2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V

[pio!pio!]

http://www.nissansportmag.com/newsno...aserspecv.html




200-Horsepower SE-R Model Joins 2007 Sentra Lineup, Offers Serious Performance at an Affordable Price
Sentra SE-R, SE-R Spec V Set to Join Sentra Lineup in March 2007
When Nissan first launched the Sentra SE-R in 1991, it helped establish the concept of a “sport compact” car. With a high performance 4-cylinder engine stuffed into a compact body, the original SE-R offered sports car-like performance for buyers on a budget. Enthusiasts and the media recognized this unique combination of performance and value and the Sentra SE-R became an instant hit – and has maintained a loyal following through two successive generations of SE-R.
The latest incarnation of the SE-R joins the Nissan lineup in March 2007 with two exciting versions, the Sentra SE-R and the higher horsepower Sentra SE-R Spec V. Both the new SE-R and SE-R Spec V are powered by Nissan’s advanced 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (QR25DE) and are equipped with a range of unique performance-oriented equipment and features, including standard 17-inch wheels and tires, 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and specially tuned electric power steering (EPS) – as well as unique exterior and interior appearance modifications.
“The new SE-R takes full advantage of the redesigned 2007 Sentra and adds a level of power and performance that is usually available only through aftermarket modifications,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With the 2007 model, Nissan has undertaken its most in-depth development effort yet for the SE-R.”
Development of the SE-R engine was guided by Motohiro Matsumura, Chief Vehicle Engineer, who previously led the development of Nissan’s highly acclaimed “VQ” series V6 engine.
Special emphasis was placed on the SE-R Spec V’s new high output version of the QR25DE 4-cylinder engine, with extensive modifications to the top end of the engine developed exclusively for the SE-R Spec V. Among the unique Spec V engine features are use of a unique resin intake manifold and dual branch exhaust manifold; revised piston crown shape to support a higher compression ratio (10.5:1); iridium tipped spark plugs for improved combustion characteristics; and a revised cam shaft profile, reinforced connecting rods and 8-counterweight crankshaft to achieve a higher redline limit of 6,800 rpm.
With these modifications, the power achieved is 200 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm (when using premium unleaded fuel). Helping to put all this power to the ground is an optional Helical Limited-Slip Differential (available with Spec V only). The Spec V model is available only with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. It also has unique suspension, brakes, tires and body structure changes (versus the base SE-R).
In the area of chassis, handling and braking performance, the SE-R Spec V is equipped with higher rate springs, shocks and bushings; 225/45WR17 uni-directional high performance tires; high capacity front disc brakes with 12.6-inch rotors; and a revised cowl top structure and a unique trunk mounted “V” brace, both utilized for increased body rigidity.
Chassis performance and vehicle dynamics tests were conducted on the grueling Nurburgring Nordschleife closed circuit outside of Cologne, Germany. Behind the wheel of the SE-R Spec V on the Nordschleife circuit was Nissan’s chief development driver, Yukio Kamiyama, who was also responsible for Nissan’s legendary Skyline R32 and R33 models.
“With Nissan’s top development staff working on Sentra SE-R, it has achieved unprecedented levels of power and performance,” said Bosley.
The SE-R model offers fun-to-drive performance and aggressive, sporty appearance to those who want the convenience of an automatic transmission. The Sentra SE-R, equipped exclusively with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission), is a unique offering in the sport compact market.
Enhancing the driving experience of the SE-R model are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Designed to be fun and engaging, the paddle shifters allow for quick and responsive up shifts and down shifts while driving on mountain roads or just negotiating through daily traffic.
“As we’ve shown with the Xtronic CVT-equipped Altima and Maxima, CVTs are not just for smoothness and fuel economy – they can be tuned for performance also” said Bosley.
Performance in the SE-R is delivered by the QR25DE engine tuned for 177 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm (on regular unleaded fuel).
The new SE-R’s independent strut front / torsion beam rear suspension design, shared with the standard 2007 Sentra, has been tuned for sporty handling, while not being overly firm during everyday use.
Stopping power for the SE-R is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes with 11.7-inch front rotors. Contact with the road is handled through 225/45VR17 all-season performance tires.
Inside the Sentra SE-R cabin are a number of unique SE-R features, including an exclusive black interior color, sport bucket front seats with SE-R stitching, unique seat fabrics, red seat belts (Spec V only), aluminum foot pedal pads, leather-appointed steering wheel and shift knob, and an additional two-gauge meter pack.
These two additional gauges, canted towards the driver, provide information on oil pressure and acceleration/deceleration g-force.
Like all 2007 Sentra models, the new SE-R also offers an array of comfort and convenience features including standard power windows and door locks, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD 6-speaker audio, and an integrated overhead compact disc holder. Optional features include a 340-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system, factory installed satellite radio and Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system (SE-R only).
Standard safety features for the Sentra SE-R include an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage front air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat, front seat side air bags, side curtain air bags (for front and rear outboard occupant head protection), front seat Active Head Restraints and Zone Body construction.
“The last great component of the new 2007 Sentra SE-R is price. We’re targeting a price of around $20,000 for the Sentra SE-R Spec V – which means 200 horsepower for $20K – which we believe makes SE-R Spec V one of the best values in the sport compact segment,” said Bosley. “This new Sentra SE-R has a lot to offer even the most demanding enthusiasts. It’ll be a thrill to drive, right out of the box.”

