Nissan 180SX
Encyclopedia
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 in Japan
; and 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. The 180SX differed from the S13 Silvia
in that it featured pop-up headlamps and 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
hatchback, 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.
In Europe the car was sold as a 200SX and only featured the CA18DET engine producing 169 PS through the rear wheels, taking it to 100 kilometre per hour in 7.5 seconds and onto 220 km/h. The car had a facelift in 1992 with new smoother bumpers, limited slip differential, and larger brakes. This model was sold between 1989 and 1994 until the change to the 200SX s14 version.
The 180SX came in three major iterations: first was released in 1989, the second from 1991 to 1996, and the third that 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 175 ps. The 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were available in all types.
The second iteration 180SX was released in January 1991 and included several major changes from the first model. This included the SR20DE
T engine with 205 ps. Although the engine was larger than the previous CA18DET engine the '180SX' nomenclature remained. The brakes were enlarged and limited slip differential
added. The front bumper and parts of the interior were also redesigned. 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 facelifted 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 facelift 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 final facelift 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 had 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. 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 front lip, rear spoiler, side steps and 15-inch alloy wheels.
The Type S was powered by a naturally aspirated SR20DE engine with 140 ps, but was 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 additional naturally aspirated model called the Type G continued production until December 1998 when all 180SX production ceased.
The 180SX is used in the motorsport of drifting
. The 2007 D1 Grand Prix
champion Masato Kawabata
drives a 180SX (although he won the 2007 title in a Nissan Silvia) as does the 2007 D1 Street Legal champion Kazuya Matsukawa.
.
The S13 platform also includes:
Hatchback
A Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
coupe
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
(though Nissan marketed it as a fastback
Fastback
A fastback is a car body style whose roofline slopes continuously down at the back. The word can also designate the car itself. The style is seen on two-door coupés as well as four-door sedans.-History:...
in most of its markets) based on the S13 chassis from the Nissan S platform
Nissan S platform
The Nissan S-platform was Nissan's rear wheel drive sport compact automobile platform, produced from model year 1976 to 2002. It was sold in every major market where Nissan cars were available. It was usually equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine, and had four seats in a "two-plus-two"...
, and sold in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
; and in some other countries under the 200SX name.
Model nomenclature and markets
In North America, it was sold as the Nissan 240SXNissan 240SX
The 240SX is a two-door compact car that was introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1988 for the following model year. It replaced the outgoing 200SX model. Most of the 240SX were equipped with the 2.4-liter inline 4 engine . The KA24E being single over-head cam and KA24DE being dual...
. It was sold as a sister model to the Nissan Silvia
Nissan Silvia
The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 . It was sold in three configurations—a coupe , a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix .A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more...
from model year
Model year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
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. The 180SX differed from the S13 Silvia
Nissan Silvia
The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 . It was sold in three configurations—a coupe , a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix .A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more...
in that it featured pop-up headlamps and a liftgate
Hatchback
A Hatchback is a car body style incorporating a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box...
. Specifications and equipment were similar; however, the naturally aspirated CA18DE
Nissan CA engine
The CA engine is a 1.6 L to 2.0 L Inline-4 piston engine from Nissan designed for a variety of smaller Nissan vehicles to replace Z and smaller 4-cylinder L series engines. It is an iron block, aluminum head design with a timing belt, thus was cheaper to make than the timing chain setup...
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
Nissan SR engine
The Nissan SR engine is a 1.6 L, 1.8 L, or 2.0 L straight-4 4-stroke internal combustion gasoline engine manufactured by Nissan Motors. It features an aluminum head and aluminum block with steel sleeves in selected models and features a DOHC 4-valve design, with variable valve timing...
engine and the turbocharged SR20DET
Nissan SR engine
The Nissan SR engine is a 1.6 L, 1.8 L, or 2.0 L straight-4 4-stroke internal combustion gasoline engine manufactured by Nissan Motors. It features an aluminum head and aluminum block with steel sleeves in selected models and features a DOHC 4-valve design, with variable valve timing...
