The Nissan 180SX was a fastback produced from 1988 to 1998 on the S13 chassis of the Nissan S platform. It was sold only in Japan, where it replaced the Gazelle, while the same bodywork was sold in other markets as the 200SX and 240SX.
Nissan 180SX at a glance
| Production | 1988–1998, Japan only |
|---|---|
| Chassis | S13, model codes RS13 and RPS13 |
| Body | three-door fastback with pop-up headlamps |
| Engines | CA18DET 1.8 turbo; SR20DET 2.0 turbo; SR20DE 2.0 from 1996 |
| Power | 175 PS (first generation), 205 PS (SR20DET) |
| Gearbox | five-speed manual or four-speed automatic |
| Steering | HICAS II optional; Super HICAS from 1991 |
| Dealers | Nissan Bluebird Store |
| Generations | March 1989, January 1991, August 1996 |
| Related | S13 Silvia, 200SX, 240SX, Sileighty |
based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Nissan 180SX.
History of the Nissan 180SX
1989: the first 180SX
The first iteration was released in March 1989 in two versions, Type I and Type II, the latter optionally fitted with Nissan’s HICAS II four-wheel steering. All cars used the CA18DET engine of 175 PS with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. HICAS cars carry a leading K in the model code, so an RS13 becomes a KRS13.
1991: SR20 and bigger brakes
The second iteration arrived in January 1991 with the 2.0-litre SR20DET engine of 205 PS. Although the engine grew, the 180SX name stayed. Brakes were enlarged, a limited-slip differential was added, and the front bumper, interior and 15-inch wheels were redesigned. Super HICAS became available on all models. A Type III trim was added with electronic climate control and CD audio as options, and in 1994 the range was renamed Type R and Type X.
1996: the third generation
The final iteration of August 1996 brought a revised front bumper, tail lights, wheels and interior, a driver-side airbag, seat-belt pre-tensioners and changes to the wiring and engine control unit. Type X, Type S and Type R were offered, the Type S being the first 180SX without a turbocharger; a naturally aspirated SR20DE had been added in 1996. Production ended in December 1998, after the S13 Silvia had already been replaced.
Design and features
- Pop-up headlamps: the visual difference from the fixed-headlamp S13 Silvia.
- Liftback body: a hatchback rear shared with the export 200SX and 240SX.
- Turbo fours: CA18DET at first, then the larger SR20DET.
- Sileighty: Kid’s Heart built 500 official 180SX cars with S13 Silvia front ends.
Nissan 180SX versions
- Type I and Type II (1989–1991): CA18DET, HICAS II optional on Type II.
- Type III (1991–1994): added trim with more equipment.
- Type R and Type X (1994–1998): renamed range, Type X at the top.
- Type S (1996–1998): the first non-turbo 180SX.
- Sileighty (1998): 500 cars built by Kid’s Heart with Silvia front bodywork.
The 180SX shared its platform with the Silvia and was sold abroad as the 200SX and 240SX. More cars are in the Nissan collection.
Video: Time Attack Nissan 180SX S13
Video by YouTube on YouTube.
Sources
- Nissan 180SX, English Wikipedia: generations, engines, trims, Sileighty, export names
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