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What is it?
2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R
What's special about it?
A high-performance version of the standard Sentra, the 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R is the latest in a long line of SE-Rs dating back to 1991. Back then the SE-R was a coupe only, but with no Sentra two-door in the lineup all 2007 SE-R models are four-door sedans. And unlike the early '90s when the SE-R owned the category, there are now serious rivals like the Dodge Neon SRT-4 and Honda Civic Si.
Unlike its competitors, however, Nissan is sticking to its strategy of offering two different levels of performance: a base Sentra SE-R and a top-of-the-line Sentra SE-R Spec V. Base SE-Rs swap the standard Sentra's 2.0-liter engine for a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a specially tuned version of Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Although CVTs don't have fixed gears, Nissan's version can simulate fixed ratios so the SE-R also gets a set of steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Top-of-the-line SE-R Spec V models also use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but it's been specially tuned to produce 200 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Modifications specific to the Spec V's engine include a higher 10.5:1 compression ratio, unique intake and exhaust manifolds, revised camshafts, reinforced connecting rods, iridium spark plugs and a 6,800-rpm redline. All Spec Vs also use a six-speed manual transmission, and a helical limited-slip differential is optional.
Going for the full-bore Spec V model does more than just add power and a stick shift. You also get high-performance Brembo brake calipers, larger front rotors, a strut tower brace and even more aggressive suspension tuning. All SE-Rs get 17-inch wheels and tires, but the Spec V has high-performance 225/45 summer tires while the standard model gets similarly sized all-season rubber.
Both cars get full body kits with revised front and rear fascias, extended side sills, foglights and a rear spoiler. Seventeen-inch wheels are part of the package as well. Good thing, too, as the standard model isn't exactly the epitome of cool thanks to conservative styling. Interior upgrades include sport seats, aluminum pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and two additional gauges: one for oil pressure, the other for G-force readings.
Both models are scheduled to go on sale in March and, according to Nissan, the top-of-the-line Spec V model will sticker for around $20K.
What's Edmunds' take?
Two new performance models will add some much needed life to the otherwise sleepy standard Sentra, but if you want a car with real performance go for the SE-R Spec V. Without a manual transmission option, the Sentra SE-R isn't a real SE-R. The Spec V, however, looks to have all the necessary hardware. — Josh Jacquot
What is it?
2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R
What's special about it?
A high-performance version of the standard Sentra, the 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R is the latest in a long line of SE-Rs dating back to 1991. Back then the SE-R was a coupe only, but with no Sentra two-door in the lineup all 2007 SE-R models are four-door sedans. And unlike the early '90s when the SE-R owned the category, there are now serious rivals like the Dodge Neon SRT-4 and Honda Civic Si.
Unlike its competitors, however, Nissan is sticking to its strategy of offering two different levels of performance: a base Sentra SE-R and a top-of-the-line Sentra SE-R Spec V. Base SE-Rs swap the standard Sentra's 2.0-liter engine for a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a specially tuned version of Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Although CVTs don't have fixed gears, Nissan's version can simulate fixed ratios so the SE-R also gets a set of steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Top-of-the-line SE-R Spec V models also use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but it's been specially tuned to produce 200 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Modifications specific to the Spec V's engine include a higher 10.5:1 compression ratio, unique intake and exhaust manifolds, revised camshafts, reinforced connecting rods, iridium spark plugs and a 6,800-rpm redline. All Spec Vs also use a six-speed manual transmission, and a helical limited-slip differential is optional.
Going for the full-bore Spec V model does more than just add power and a stick shift. You also get high-performance Brembo brake calipers, larger front rotors, a strut tower brace and even more aggressive suspension tuning. All SE-Rs get 17-inch wheels and tires, but the Spec V has high-performance 225/45 summer tires while the standard model gets similarly sized all-season rubber.
Both cars get full body kits with revised front and rear fascias, extended side sills, foglights and a rear spoiler. Seventeen-inch wheels are part of the package as well. Good thing, too, as the standard model isn't exactly the epitome of cool thanks to conservative styling. Interior upgrades include sport seats, aluminum pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and two additional gauges: one for oil pressure, the other for G-force readings.
Both models are scheduled to go on sale in March and, according to Nissan, the top-of-the-line Spec V model will sticker for around $20K.
What's Edmunds' take?
Two new performance models will add some much needed life to the otherwise sleepy standard Sentra, but if you want a car with real performance go for the SE-R Spec V. Without a manual transmission option, the Sentra SE-R isn't a real SE-R. The Spec V, however, looks to have all the necessary hardware. — Josh Jacquot
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