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
Nissan 240SX
The 240SX is a two-door compact car that was introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1988 for the following model year. It replaced the outgoing 200SX model. Most of the 240SX were equipped with the 2.4-liter inline 4 engine . The KA24E being single over-head cam and KA24DE being dual...
hatchback, is the Sileighty
Sileighty
A is a Nissan 180SX with a Nissan Silvia's headlights, front fenders, hood, and front bumper installed, hence the 'Sil' in front and the 'eighty' rear.-History:...
conversion.
180SX was also a trim level of the S110 Silvia
Nissan Silvia
The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 . It was sold in three configurations—a coupe , a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix .A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more...
in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. 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
Nissan 200SX
From 1995 to 1998 Nissan applied the name "200SX" to two different lines of automobiles in different markets these years.In 1995, Nissan reintroduced the 200SX nameplate in United States and Canada to designate a two-door version of the Nissan Sentra , known in Japan and Mexico as Lucino, replacing...
though equipped with the CA18DET engine.
In Europe the car was sold as a 200SX and only featured the CA18DET engine producing 169 PS through the rear wheels, taking it to 100 kilometre per hour in 7.5 seconds and onto 220 km/h. The car had a facelift in 1992 with new smoother bumpers, limited slip differential, and larger brakes. This model was sold between 1989 and 1994 until the change to the 200SX s14 version.
180SX generations
The first iteration of the 180SX came in two versions called Type I (standard type) and Type II (advanced type). Nissan's HICAS
HICAS
HICAS is Nissan's rear wheel steering system found on cars ranging from the more recent Skyline and Fairlady Z iterations to smaller models like the Nissan Cefiro , 240SX/Silvia /180SX and Nissan Serena/Nissan Largo. It is also found on models from Nissan's Infiniti division, such as the Q45,...
II four wheel steering system was optional only on the Type II 180SX. All versions had the CA18DET
Nissan CA engine
The CA engine is a 1.6 L to 2.0 L Inline-4 piston engine from Nissan designed for a variety of smaller Nissan vehicles to replace Z and smaller 4-cylinder L series engines. It is an iron block, aluminum head design with a timing belt, thus was cheaper to make than the timing chain setup...
engine with 175 ps. The 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were available in all types.
The second iteration 180SX was released in January 1991 and included several major changes from the first model. This included the SR20DE
Nissan SR engine
The Nissan SR engine is a 1.6 L, 1.8 L, or 2.0 L straight-4 4-stroke internal combustion gasoline engine manufactured by Nissan Motors. It features an aluminum head and aluminum block with steel sleeves in selected models and features a DOHC 4-valve design, with variable valve timing...
T engine with 205 ps. Although the engine was larger than the previous CA18DET engine the '180SX' nomenclature remained. The brakes were enlarged and limited slip differential
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
added. The front bumper and parts of the interior were also redesigned. 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.
An additional facelift 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 final facelift 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 had 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. 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
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
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 front lip, rear spoiler, side steps and 15-inch alloy wheels.
The Type S was powered by a naturally aspirated SR20DE engine with 140 ps, but was 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 additional naturally aspirated model called the Type G continued production until December 1998 when all 180SX production ceased.
Drifting
Drifting (motorsport)
Drifting refers to a driving technique and to a motorsport where the driver intentionally over steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed...
. The 2007 D1 Grand Prix
D1 Grand Prix
The , abbreviated as D1GP and subtitled Professional Drift, is a production car drifting series from Japan. After several years of hosting amateur drifting contests, Option magazine & Tokyo Auto Salon founder Daijiro Inada, and drifting legend Keiichi Tsuchiya hosted a professional level drifting...
champion Masato Kawabata
Masato Kawabata
is a Japanese professional drifting driver, currently competing in the D1 Grand Prix series for Team Toyo.-Biography:Kawabata first received his license at 18 he bought the Nissan 180SX. He practiced alone until he met late D1 driver Atsushi Kuroi who started to teach and advise Kawabata. At age...
drives a 180SX (although he won the 2007 title in a Nissan Silvia) as does the 2007 D1 Street Legal champion Kazuya Matsukawa.
Engine
| CA18DET | SR20DE | SR20DET | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspiration | Single Turbo | Naturally Aspirated | Single Turbo |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16 valve | ||
| Cylinders | 4 | ||
| Displacement | 1809cc | 1998cc | |
| Max Power | 127 kW (173 hp) @ 6400 rpm | 102 kW (137 hp) @ 6400 rpm | 153 kW (205 hp) @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 225 Nm (166 ft•lbf) @ 4000 rpm | 178 Nm (131 ft•lbf) @ 4200 rpm | 274 Nm (203 ft•lbf) @ 4000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive | ||
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic / 5-speed manual | ||
Performance
| CA18DET | SR20DE | SR20DET | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 6.9s/ 7.5s (Europe) | 7.7s | 6.5s |
| 0-400m | 15s/ ? | 17s | 14.5s |
| Max speed | 180 km/h, electronically limited / 230 km/h(Europe) | ||
Suspension
- Front: McPherson strutMacPherson strutThe MacPherson strut is a type of car suspension system which uses the axis of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot. It is widely used in modern vehicles and named after Earle S. MacPherson, who developed the design.-History:...
- Rear: Multi-linkMulti-link suspensionA multi-link suspension is a type of vehicle suspension design typically used in independent suspensions, using three or more lateral arms, and one or more longitudinal arms....
Gear ratios
| CA18DET Automatic | CA18DET Manual | SR20DE Manual | SR20DET Automatic | SR20DET Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3.027 | 3.321 | 3.321 | 2.785 | 3.321 |
| 2nd | 1.619 | 1.902 | 1.902 | 1.545 | 1.902 |
| 3rd | 1.000 | 1.308 | 1.308 | 1.000 | 1.308 |
| 4th | 0.694 | 1.000 | 1.000 | 0.694 | 1.000 |
| 5th | N/A | 0.838 | 0.838 | N/A | 0.759 |
| Final | 4.363 | 4.363/ 3.92(Europe) | 4.111(S13) 4.083(S14/S15) | 3.916 | 4.083 |
Related vehicles
The 180SX is one of the cars based on the Nissan S platformNissan S platform
The Nissan S-platform was Nissan's rear wheel drive sport compact automobile platform, produced from model year 1976 to 2002. It was sold in every major market where Nissan cars were available. It was usually equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine, and had four seats in a "two-plus-two"...
.
The S13 platform also includes:
- SilviaNissan SilviaThe S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 . It was sold in three configurations—a coupe , a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix .A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more...
- The first S13 based production car. Different body with no liftgate. - 240SXNissan 240SXThe 240SX is a two-door compact car that was introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1988 for the following model year. It replaced the outgoing 200SX model. Most of the 240SX were equipped with the 2.4-liter inline 4 engine . The KA24E being single over-head cam and KA24DE being dual...
- North American version of the 180SX. Left hand drive with a 2.4 L NA engine. - SileightySileightyA is a Nissan 180SX with a Nissan Silvia's headlights, front fenders, hood, and front bumper installed, hence the 'Sil' in front and the 'eighty' rear.-History:...
- A 180SX with S13 Silvia front end. - 200SXNissan 200SXFrom 1995 to 1998 Nissan applied the name "200SX" to two different lines of automobiles in different markets these years.In 1995, Nissan reintroduced the 200SX nameplate in United States and Canada to designate a two-door version of the Nissan Sentra , known in Japan and Mexico as Lucino, replacing...
- Name given to the 180SX in Europe and North America. This name was also given to the S14 and S15 series Silvia on the Australian market.