| Also called | Nissan 180ZX (Sweden) Nissan 200SX (North America) Silvia (EU and JP) Nissan Gazelle |
|---|---|
| Production | 1984–1988 |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Nissan S platform |
| Engine | 2.0 L SOHC CA20E I4 1.8 L SOHC Turbo CA18ET I4 1.8 L DOHC Turbo CA18DET I4 3.0 L SOHC V6 VG30E 2.0 L DOHC FJ20E I4 2.0 L DOHC Turbo FJ20ET I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed L4N71/E4N71 automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,425 mm (95.5 in) |
| Length | 1984-86: 4,430 mm (174.4 in) 1987-88: 175.6 in (4,460 mm) |
| Width | 1984-86: 1,660 mm (65.4 in) 1987-88: 65.7 in (1,669 mm) |
| Height | 1984-86: 1,330 mm (52.4 in) 1987-88: 50.4 in (1,280 mm) |
| Curb weight | 1,170 kg (2,600 lb) |
| Related | Nissan 300ZX (Z31) |
The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 (referred to as "Mark II"). It was sold in two configurations—a coupe (often called a "notchback" due to the side profile view of its rear window section) and a hatchback version.
A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more specifically on the geographic market. These engines borrowed from previous designs, or in some cases, inspired future engine platforms (with the exception of the FJ series, which was designed solely with Rally competition in mind). For instance, the CA series initially borrowed design cues from the NAP-Z series. The CA18DET's DOHC head design was similar to that utilized in the later "RB" engine series, the inline-six engine that powered the Skyline GT-Rs. Certain trims had the S12 equipped with an optional V6 engine also shared by the 300ZX (Z31) of the same vintage; this engine would be augmented with dual cam heads for the Z32 and later evolve into the engine used in the 350Z.
Read more about this topic: Nissan Silvia