Kimura Helruna

2015 Kimura Helruna LXt 1.8 (SJ18)

The **Kimura Helruna** is a 2+2 seater, 2-door sports car manufactured by Kimura since 1990.

## Powertrain

### Engines

1.8 L G418 DOHC I42.2 L G422 Turbocharged DOHC I4

## Dimensions

### Weight

1151 kg (2,538 lb)

The first generation Helruna was unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, and was released worldwide in September of 1990. Only a 2-door coupe model was offered. With a base price tag of $15,600, the Helruna was priced lowed than the Nissan 240SX and thus it sold very well, as it was marketed towards a younger, more urban-focused crowd who wanted an inexpensive 2+2 grand tourer. Trim levels were as followed; BX, SX G, LC G, and KR-R, respectively.

The base powertrain was a 1.8L (110 cu in), naturally aspirated, DOHC inline-4 shared with the Auburn and base model Auriga. It produced a claimed 97 kW (130 bhp) at 6600 RPM. The engine was mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The next engine available was a 2.0L (122 cu in) inline-4 closely related to the previous engine, producing 108 kW (145 bhp), mated to the same transmissions.

The Helruna used 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension for comfort and sportiness, which was easily servicable and led to a reputation of ease of tuning for the Helruna. With standard 4-wheel disc brakes on all models, handling was a Helruna standout, noted for sharp driving characteristics (although not as sharp as the aforementioned 240SX with it's HICAS 4-wheel steering not present on the Helruna). Additionally, an optional digital display was available in a "Sports Enhanced" package on SX G and LC G trims.

### **KR-R**

The Helruna was released with the KR-R variant, tuned by Kimura's Rally and Racing team. With the notoriously tinkerable G422-MTM engine producing 179 kW (240 bhp), standard ABS, limited-slip differential, and upgraded brakes and suspension, the KR-R was praised for it's delicate handling and robust engine, with the latter giving a 0-62 time of 6 seconds. Because of it's accessability and relatively below-average price, the Helruna KR-R quickly became a huge contendor in the illegal auto racing scene including highway racing and drifting, and was shown in popular media such as *Initial D*.

## Powertrain

### Transmission

5-speed manual6-speed manual

4-speed automatic

## Dimensions

### Weight

1,411 kg (3110 lb)

Introduced in January 1999 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the second generation Helruna was designed by Giuorgetto Giugiaro. Famed for it's daring styling, the Helruna was powered by the new L-series inline-4 engine with up to 2.3 liters and 250 hp (186 kw). Although it was the same length as the previous generation, the 1999 Helruna had a wheelbase about 6 inches longer and was about 5 inches wider, which made it considerable larger than before. As such, the RJ20 Helruna weighed more additionally due to more advanced safety systems and larger engine options, as well as a more plush interior. For the first time, the Helruna was available as a 2-door convertible, utilizing an electronically folding hardtop which could be raised or lowered at speeds up to 14 MPH.

Trim levels for the 1999 Helruna were as follows; BXi, SXi, LXi, LCi, and KR-R. The new base engine was a 2.0L (122 cu in) engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Convertible variants were only available in LXi and LCi guise, and as such were marketed as luxury cruisers. 4-speed disc-brakes were standard as well as ABS, with traction control an option on all models except LCi and KR-R trims, where it was standard. KR-R trims had a standard 6-speed manual option, limited-slip differential, and a turbocharged 2.3L engine with strengthed pistons and a lighter block.

## Powertrain

### Transmission

6-speed manual6-speed automatic

5-speed automatic

## Dimensions

### Weight

1,433 kg (3,160 lb)

2005 saw the launch of the third generation Helruna, the SY7 series. Despite being smaller in almost every dimension, the SY7 was slightly heavier than the RJ20 that preceded it.

### **Facelift**

The SY7 Helruna received an extensive mid-cycle refresh in 2009. New headlights, fenders, and bumpers were given to update the Helruna to Kimura's new "Diamond Dynamism" design language. The interior was refreshed, and suspension was re-tuned for more all-round comfort and drivability while maintaining it's original fun-to-drive nature. Also introduced in 2009 was a soft-top convertible version

## Powertrain

### Engines

1.8 L N418 Turbocharged I42.3 L N423 Turbocharged I4

## Dimensions

### Weight

1,383 kg (3,050 lb)

The SJ18 Helruna was revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show for the 2016 model year. Boasting a standard 1.8 liter turbocharged engine, it was more powerful than any previous base-model Helruna before it. The car is shorter in overall length and in wheelbase, but it was given a wider width and track for a more aggressive stance and more playful handling. Because of it's shortened size and painstaking weight reduction attempts, the SJ18 is lighter than the SY7 that preceeded it. The SJ18 is only available as a 2-door coupe, unlike the 2 previous iterations which had convertible options as well.