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2.5 Liters, Tuned Two Ways

The heart and soul of the Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V are their advanced high-output QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engines. Along with the larger displacement versus the standard Sentra's 2.0-liter powerplant, the engine features extensive modification - helping achieve 177 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm on regular unleaded fuel in the SE-R and 200 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm (when using premium unleaded fuel) in the SE-R Spec V.

Among the Spec V engine features are use of a unique resin intake manifold and dual branch exhaust manifold; revised piston crown shape to support its 10.5:1 compression; 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 7,000 rpm (versus 6,200 rpm in the SE-R).

The Sentra SE-R is equipped with Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with available paddle shifters, providing a unique offering in the sport compact market, while the SE-R Spec V is available exclusively with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are standard, while an optional Helical Limited-Slip Differential is available with SE-R Spec V only.

Both vehicles utilize an independent strut/coil spring front and torsion beam rear suspension design with stabilizer bars front and rear, along with 4-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), power-assisted electric steering and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The SE-R utilizes 11.7-inch front and 11.5-inch rear rotors, while contact with the road is handled through 225/45VR17 all-season performance tires.

The SE-R Spec V features unique suspension tuning, brakes, tires and body structure changes versus the base SE-R. The SE-R Spec V is equipped with higher rate springs, shocks and bushings and larger (25mm) front stabilizer bar, 225/45WR17 uni-directional high performance tires, high-performance 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.

Unique SE-R Exterior and Sporty Interior

Unique SE-R exterior treatments include aggressive front and rear fascias, side sill extensions, rear spoiler and SE-R badging. Inside Sentra SE-R's 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, aluminum foot pedal pads, leather-appointed steering wheel (with silver stitching on Spec V) 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.

The Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V also offer an array of comfort and convenience features, including standard power windows and door locks, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD 6-speaker audio with 4.3-inch color display with USB interface, an auxiliary input, MP3 playback capability and standard Interface System for iPod. Also available is an 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system. XM Satellite Radio is also offered, along with a Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic? Real-Time Traffic Information (XM subscription required, sold separately) and 5.0-inch color screen.

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; and front seat Active Head Restraints. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on both SE-R and SE-R Spec V.

Only two options are available for 2011: the SE-R Upgrade Package with power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor, Nissan Intelligent Key, 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system and Nissan Navigation System; and the Spec V Upgrade Package, which includes the SE-R Upgrade Package content (except intelligent key), along with Helical Limited Slip Differential.

Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications