2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V

Spec V upgrades are definitely inspired by the aftermarket tuners?the spoiler serves as visual evidence of this.

While the Spec V gets the most immediate attention, many enthusiasts will opt for the standard SE-R with its easy-to-manipulate five-speed manual. Even Nissan vice president and general manager Bill Kirrane admits that the non-Spec version is "an import tuner's dream." As one of the engineers from the Nissan's Arizona Proving Ground noted, the Spec V is a finished, autocross-ready car, but the standard SE-R is for people who want to do their own tuning.


For example, that skunkworks Sentra at the proving ground had a supercharger. The engineer suggested that a cat-back exhaust could extract even more power from the 2.5-liter engine, and he noted that suspension could be lowered and spring rates increased by another 25 percent or so before ride comfort really suffers. "We probably didn't go far enough," he suggested.


But SE-R and Spec V buyers likely won't complain. They'll just be glad that Nissan went as far as it did, reviving a famed name with a car worthy of its badge. (www.nissandriven.com)