Nissan 180SX - Model Nomenclature and Markets

Model Nomenclature and Markets

In North America, it was sold as the Nissan 240SX. 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.

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 (124 kW; 167 hp) through the rear wheels, taking it to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds and onto 220 km/h. The car had a facelift in 1991 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.