Nissan S130
Datsun 280 ZX
The Datsun 280ZX was a sports car produced the Datsun 1979 to 1983. The 280ZX replaced the Datsun 280Z and was itself replaced in 1984 by the Datsun 300ZX. The model, like all models 280 and 300, with a transparent roof ( Targa ) available.
Development
The ZX 280 (S130 ) was developed in four years and with a financial outlay of 30 million DM. The result was a luxury touring car, which looked very similar to its predecessors, and Z was a great success. Responsible for the new line of the ZX was Peter Harris, head of the American development center. His motto was: no outspoken sports car, but performance with luxury and sporty looks and handling. Investigations revealed that the shape of the S130 was one of the strongest selling points. Thus, the objective was to this concept, nothing to change. Particular attention was paid during development to the aerodynamics and reduced drag coefficient compared to the predecessor of 0.467 to 0.385. The all-round visibility was 24 % (2 2 16%) improved more window area. The interior was larger and more luxurious. The fact that the spare wheel ( spare wheel ) was no longer in a boot tray, but stood behind the right rear side trim, the luggage space has been increased by a third. For this purpose, also contributed to the new space and weight- saving Bluebird rear axle with less protruding spring strut domes at.
280ZX/280ZXT
The 280ZX was the best-selling generation of Z models ( Z Cars ). In this model, also the two-piece Targa roof was (also called T -Top) introduced and maintained in all further generations.
The 280ZX had a 2.8 -liter six - cylinder and has been on the American market with 135 PS (SAE net, equivalent to about 137 hp DIN ) were introduced. In the U.S. version, there were 14 hp less than its direct predecessor, the 280Z, driven by the use of exhaust gas recirculation in an otherwise identical engine. The model for California had a fully controlled three- way catalytic converter and 132 hp. The rest of the world got 170 SAE gross horsepower. Europe got a version with 140 hp DIN at 5200 rpm and a maximum torque of 203 Nm, later followed by a 150 hp version for the European market. The engine remained almost unchanged compared to the 280Z. Only the L- Jetronic was refined, installed a lighter and more stable exhaust manifold with a shattering sound and made the fan cooling quieter.
In the four -year construction period (1979-1983) of the 280ZX extensive modifications were made , technical changes were directly introduced into the ongoing series. Under the full model change in the 1980s came to the model name Z X added. For the sporty Z was more to the luxury coupe 280ZX. In 1980 in the U.S., the special edition Tenth Anniversary ZX, a ZX in the GL- equipped with leather seats, stereo system and automatic climate control. The special model was delivered in the colors burgundy and gold with black bonnet and golden alloy wheels. The chrome parts were black anodized. The price was U.S. $ 13,850. The leather seats and automatic climate control were also available as an option on other models. In February, the engine power was increased to 147 hp in Europe.
Further improvements were in 1982. The engine output increased to 150 hp at 5200 rpm and the torque to 221 Nm at 4200 rpm. The compression ratio was 9.4: 1 switched, making the ZX asked for premium gasoline. Even when weight was slimmed down. So was changed from ball - on Rack and pinion power steering (-10 kg), new brakes on the rear axle and new alloy wheels fitted ( -4 kg, respectively ). Externally, the new models at the air scoop on the hood and the multi-part could be seen painted bumpers in body color. Inside, there were two-tone upholstery and linings, suede seats, red warning lights in the doors and a quartz watch with stop function. This European 150 hp version was stated by Datsun with a top speed of 207 km / h and sold in Germany at a price of 28,500 DM (1981-1983 DM 30,000 and DM 32,000 as Targa ) and was thus the most expensive, but even the fastest Japanese car on the German market. A Porsche 924 cost 28 030 DM in 1979 sold 105 045 sport coupe type 280ZX world. A record in the Z- history.
The 280ZXT Turbo
1981 280ZX Turbo was introduced as 280ZXT Turbo in the U.S. and in June 1983 also in Germany. While the turbo set the absolute peak as the S130 series, was in appearance but rather modest. The distinguishing features of his weaker brother were the front and rear spoiler, a dual exhaust, black anodized window frames with wind deflectors on the A- pillar, a turbo lettering on the doors and low profile tires of the dimension 215/60VR on 6JJ x 15 alloy wheels. The interior remained largely untouched. Here, only the voltmeter display was replaced by a boost gauge and between the speedometer and tachometer, a computer control system was installed, the, brake circuit and main lights queried the function of engine cooling, windscreen washer,. The deepest interventions learned the L28E engine. The changes included, among other things, revised piston crown and piston rings, engine block with better cooling and knock sensor ( F54 ) a temperature resistant exhaust manifold, a double-pipe rear muffler with 50 % more throughput, larger valves and a fuel injection system with 1.4 times the performance. The TB03 turbocharger with wastegate was located on the left side of the engine and built a maximum boost pressure of 0.53 bar. All this, in conjunction with ECCS (Electric Concentrated Control System), the first microprocessor-controlled electronic engine from Nissan, bestowed the 280 ZXT a power increase of 37 kW/50 hp yielded 147 kW/200 DIN hp. The performance, the chassis and the differential has been adjusted. There stabilizers were fitted with a 23 mm cross-section and stiffer rubber dampers. The differential received its own oil circuit with cooler, which was powered by a pump that automatically zuschaltete at 130 °. The 1981 Turbo was introduced in the U.S. exclusively delivered with a three-speed automatic. A year later, the T5 Borg Warner five-speed transmission came on the market. In addition, the tires were 60 R 16 converted to one-piece BBS wheels on 215/60 15 tires on two piece light-alloy rims 205 /. The headlights were given a wash and the doors power windows and a Turbo logo. The 1983 presented in Germany Turbo had all these changes already included.
From 280ZXT turbo turbo there were two versions, in the L28ET execution of the car between 3/81 and 6/83 147 kW/200 hp was only built 34447 times from Datsun. In the even rarer L28ET version 147 kW/200 hp as a 2 2- seater he was from 8/81 bis 6/83 only built a total of 7811 times. The 280ZXT turbo was sold in Germany in June 1983 to just half a year. He found exactly 585 buyers, making it an absolute rarity. With its 147 kW and 290 Nm to he reached a top speed of 230 km / h He was at that time with an original price of 1983-1984 in Germany of 59,000 DM ( 280ZXT Turbo 1983 T stands for Targa ) Most expensive Japanese car on the German market - and the fastest. The non- turbo versions cost around 30,000 DM and 33,000 DM with Targa roof
Awards
In 1979, the famous American automotive magazine Motor Trend called the Datsun 280ZX the " Car of the Year ". 1983 won the drivers Bob Leitzinger and Logan Blackburn in the GTU class with the Datsun 280ZX Turbo.