Completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, the SE-R model arrives fashionably late to the party, with a whole host of upgrades
Nissan's latest stab at the sport compact world was publicly announced at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The wraps were taken off the all-new 2007 Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V, two models that are sure to garner a lot of interest from the lead-foot crazies that populate our office. Completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, the SE-R model arrives fashionably late to the party, with a whole host of upgrades. Stock-class autocrossers take notice because the SE-R Spec V is the model to have if you're looking to take the fight straight to other factory hot rods.
Nissan's QR25DE 2.5L DOHC four-cylinder powers the SE-R Spec V, pushing 200hp and a healthy 180 lb-ft of torque. The standard SE-R model makes 177hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. A new resin intake manifold, dual branch exhaust system and a set of 10.5:1 compression ratio pistons find their way into the SE-R Spec V engine. Camshaft profiles have also been revised, working in conjunction with reinforced connecting rods and an 8-counterweight crankshaft. Although the SE-R Spec V pushes huge torque for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder, the engine design has the rev-limiter set to a disappointingly low 6,800rpm. We'll wait for a test drive before passing any judgment off regarding the power curve. Nissan's CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic transmission, with paddle shifters, is the only transmission available on the standard SE-R model. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the SE-R Spec V model.
The Spec V also features a host of handling mods, with harder springs, shocks and bushings matched to stickier 225/45/17 tires and a trunk-mounted V-brace. The front brakes are larger as well, with much improved 12.6-inch rotors. The previous generation SE-R gathered up a successful following, from the World Challenge effort of Team RTR to the turbocharged, tire-smoking Sentra's roaming the streets. But the last SE-R was also prone to massive torque steer, a definite need for more rev's and an inherently dated suspension design. We have high hopes that the newly re-designed Sentra chassis will prove to be the most capable yet, and since we're sure that companies such as Stillen, Turbonetics and GReddy already have parts in the pipeline, the new SE-R will bring the Sentra name back into the spotlight.