S12

The S12

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 three configurations—a coupe (often called a "notchback"), a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix (only 50 units made worldwide).

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. The VG30 V6 engine was also used, the VG is the predecessor to Nissans VQ Engine.

North America

The S12 chassis in North America was badged "200SX". The Coupe was available with a 2.0 L SOHC engine (CA20E), while the fastback received both the 2.0 L SOHC engine, and a 1.8 L SOHC Turbo (non-intercooled) engine (CA18ET). For 1987 in the United States, Nissan discontinued putting the 1.8 Turbo into the fastback, and created the "SE" model which had the 3.0L SOHC V6 engine (VG30E), generating 160 hp (120 kW) and 174 lb·ft (236 N·m) of torque. This was the same engine offered in the non-turbo 300ZX for that generation. For 1988 the "SE" model received a 5 hp (3.7 kW) gain from using the later "W" series (VG30E) with a total output of 165 hp (123 kW) while torque remains the same at 174. The 200SX was replaced with the S13 Nissan 240SX in 1989.

After the sudden demise of Group B from World rally Championship, Nissan had to quickly find a car to replace the 240RS. The North American 1987 200SX SE V6 was chosen and competed in 1986-89 as a 200SX. Nissan's creation and choice of this car ensured they could sell 5000 cars required for WRC Homologation. The USA market being only one large enough to sell 5000 cars to a single specification. This also implies that they hadn't sold 5000 Japanese market Silvia RS-X with FJ20ET and were unlikely to sell enough with CA18DET, while the CA18ET can't have been considered adequate. The V6 was a very unusual choice as the WRC was dominated by 4 cylinder 2.0 L turbocharged engines, although for similar reasons Toyota entered WRC with the 6 cylinder Supra at the same time. The 200SX achieved a 1st place in the 1988 Ivory coast rally and 2nd place 2 years running in the very arduous East African Safari Rally 1988 and East African Safari Rally 1989. It only competed for a few events in championship, mainly in the events that had a reputation for destroying cars where wining was by attrition. It didn't compete in the northern Europe events that didn't pummel the car but were won on driver skill and lost by accident.

Europe

The S12 chassis in Europe was badged Silvia, and was available in the hatchback and the grandprix configuration. The difference between the hatchback and the grandprix were the widebody, different wheels, and minor interior differences. The engine available was the same 1.8L SOHC Turbo (CA18ET) used in North America, and in some areas the 2.0 L DOHC "FJ" engine (FJ20E). The "FJ" engine series was originally designed for the 240RS rallycar as a 2.4 L carbeurated system (FJ24), and was underbored to 2.0 L. It also saw use in the "DR30" Nissan Skyline chassis, in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions.

One exception for the Silvia badging was in Sweden, where the car was named the Nissan 180ZX instead.

Australia

The S12 chassis in Australia was badged as a Gazelle. The Gazelle was available in both the coupe and hatchback. It was equipped with the same 2.0 L SOHC engine (CA20E) found elsewhere in the world.

Japan

The S12 chassis in Japan was badged as both a Silvia and a Gazelle. The Gazelle was produced so that Nissan's different dealership networks in Japan could all carry the Silvia. There are minor cosmetic differences. Both the S110 and S12 Silvias have a Gazelle counterpart. The S12 Silvia in Japan was available in a hatchback as a basic model only, but the S12 Gazelle in Japan was strictly a hatchback, available in regular, RS and RS-X variants, as was the Silvia notchback. The RS was equipped with the 2.0 L DOHC "FJ" engine(FJ20E), while the RS-X was equipped with the same engine in a turbocharged version (FJ20ET). In 1987 Nissan discontinued the FJ Series engine in the S12 and installed the updated version of the older CA, with dual cams and a bigger turbocharger—the CA18DET.

Revisions

The S12 chassis in 1984–86 is referred to as "Mark I", with "Mark II" as a revision in 1987. Below lists the description of both.

Mark I

The first trim of the S12 chassis. Bumpers featured matte-finish raised surfaces, and sides featured half-inch rubstripping. Cars featured a honeycomb radiator grille, and long cornerlights. The 1984 Turbo came with a "TURBO" monogrammed hood bulge accent. The 1984–85 could be had with a foam rubber deck spoiler. In 1986 the foam rubber deck spoiler was changed for a fiberglass version with an integrated third brake light. Some hatchbacks and all Turbo models came with ground effects—a combination of plastic mudflaps and accommodating foam rubber sideskirts, as well as a foam rubber lower deflection lip.

Mark II

In 1987, the bumpers were updated, and the matte finished surfaces were eliminated for a more uniform surface. Rubstripping was increased to 2-inch height w/ scribe detailing. The honeycomb radiator grille was replaced with a slatted version that spanned the entire front end (previous was shorter), and cornerlights were shortened. The "SE" model and the Turbo (Canada, Europe) came with new ground fiberglass ground effects and mudflaps, painted in the color of the car, and a new and more pronounced lower deflection lip in the front. "SE" model also received a new hood bulge design to accommodate clearance for the 3.0 L V6. Optional rear mudflap accents were available.

Production : 1979–1983

Body style : 2-door coupe , 3-door hatchback

Platform : Nissan S platform

Engine : 1.8 L SOHC Z18ET I4 , 2.0 L SOHC Z20E I4 , 2.2 L SOHC Z22E I ,  2.0 L DOHC FJ20E I4 , 2.4 L DOHC FJ24 I4 (240RS)

Transmission : 3-speed automatic, 5-speed manual

Wheelbase : 2,400 mm (94.5 in)

Length : 4,400 mm (173.2 in)

Width : 1,680 mm (66.1 in)

Height : 1,310 mm (51.6 in)

Curb weight : 1,105 kg (2,440 lb)