accessible in one place, directly behind the front seats.

The TrunkThe trunk houses the 2-liter storage tank for the quiet air compressor mounted underneath. The pneumatics handle most the car's motorized features. Also in the trunk is the heart of the liquid cooling system, the reservoir and radiator. The brackets for these components are all painted aluminum, keeping with the consistent theme of the build.

ConsoleThe two Angel Trax video monitors in the console can display the rear-view camera, under-dash camera, the CarBot controls or the HKS engine management system. The main system screen resides in the dash and features a touchscreen display that allows the user complete control of the vehicle.

To finish out the system, a CarBot computer was installed to control every electronic aspect of the vehicle. There is no key or starter button; as a matter of fact, there are no buttons anywhere as every system is controlled via the 3-D software program written specifically for this car. Want to roll down the window? Simply touch the 3-D model of the car on the screen and drag the window. The glass in the door follows suit. The system even goes so far as to maintain a wireless network and web server, allowing laptop or PSP control of the vehicle.

Scott Buwalda, co-installer Brett Nelker and members of Team Hybrids have created such a masterpiece that topping it will be a feat of immeasurable proportions. Three years in the making, and still not quite finished, this hybrid of technology, brute force and serene style will soon set the show circuit ablaze when it rolls into town. Be sure to check out www.buwaldahybrids.com for a show schedule - this is one you DO NOT want to miss.

TechExteriorBodywork includes custom-formed fenders fashioned from half S14 and half S15 fenders, shaved door handles and fuel door, and the Vertex S14 body kit. To ensure that this car would be unlike any other, every unibody seam and unused hole was welded up to achieve a smooth, flowing look. "It was a complete project, a massive undertaking, but the result was well worth it: a completely smooth and straight engine compartment," Scott Buwalda says.

InteriorThe entire interior is a complete fabrication. The Sparco seats are about the only part Buwalda didn't build.