Friday. Marcn 29 1991 - North Shore News - 2%

Nissan 240 SX

THE NISSAN 240SX was first in-
troduced two years ago, and re-

mains the only imported _rear-
wheel-drive 24 2 sports car in the
sporty compact class.

Starting at about $18,060, the
240SN_ is available in two body
styles, a two-door  notchback
coupe in NE and LE trim, and a
fastback/hatchback in) NE, SE,
and LE trim/ A convertible model
is expected to arrive next year.

All models have a new, ag-
gressive looking, one-piece nose
section that hides a sturdy buniper
under its deformable plastic skin.

Unlike most sporty coupes in
this class, the 240SN is rear-
wheel-drive. The engine is posi-
tioned longitudinally in front aud
drives the rear wheels through a
standard five-speed manual
transmission or aptional  four-
speed automatic. This traditional
drivetrain arrangement gives &@
30/50 front to rear weight
distribution, (compared to 60/40
for most front-wheel-drive cars)
As oa result. the 240SN has ex-
tremely balanced, neutral handbing
characteristics,

Suspension is fully independent,
using MePherson struts, coil spe

Sporting a restyled nose and a new twin-cam, 16 valve 2.4 litre

ings and stabilizer bar in’ front
and an independent multi-link
setup in the rear. Superb, predict-
able handling is definiteiv the
240SX’s strong point.

The 240SX also has positive,
power-assisted rack and pinion
Steering which is tree of any con-
Nicting forces from the driving
wheels. No torque steer here, just
point it and shoot.

A new option this year is
Nissan's Super HICAS (High Ca-
pacity Actively-Controlied  Steer-
ing) four-wheel-steering system.
also used on the 300ZN Turbo. At
high speeds, the reur wheels turn
slightly in the same direction as
the front wheels, making lane-
changes quicker and more stable.
At lower speeds, the rear wheels
will momentarily steer in the op-
posite direction to the fronts and
then steer in the same direction,
improving manoeuvrability.

The most important change to
the MOSN for ihe 1991) model
year is a more powerful engine.
hast vear’s 2.40 litre single
overhead sam. $2 valve evlinder
four evlinder engine now has a
Hew Cwitecam, fa salve evlinder

See Nissan's page 23

four cylinder engine with 155 horsepower, the rear-wheel-drive
240SX 2+2 sports car has excellent handling and ride. Prices
start at $18,000 and can go over $36,009 for top end models.
Available at Northshore Nissan, 7150 Marine Drive.

NEWS photos Nei! Lucente

Greg
Wilsen

vs h ‘ il d it nae

* Price as tested (LE)

$27,100
* Base price (XE)

$17,990
© Type

2 door, 2+ 2. fastback
¢ Layout

longitudinal
rear Wheel drive
© Engine

2389 ce 4 cylinder,
1G valves, sequestial
point fuel injection
* Fuel economy

City 10.7724
7.38/36 mpy.
© Warranty

Basie 3 vrs60,000 Km

Major Camponensts 6
100,000 bin

front engine/

DOHC,
multi-

mpg. Huy

yrs/