The Nissan 240SX was a compact sports car sold in North America from 1988, for the 1989 model year. It replaced the 200SX of the S12 generation and was built in two generations, the S13 of 1989–1994 and the S14 of 1994–1998, on the Nissan S platform.
Nissan 240SX at a glance
| Production | 1988–1998, North America |
|---|---|
| Generations | S13 (1989–1994), S14 (1994–1998) |
| Engine 1989–1990 | 2.4-litre KA24E, single overhead cam, 140 hp |
| Engine 1991–1998 | 2.4-litre KA24DE, twin overhead cams, 155 hp |
| Bodies | hatchback and coupé; convertible 1993–1994 |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Gearbox | five-speed manual or four-speed automatic |
| Brakes | four-wheel disc, anti-lock optional |
| Suspension | MacPherson struts front, multi-link rear |
| Built in | Japan, including Kyūshū for the S14 |
based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Nissan 240SX.
History of the Nissan 240SX
S13 (1989–1994)
The first generation came as a hatchback in base, SE and LE trims and a coupé in base, XE, LE and SE trims. Both shared the front bodywork of the Japanese 180SX, with pop-up headlamps, which distinguished the coupé from the Japanese Silvia with its fixed lights. Power came from the 140 hp KA24E. In 1991 the car received polished seven-spoke wheels, a smoother nose and the twin-cam KA24DE of 155 hp, and a sports package with anti-lock brakes, a limited-slip differential and HICAS four-wheel steering became optional on hatchbacks. A convertible built by ASC was offered in 1993 and 1994.
S14 (1994–1998)
The second generation arrived in spring 1994 as a 1995 model. The hatchback and convertible were dropped, leaving the coupé. The wheelbase grew by 51 mm and the track widened, the pop-up lamps gave way to fixed headlamps, dual airbags replaced automatic seat belts, and the fuel tank moved in front of the rear suspension. Nissan claimed a 50 percent gain in torsional and 100 percent in bending rigidity. All S14 cars were built in Kyūshū.
Drift culture
Journalists praised the sharp steering and light weight but called the car underpowered, since the iron-block truck-derived engine was never turbocharged. The S-chassis later became central to drifting and tuner culture, and rising prices for cars and parts became known as the “drift tax”.
Design and features
- KA24 engine: a heavy but durable 2.4-litre four, never turbocharged.
- Pop-up headlamps: on the S13, shared with the 180SX.
- Convertible: a 1993–1994 ASC conversion, unique to this market.
- Drift following: rear-wheel drive and a strong tuning scene.
Nissan 240SX versions
- 240SX S13 hatchback (1989–1994): base, SE and LE trims.
- 240SX S13 coupé (1989–1994): base, XE, LE and SE trims.
- 240SX convertible (1993–1994): ASC-built, based on the coupé.
- 240SX S14 coupé (1995–1998): fixed headlamps and dual airbags.
The 240SX was the American sister of the 180SX and the Silvia, and its place in the Z line is taken by the 350Z. More cars are in the Nissan collection.
Video: New Nissan 240SX S13 Tribute
Video by YouTube on YouTube.
Sources
- Nissan 240SX, English Wikipedia: engines, generations, bodies, updates
