The S12 chassis competed in various motorsport categories around the world and was driven to victories and championship wins in various racing classes during the late 1980's and early 1990's. The lightweight chassis and handling characteristics of the S12, paired with reliable and powerful engine combinations, were contributors to the cars success. Australian motorsport legend Mark Skaife was quoted as saying…

“It was a great little car,” Skaife enthused. “It was reasonably light, had nice, driveable engine power and was nicely prepared. It was really well balanced.”Supercars.com

When you mention the S12 and racing, most people instantly think of the Nissan S12 Super Silhouette. Although technically not an S12, this S110 Nichira Impul Silvia Super Silhouette was updated to look like one, with front and rear parts mimicking it's model successor.
As part of the FIA's Group 5 series, the Silhouette Silvia was part of the Formula Silhouette classification. This class was basically production vehicles with practically no limitations on modification, however maintaining an overall stock composure, or “silhouette”, was mandatory.
This 560hp monster, weighing in at just over 1000kg, was piloted by Kazuyoshi Hosino. The Silvia Silhouette was loved by many, more so than the DR30 Skyline Super Silhouette it competed against. Daijiro Inada, the creator of both Option Magazine and Video Option, has said the Super Silhouette Silvia was one of his favourite machines, and can be attributed to the rise of the Japanese Bosozoku Style.

Read More about the S12 in ATCC > >

The JSS race series was considered to be Japan’s top touring car championship following the end of Group 5 racing in Japan which was known as Super Silhouette.

While JSS cars were technically based on production cars, there was a lot more freedom in the regulations relative to the popular Group A cars. This is evident just by looking at the massive over-fenders and wings. JSS cars were later able to participate in JGTC (Japan GT Championship) and were the predecessors of GT300 cars.

The turbocharged monsters of the World Rally Championship were forced into an early retirement with the death of Group B in 1986. A new class was born, and in 1987 the season would start under the new Group A rules. Nissan's entry into the World Rally Championship was the North American bred S12 200SX SE, powered by the powerful 6-cylinder VG30E engine.

Read More about the S12 in WRC > >