NISMO 270R
When the S14 Silvia / 200SX first came out in 1994, NISMO was quick to offer a complete tuned car based on it. Named 270R, this 270 horsepower vehicle showed the world how wrong Nissan was : Basically, the excellent balance of the S14 platform, the strong and reliable SR20 engine block, Front engine Rear drive (FR) layout could all make the Silvia an instant winner in the low-cost sports car arena. What a waste to use a viscous LSD, soft as sponge suspension, and those small like a dime brake discs ! NISMO corrected many of these mistakes (but not all) in the 270R, making it a formidable, limited-edition sports car.
While the Nissan Silvia was made as a cheap coupe to compete against the likes of Mazda MX6 and Toyota Celica, the 270R exploited the inherent advantages of the S14 platform as a sports car that is capable of race-course competitions.
50 units of 270R were made, and this car became a celebrating item for NISMO's 10th anniversary.
The modifications done on the car was modest at best, but still reflected NISMO's image as a well-established motor racing organisation.
Note : The 270R is no longer made. A new package based on the facelifted S14 is shown as a prototype -- known as the GT300. (which looks really like the Silvia used in JGTC race) As far as I know NISMO won't sell that car as a complete car package, but will instead sell the bodykits to convert post-facelift S14s appearances.
Engine
Under the bonnet, the modifications done seem rather few, especially when compared with other vehicles discussed here. However, NISMO 's expertise in motor racing is demonstrated by the use of NISMO-only parts. From the dark-blue engine cover, camshafts (not shown), tower bar, brake stopper, intercooler & pipes, air-cleaner (hidden in the black box at the lower right corner of photo), etc. Very few car tuners can be as proud as NISMO in this respect.
Producing 270ps, this engine is tuned with efficiency and economy in mind. What's perhaps even more important to NISMO is that they have not sacrificed the Total Balance of the car. Given that the S14 chassis is not particularly stiff, putting on more power may make the car rather hard to drive, if not dangerous.
Suspension
Again, using NISMO only tuning products, the main suspension components have been upgraded to give the car better handling characteristics. Note that when the 270R was first released, the car-inspection regulations in Japan were much harsher than what they are now, and that NISMO had to make this car street-legal. In other words, the suspension setting is rather soft, ride height isn't low-to-the-ground, and the springs cannot leave the mounts (on dampers) when the dampers are fully extended.
The brakes had their pads upgraded to NISMO units. Other than that, a brake stopper installed next to the main brake pump (can be found in the "Engine" page) adds a lot to the braking power. (ABS equipped vehicles cannot use brake stopper)
NISMO NS-5R wheel. The yellow words on the rim reads "Forged Allow Wheels". In the center there is a NISMO badge. (looks cool to me...)
Tower bar make by NISMO. (Looks just like my CUSCO bar, and is a bit more pricey....)
Exterior
Many Silvia / 200SX / 240SX owners already made their cars look like the 270R. NISMO sells the 270R bodykits freely, and "copied" versions of such are quite easily to find in the market.
If u look at the front view of the car, you should notice that the front bumper is rather "square". The design was probably influenced by the DTM (German Touring Cars) of the 1994 period, which was said to reduce aerodynamic lift up front of the vehicle. NISMO, however, claimed that the design would let more air-flow into the brake discs, hence avoiding brake fades. At the rear portion of the side skirts are square holes, designed to do the same for the rear discs.
Nothing too fancy about this rear bumper. I once thought the rear part is just an add-on to the bottom of the stock bumper. When I asked my local aero-parts importer, however, he said that its really a one-piece, complete bumper.
Interior
NISMO threw away the big fat ugly steering wheel (with airbag) and put in their own product (see below). Also seen below (near lower left corner) is the red (fake?) "cut-off switch" -- in place of the cigarette lighter. A cut-off switch is used to stop the engine in case of emergency, and used in nearly all race cars.
Apparently the 270R doesn't come with a stereo hi-fi system. Speedometer replaced with a 300km/h unit. (not sure)
Another NISMO gismo : the door-mounted meter. According to a reader from Hong Kong (I dunno your name!), who owns such a meter, its dial shows turboboost, whereas the digital readout is exhaust temperature. (I sure want to get one for myself....)
