D Car — November 2003

Engine

The 2.0-liter turbo engine is the SR20DET.

Improved efficiency, intercooler…

DE

R2

Mechanism

…with crisp, firm shifts for quick gear changes. The suspension uses a multi-link design…

A lightweight body and powerful engine deliver powerful performance!

The SR-series engine was also used in the previous S14…

More engaging to drive: the newly developed six-speed manual is fitted to the 2.0-liter turbo models. The Spec-R series receives the new six-speed manual…

…and carried over here. Among the options…

↑ The Spec-R uses a ball-bearing turbocharger with low friction losses. It was fitted to the new Spec-R grade.

↑ Sport-tuned suspension was fitted to the 16-inch tires on both the Spec-R and Spec-S series. Various components were reinforced.

S15

SR20

The turbo engine gained 30 PS through increased output. The naturally aspirated SR20DE also adopted Nissan’s NVCS variable valve timing, giving it sharp response and strong torque.

The suspension was tuned to improve response. Models with 16-inch tires received sport-tuned suspension. The suspension geometry was revised and the stiffness of the mounting points was also improved.

model

↑ The Spec-R front brakes use opposed four-piston calipers. ABS is fitted to all cars, along with brake assist to help apply full braking in an emergency.

↑ The manual-transmission version’s naturally aspirated engine produces a respectable 165 PS. It was fitted to the Spec-S series and met LEV emissions standards, reducing emissions to one-tenth of the regulatory limit.

↑ The newly developed six-speed manual improves not only sporty driving but also quietness and fuel economy. First through fifth…

S15 launch lineup

28.0/4,800

Maximum torque (kg·m/rpm)

250/6,400

Maximum output (PS/rpm)

1,998

Displacement (cc)

Engine type

SR20DET · inline-four DOHC; SR20DE · inline-four DOHC

Grade

Spec-R (MT); Spec-S (MT)

← A boost gauge was fitted to the driver-side pillar of the Spec-R. The gauge is 52 mm in diameter, with a 250-degree needle sweep.

…was adopted.

19.6/6,800

165/6,400

1,998

Engine

The engine carried over, but in the S14 both the turbo and naturally aspirated versions used a high-response variable valve-timing system…

SR20

Mechanism

…as with the engine, it was carried over. However, the geometry…

The suspension carried over from the previous model, but its geometry was revised and further refined. The front suspension is a strut design and the rear is multi-link…

Developed with the concept of responding linearly to accelerator input!

Since the S13, the SR-series 2.0-liter engine…

↑ Variable valve-timing control was introduced for the first time. It builds torque strongly at low rpm and improves response.

…geometry changes…

↑ The body was developed to improve handling stability as well as noise and vibration performance. Although the body became larger, weight gain was kept to a minimum.

S

It was developed around the concept of responding linearly to accelerator input. The turbocharger on the SR20DET uses electronic boost-pressure control…

SR20

← As power increased, brake capacity was increased too. The front uses ventilated discs and opposed-piston calipers.

14

…which improved handling stability. Also…

…evolved into a high-performance setup.

model

↑ Variable valve timing was also adopted for the naturally aspirated SR20DE. The rigidity of the engine as a whole was increased along with the turbo engine.

Maximum torque (kg·m)

Maximum output (PS/rpm)

Displacement (cc)

Engine type

Grade

S14 launch lineup

↑ Both turbo and naturally aspirated models use DUET-EA to coordinate control of the engine and transmission, enabling smooth, responsive shifts.

28.0/4,800

19.2/4,800

160/6,400

220/6,000

1,998

1,998

SR20DET · inline-four DOHC; SR20DE · inline-four DOHC

K’s

Q’s

Engine

…with a CA18-series engine. One year later, a minor update handed over to the 2.0-liter SR-series engine. The SR20DET was also fitted to the 180SX.

← The move from the CA series to the SR series pushed the turbo engine’s output above 205 PS.

CA18

Mechanism

With that concept, a multi-link rear suspension was adopted. Nissan’s Super HICAS, used mainly on its sport models, was also available as an option.

At launch, the model used a 1.8-liter engine, but the minor change brought it to 2.0 liters. The S14 initially carried over the CA18-series engine from the S12…

A rear multi-link suspension that brings out the fun of rear-wheel drive! The concept was to keep the car controllable under every condition…

S13

CA18

↑ The rear spoiler was redesigned during the minor change. Because the model itself had been such a major success, there were few functional exterior changes.

model

Maximum torque (kg·m)

Maximum output (PS/rpm)

Displacement (cc)

Engine type

Grade

S13 launch and late-model lineup

28.0/4,000

18.2/4,800

23.0/4,000

6,400

6,400

140…

175…

205/6,000

1,998

1,998

1,809

SR20DET · inline-four DOHC; SR20DE · inline-four DOHC; CA18DET · inline-four DOHC; CA18DE · inline-four DOHC

K’s, late model

Q’s, late model

K’s, early model

Q’s, early model

The S13 established a suspension layout with front struts and a rear multi-link design. It was carried forward through the S15.

16.2/5,200

6,400

135/…

1,809

98