The History Of Nissan 180sx


The Nissan 180SX was a hatchback coupe (though Nissan marketed it as a fastback in most of its markets) based on the S13 chassis from the Nissan S platform, and sold only in Japan (although sold in some other countries under the 200SX name). It was sold as a sister model to the Nissan Silvia from model year 1989 through 1998. The S13 Silvia was discontinued in 1993, but the 180SX was successful enough to convince Nissan to keep it in the market for the full length of the next generation Silvia's tenure. The 180SX differed from the S13 Silvia in that it featured pop-up headlamps, and a fastback roof with a liftgate. Specifications and equipment were similar, however the naturally-aspirated CA18DE engine was not offered.

The name 180SX was originally in reference to the 1.8 liter displacement CA18DET engine used in the chassis. In 1991, however, the engine was upgraded to a 2.0 liter model, offered in two forms: the naturally-aspirated SR20DE engine and the turbocharged SR20DET variant. Although the new engine was of larger displacement, the 180SX nomenclature remained. A common body modification to the 180SX and its sister car, the North American 240SX fastback, is the Sileighty conversion.

180SX was also a trim level of the S110 Silvia in Europe. The badges for this model read "Silvia 180SX", so this car is not properly a 180SX by model, but a version of the Silvia instead.

Other discrepancies from this standard were distributed to Micronesia and South Pacific islands, including LHD cars with 180sx badges and non-retractable headlamps.

Like the Japanese 180SX SR20DET discrepancy, European, as well as South African models of the S13 chassis were called 200SX though equipped with the CA18DET engine.

Engine

Performance

Suspension

  • Front: McPherson strut
  • Rear: Multi-link

Gear Ratios

(* ) Transmission Model RE4R01A, Code 41X71 (** ) Transmission Model FS5W71C (***) Transmission Model FS5W71C (Europe only)

The 180SX came in three major iterations, the first of which was released in March 1989 and the last of which ended production in December 1998.

The first iteration of the 180SX came in two versions called Type I (standard type) and Type II (advanced type). Nissan's HICAS II four wheel steering system was optional only on the Type II 180SX. All versions had the CA18DET engine with 175ps. 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic transmissions were available in all types.

The second iteration 180SX was released in January 1991 and boasted several major changes from the first model. The biggest change was the adoption of the SR20DET engine with 205ps. Although the engine was larger than the previous CA18DET engine the '180SX' nomenclature remained. The brakes were enlarged to cope with the increased power as was the limited slip differential. The front bumper and parts of the interior were also redesigned for this model. Type I and Type II were once again offered with only trim differences separating the two. The 15-inch alloy wheels also changed in design from the first model. Nissan's Super HICAS four wheel steering was an option on all models as were 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic transmissions.

The second iteration was face-lifted in January 1992. Although the car largely remained visually and mechanically unchanged, an additional trim level called Type III was added. Electronic climate control and CD audio were also added as options.

An additional face-lift was performed in 1994, the trim levels were renamed to Type R and Type X, with Type X being the higher of the two. Overall the car remained almost unchanged however.

A finally face-lift to the middle model occurred in May 1995 with the addition of a drivers side airbag and a change of alloy wheels amongst other minor details.

The final iteration was released in August 1996. It boasted a revised front bumper, tail lights, 15-inch wheels and interior. The mechanical and safety package received minor changes, such as the addition of a driver’s side airbag, seat belt pre-tensioners, and some changes in the wiring and ECU that had little to no impact on the actual performance of the car. Three levels of 180SX were offered: Type X, Type S and Type R, with the Type S being the first 180SX to be offered without a turbocharged engine.

The Type X and Type R both shared the same 205ps engine and overall mechanical package however the Type R lacked many of the cosmetic additions of the Type X such as the rear spoiler, side steps and 15-inch alloy wheels. The Type S was powered by a naturally aspirated SR20DE engine with 140ps, but was otherwise very similar in mechanical and cosmetic details to the top of the range Type X. The Type S however did not have the option of Nissan's Super HICAS four-wheel steering system like the turbocharged models did.

The Type X and Type R ceased production in October 1997 however the Type S and an addition naturally aspirated model called the Type G continued production until December 1998 when all 180SX production ceased.

The 180SX is a popular car for use in the motorsport of drifting. It is popular with all levels of driver from beginners through to professionals with many high level drivers within the sport currently using the vehicle. Currently the 2007 D1 Grand Prix champion Masato Kawabata drives a 180SX (although he won the 2007 title in an Nissan Silvia) as does the 2007 D1 Street Legal champion Kazuya Matsukawa.

The 180SX is one of the cars based on the Nissan S platform.

The S13 platform also includes:

  • Silvia - The first S13 based production car. Different body with no liftgate.
  • 240SX - American version of the 180SX. Left hand drive with a 2.4L NA engine.
  • Sileighty - A 180SX with S13 Silvia front end.
  • 200SX - Name given to the 180SX in Europe and some other markets. This name was also given to the S14 and S15 series Silvia on the Australian market.



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