LA Show: 2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R in 177 & 200 Hp versions

It seems that the spy pics we posted a few days ago did indeed preview the 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R. These of course are the first official pics of Nissan’s sporty compact which will be available in two versions, the Sentra SE-R and the higher horsepower Sentra SE-R Spec V.

Both versions are powered by Nissan’s 2.5-liter 4cylinder engine (QR25DE). In the SE-R the motor has an output 177 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm (on regular unleaded fuel) and its combine exclusively with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission).

In the SE-R Spec-V, the 2.5 delivers 200 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm (when using premium unleaded fuel). 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).

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), aluminium 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.

Both the Sentra SE-R and its Spec-V variant will go on sale in March 2007. According to Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager of Nissan Division North America, Nissan's targeting a price of around $20,000 for the 200Hp Sentra SE-R Spec V.