2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published September 25, 2009

3:12 min

2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V Nissan�s 2007 Sentra SE-R Spec V has an established legacy to live up to. Introduced in 1991, the original Sentra SE-R hit the market with exactly the right combination of price, performance and style. And any car that bears the SE-R name needs to live up to its reputation. Nissan is trying to do exactly that with the latest SE-R Spec V. The revised 2.5-liter four cylinder engine is a good start, as it 200 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The last-generation revved only to 6200 rpm, while the new one spins all the way to 7000 rpm. The engine is backed by a 6-speed manual transmission with an optional helical limited-slip differential. Unfortunately, the new powertrain is burdened with an extra 300 pounds thanks to a new chassis which is shared with Nissan�s upcoming Rogue SUV. It�s not exactly the best starting place for a performance model and it shows in the Spec V�s long 105-inch wheelbase and sizable 3080-pound as-tested. Still, the Spec V produced competitive numbers in our instrumented performance tests. It hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and broke through the quarter mile in 15.1 seconds at 92.6 miles per hour -- quicker than the Honda Civic Si sedan. Grip around the skidpad is good at .86g, yet but the Spec V�s speed through the slalom could be better. It split the cones at 64.7 mph � slower than many cars in the class, but still as quick as Subaru�s WRX. The Spec V�s huge 12.6�inch front brake rotors and sticky 225/45-17 Contintental tires helped braking. It stopped from 60 mph in 125 ft. � the same as the Civic Si Sedan. On the road the Sentra is quick and feels good when driven with mild enthusiasm. Its limited-slip differential puts power down effectively and hauls it out of tight corners with authority. Drive it really hard, however, and the compromises to its chassis become evident. Ultimately, it�s less communicative and rewarding than Honda�s Civic Si. The Spec V�s interior offers several improvements over the standard Sentra. The seats have aggressive bolsters and the steering wheel is leather wrapped. It�s available with the same 340-watt, eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system. Instrumentation is straightforward with a large tach and speedometer and there�s even an oil pressure gauge which actually appears to read changes in oil pressure. The bottom line is that the new SE-R Spec V is a decent sport compact. Its platform makes performance compromises that most of its competition is able to avoid, but Nissan has done its homework with tuning the chassis and powertrain and the result is a reasonably fun to drive.