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2004 Sentra SE-R Receives Sporty Exterior Refinements, Interior Upgrades and Brembo Brake Package

For 2004, the sport-inspired Sentra SE-R receives several body enhancements, including a new front and rear fascia, new headlamp shapes, restyled hood and two new exterior colors. The 2004 Sentra SE-R also upgrades its interior with a standard trip computer and a new charcoal fabric exclusive to SE-R models and adds an impressive Brembo? Brake Package solely for the Sentra SE-R Spec V model.

Originally produced from 1991 to 1994, the Sentra SE-R immediately gained recognition with the automotive media becoming Car and Driver "10 Best" winner four times and an Automobile "All-Star" twice. It also became a favorite among autocrossers and grassroots racers and developed a large enthusiast base with numerous nationwide clubs, magazine project vehicles and motorsports activities. Sentra SE-R left after the 1994 model year, but was brought back in 2002, much to the delight of enthusiasts across the nation.

"The Sentra SE-R is a legendary vehicle, designed for action and performance," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "The 2004 model stays true to its roots and is very worthy of the SE-R moniker."

SE-R Style

The SE-R was designed to give a feeling of a mini-Nissan Skyline sports sedan. Building upon the style set forward on the fifth generation Sentra 4-door sedan, the 2004 SE-R receives several body refinements to help emphasize its race and sport personality. Most prominent of those refinements is a new front and rear fascia style with a fresh, distinctive hood design. The Sentra SE-R also receives a restyled headlamp shape and rear combination lamps. The flush-mounted, one-piece "multi-parabola" halogen headlamps and the body-color side moldings and bumpers all add to the sport-styled exterior.

Adding the final touches, a rear spoiler and large chrome exhaust tips provide even more flair to the new Sentra SE-R, along with two dynamic new exterior colors - Volcanic Orange and Sapphire Blue.

SE-R Adds New Interior Features

Continuing the tradition of sport-inspired interior design, SE-R provides an interior environment designed for the racer-at-heart. Its ergonomic interior styling combines a modern appearance with sport-styled seats, steering wheel and gearshift knob.
New for 2004, SE-R adds a charcoal fabric (exclusive to the SE-R models), a standard trip computer and enhanced Rockford Fosgate?-powered audio system with improved sound quality.

The SE-R Spec V features a special Lava-colored interior with black and silver accents, which is accompanied by a special instrument meter finish with skyline-style sport bucket seats (SE-R Spec V). The 2004 Sentra SE-R continues to offer power windows and door locks, conveniently placed cup holders and a substantial amount of storage capacity and storage pockets including a stylish center-console with lid and a large glove box.

The large, race-style front bucket seats feature an 8-way adjustable driver seat and 4-way adjustable passenger seat to suit occupants? needs. The seat design provides an open feeling through use of a large, one-piece cut pattern around the shoulder area and the raised hip point aids in easier entry and exit. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with locking seat back is now standard.

SE-R Power

Powering the Sentra SE-R is a 16 valve 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm in the SE-R Spec V model and 165 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm in the SE-R. SE-R Spec V gains 10 horsepower and five lb-ft torque over the standard SE-R with the use of a specially tuned exhaust system.

The Sentra SE-R engine utilizes technology developed for the award-winning VQ-series engines found in the Maxima and Altima sedans, including a modular engine design, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, micro-finished crank journals and cam lobes, electronically controlled throttle and continuously variable valve timing.

To combat vibrations inherent in large 4-cylinder engines, the SE-R?s QR25 engine features a silent chain drive and compact balancer system that effectively negates vibrations without taking up too much space ? a problem with previous balancer designs.

Available SE-R transmissions include a responsive, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission (SE-R Spec V), 5-speed manual transmission (SE-R Spec V) or a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive (standard on SE-R).

A helical limited-slip differential is standard on the 6-speed equipped SE-R Spec V. This mechanical differential is torque sensitive and provides instantaneous locking for increased traction and performance.

SE-R Braking and Suspension

Sentra SE-R?s suspension has been tuned to provide a maximum amount of performance and ride comfort. There are two levels of suspension tunings available, corresponding with model choices ? the standard SE-R and the ultimate, track-oriented SE-R Spec V. All SE-Rs feature front independent MacPherson struts and Nissan?s patented rear Multi-Link Beam?design.

SE-R features performance-tuned shock absorbers, a front strut tower brace for additional stiffness and suspension feel and 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R16 tires.

SE-R Spec V builds upon the SE-R?s handling capabilities. Front spring rates increase 15 percent (over SE-R) and the rear spring rate increases 16 percent. High-performance 215/45ZR17 tires on special 17-inch wheels complete the suspension package and give Sentra a tough, sport-compact look.

Braking is provided by large 4-wheel disc brakes ? the fronts measure a full 11 inches, larger than many so-called sporting machines. A 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is also available.

A high-performance Brembo Brake Package new for 2004, is offered on the SE-R Spec V model. The exclusive package includes gold-painted Brembo 4-piston front calipers, 12-inch Brembo vented front discs and 10.9-inch rear discs.

SE-R Safety and Security

The 2004 Sentra SE-R?s standard safety equipment includes driver and front passenger supplemental air bags, 3-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners and load limiters. Front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and Vehicle Security System with Immobilizer are also available.

Passive safety features include an energy-absorbing steering column, front and rear crumple zones and body side reinforcements.

SE-R also features an emergency inside trunk-release, child safety rear door locks, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

SE-R Packages and Options

Sentra SE-R comes well equipped with several available options including a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, ABS brake system and front seat side-impact supplemental air bags. Packages for the SE-R include the Audio Fanatic Package and Sunroof Package.

Sentra SE-R Spec V models are equipped to an even higher level, leaving only the front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and ABS as options. The Audio Fanatic Package and Sunroof Package are also available, as well as the exclusive Brembo Brake Package.