User Reviews:

2012 Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V: Built Ready to Perform, Offers Sporty Style at an Affordable Price

Following Nissan's longstanding formula of delivering serious performance in affordably priced sedans, the 2012 Nissan Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V are ideal vehicles for performance buyers who want aftermarket-style appearance and performance features straight from the factory. Built on a foundation of the roomy, comfortable and versatile Sentra sedan, they are also vehicles that offer a great deal of practicality - easy to live with day-in and day-out.

The SE-R and SE-R Spec V are powered by Nissan's advanced 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (QR25DE). The SE-R is rated at 177 horsepower and the Sentra SE-R Spec V at 200 horsepower. The SE-R and SE-R Spec V are built on Nissan's global C-platform and offer a long list of standard safety features, including Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and six supplemental air bags.

Both models are again equipped with a range of performance-oriented equipment and features (versus non-SE-R Sentra models), including unique exterior and interior appearance modifications.

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 in the SE-R and 200 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm in the SE-R Spec V.

Among the SE-R Spec V's engine features are the 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 steering wheel-mounted 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, and 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 front and rear stabilizer bars, along with 4-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) 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 has even larger 12.6-inch front rotors and P225/45WR17 summer performance tires.

The SE-R Spec V also features unique suspension tuning and body structure changes versus the base SE-R. The SE-R Spec V is equipped with higher rate springs, shocks and bushings and a larger (25mm) front stabilizer bar. A revised cowl top structure and a unique trunk mounted "V" brace are 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. For 2012, one new exterior color is offered, Red Alert (replaces Lava Red).

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. The instrument panel also includes an additional two-gauge meter pack, with the oil pressure and acceleration/deceleration g-force gauges canted towards the driver.

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, auxiliary input jack, MP3 CD playback capability and USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices. Also available is an 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system. XM Satellite Radio is also offered, along with a Nissan Navigation System that features XM NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information (XM subscription required, sold separately), 5.0-inch color touch-screen and RearView Monitor.

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.

Two options are available for 2012: 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 keyless entry and ignition system, 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 Nissan Intelligent Key), along with Helical Limited Slip Differential.

The 2012 Nissan Sentra is assembled by Nissan Mexicana SA de CV (NMEX-DF), Aguascalientes, Mexico.