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[SCRAPPYDO]

Say what you want, that little car is going to sell 200 HP for 20k is a powerful advertising campaign... and it has some history to boot!

[TCENGEL]

Originally Posted by SCRAPPYDO

Say what you want, that little car is going to sell 200 HP for 20k is a powerful advertising campaign... and it has some history to boot!

And, unlike the Civic SI, it will have some torque. Sounds like a great deal personally. Little ugly, but that can all be fixed.

[mpaone]

I agree. Aside from the Chevy Cobalt looks, I like it.

I would like to swap that 200 hp plant into the last SE-R though.

-Mike.

[BoostinEJ20]

ive alwaysed liked se-r's and i think this new look will grow on me too. those little things can move pretty good with the torquey motors in there.

[HomerJay]

Nissan cars all look very similar now. If it wasn't for the name badge in the back, I wouldn't be able to tell what it is.

[Stonebaru]

My gf had an '02...fun little car and yes, that motor is quite torquey. Are they still using the torsion bar dino bone in the back?

[Hank3]

Ugh...those rims.

[gdspc]

Originally Posted by Stonebaru

My gf had an '02...fun little car and yes, that motor is quite torquey. Are they still using the torsion bar dino bone in the back?

nope...I thought I read in one of the articles, that its now an IRS.

I had an '03 Spec V before the WRX...I think this new one is hideous looking.

[BryanH]

damn that is ugly....

[MarkA]

I don't think it's that ugly but wow does it look high off the ground and and that's a high roofline...I wonder what the CG is like?

[jnorth85]

i used to have an 04 spec v nismo R tune addition with the Brembos i would take that before this car any day. i would possibly swap the new more powerful engine though.

[e11ys]

I still don't understand what Nissan was thinking with that car.....

[Hazdaz]

200hp for $20k is pretty cool and all, but that car is quite fugly. They picked some decent angles in the photos above - thus hiding as much of the side profile as possible - but too bad they won't be able to do that when a perspective buyer goes to the showroom.

Nissan - and now it looks like Mazda (specifically talking about that latest concept) - have gone from having some damn nice designs to gawd awfulness in no time.

[intence]

nissan is going downhill with their new designs. i love the rear on a lot of their cars but their fronts are so bland.

[mhoward1]

The Market is ready for the return of the 510. Use this motor in a small, light, RWD version.

[kheff46]

looks like a cross between a caddy front end and G35 sedan front end.

i'd still take a mazdaspeed3 over it. and im an old nissan freak. nothing beats a 2400# 240sx with 155lb/ft of RWD torque from the factory in 1991. and got 35 MPG at 90 MPH for 2 hours(personal exp.). a turbo 240sx that has some top end would rock since the torque is already there. SR20's are good only when modded. but with the cost of a swap you could rebuild your ka24de and buy a turbo kit.

i hate new cars for one reason. depreciation. i love used cars for more than one reason, but the big one is depreciation!

--keith

[darknightohio]

The car looks waay to happy, kinda reminds me of a pokemon

What is up with these cartoonish looking cars the Yaris and now the sentra...ugh.

[reynolca]

Originally Posted by gdspc

nope...I thought I read in one of the articles, that its now an IRS.

I had an '03 Spec V before the WRX...I think this new one is hideous looking.

Nope:

"The new SE-R’s independent strut front / torsion beam rear suspension design, shared with the standard 2007 Sentra, has been tuned for sporty handling, while not being overly firm during everyday use. "

[This Is Not Mike]

My friend has an 02 Spec and I love how it looks, at least up front. I found it to be aggressive, especially compared to the front end restyle.

This new model just doesn't do it for me. The hood is too high, the sides are too smooth and it's just not aggressive at all.

Time to cross another model off my cars to test drive list.

[hhcchen]

Originally Posted by pio!pio!

http://www.nissansportmag.com/newsno...aserspecv.html

that looks like this...

[Chiketkd]

Any idea what the new SE-R Spec V will weigh? 200hp is great, but not if the car weighs a lot more than the previous gen SE-R...

[Hazdaz]

Originally Posted by Chiketkd

Any idea what the new SE-R Spec V will weigh? 200hp is great, but not if the car weighs a lot more than the previous gen SE-R...

I would almost be willing to bet a lot of money that it does indeed weigh more than the old gen.... seems like ALL new cars weigh in more than the models they replace.

[ktzdaddy]

boring. nissan is starting to water their cars down. snooze.

[BoostinEJ20]

atleast the nissan "buck-tooth" style is on its way out