(autoinsidernews) - Nissan today unveiled its sporty 2007 Sentra SE-R, and its higher performance SE-R Spec V sibling at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Competing against the VW GTI and MazdaSpeed3 (both with turbo powerplants delivering 200-hp and 263-hp respectively), and the Honda Si Coupe and Sedan (with 200-hp), the SE-R is in a tightly contested segment, reports Trend.
Both the Nissan Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V are powered by 2.5L four cylinder engines, with the base SE-R getting a version developing 177-hp and 172 lb.-ft. of torque mated to Nissan's Xtronic CVT is used, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The higher performance SE-R Spec V gets a 200-hp, 180 lb.-ft. of torque version of the 2.5L mated to a close-ratio, six-speed manual gearbox with a Helical Limited-Slip differential.
The SE-R and Spec V feature a sport-tuned independent front suspension, with stiffer springs and shocks, and 17-inch, 10-spoke wheels. 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. The standard SE-R wears 11.7-inch rotors, with both models getting 11.5-inch brakes out back. Both models also come with ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
Nissan exercised restraint with the exterior styling of the SE-Rs featuring only mildly restyled front and rear fascias, side sills, headlights and taillights. Inside, the Sentra SE-R cabin are a number of unique 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, displaying oil pressure and acceleration/deceleration g-force.
The SE-R and SE-R will be available in dealerships in March 2007. No official pricing was provided, but Nissan is targeting a price of around $20,000 for the Sentra SE-R Spec V.