These days, you’d be forgiven for dismissing the Nissan Sentra 
as just another eco-box for the daily A-to-B grind, but that wasn’t always the case. Believe it or not, there once was a Sentra designed for – brace yourself – fun. It was called the SE-R, and it was a glorious thing indeed, boasting a torquey four-cylinder engine, responsive suspension, and a price tag with room for aftermarket race tires. Unfortunately, the Sentra SE-R got shelved after the 2012 model year, causing enthusiasts to feel a bit left out in the cold. Nevertheless, hope springs eternal, and a new performance Sentra with all the goodies of yesteryear could very well be in the cards. This time around, however, it’ll bear the Nismo nameplate.
And why not? Nissan is obviously thinking about it – just check out the concept revealed at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. Then there’s the current Nismo stable, which already includes high-spec variants of the Juke, 370Z, and GT-R. The only thing missing is an affordable sports sedan.
So then, if Nissan went and actually built a production Sentra Nismo, what would it bring to the table? To answer that question, we drew up a rendering and did a little daydreaming. Here’s what we came up with.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO.
Exterior
The Sentra just got a refresh for the 2016 model year, echoing aesthetic updates first seen on the Altima, Maxima, and Murano by way of Nissan’s new “Energetic Flow” design language. The biggest changes are to the front fascia, which gains the characteristic “V-Motion” grille and boomerang-shaped headlights. The boomerang shape was also used for the taillights, which are connected by a strip of chrome fitted to the trunk lid. More chrome is used on the window surrounds, effectively tying together the nose and tail with shiny metal front to back.
The changes make for a more premium look, effectively moving the Sentra out of its traditional styling doldrums. The SR trim level tries even harder, offering sporty flavoring with unique 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and a model-exclusive Red Alert paint job.
Fine. But what if Nismo had its way with the Sentra?
There’s shiny black chrome mesh for the upper and lower grilles, and the wheels use a dark grey matte finish and polished lip.
To find out, we took cues from the concept we saw in 2013, then injected them straight into the current model. The result is a clear break from the usual compact humdrum.
Let’s start with the color. It’s called Bright Pearl White, and you’ll find it across the Nismo lineup. Accents are done in red, black, and of course, carbon fiber, most notably in the lower fascia, side-view mirrors, door handles, and side sills, adding a well-portioned amount of flair to the clean-cut paint hue. There’s shiny black chrome mesh for the upper and lower grilles, and the wheels use a dark grey matte finish and polished lip.
Speaking of wheels, they’re the same rollers from the concept Sentra – 19-inch aluminum-alloys by Rays, the legendary Japanese wheel manufacturer that provides gear for a swath of winning race teams. The open, multi-spoke design looks great, but it also provides a glimpse at the oversized brakes hiding underneath (more on that later).
Aerodynamically, the Sentra Nismo is sure to provide extra stick at speed. Up front is a pronounced splitter, while a deck-lid spoiler in back extends the trunk. The rear diffuser continues the black and red color theme, framing a polished chrome dual exhaust tip. The new side skirts jut out from the body, and spats are located near the rear wheels. Intakes in the corners of the front bumper provide cooling to the stoppers.
Above the vertical intakes are horizontal LED strips. LEDs can also be found in the headlights, taillights, and turn signals integrated with the side-view mirrors.
Interior
Note: Standard Nissan Sentra pictured here.
While we didn’t render the interior, it’s not too hard to imagine what it’ll offer.
Let’s start with the seats, which are heavily bolstered sport buckets from Recaro, covered in Alcantara and leather. The steering wheel gets the same materials, and comes shaped like the wheel you get on the 370Z. More Alcantara can be found on the door panels and center sections of the rear seats, while a leather shift knob helps slot home gear selections.
All the upholstery will be either black or dark grey, with red stitching and accents added to emphasize the sportier elements.
All the upholstery will be either black or dark grey, with red stitching and accents added to emphasize the sportier elements. The pedals (yes, three of them) will be aluminum, with rubber inserts for grip. Carbon fiber will be used for the center console surrounds.
Infotainment and convenience technology will be relatively barebones (at least by modern standards), which should help trim a little off the MSRP. However, there should be a nice collection of performance data on hand, including lateral acceleration and a lap timer. A waving checkered flag graphic is a distinct possibility.
Complementing the data will be an electroluminescent gauge cluster, with a speedometer and tachometer (both backlit in red) flanking a central display screen. Push the right button on the steering wheel to call up vitals like oil pressure and boost.
Drivetrain
Note: 2013 Nissan Sentra NISMO Concept pictured here.
For the time being, the Sentra is equipped with a naturally aspirated, 1.8-liter, DOHC, inline four-cylinder engine. Total output is rated at a yawn-worthy 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, which gets routed to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a 0-to-60 mph time in excess of nine seconds. Nissan does offer a manual transmission, but you only get it on the base-model Sentra S.
Thankfully, there’s this thing called the turbocharger, and properly implemented, it can transform a slouch into a superstar.
Standstill to 60 mph will be under six seconds (I’d say around 5.5), with a quarter mile done in the high 14’s.
Add boost, and suddenly, the Sentra comes alive, with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that charges to redline with 265 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Fuel mileage will be decent (over 30 mpg highway), but that hardly matters, as anyone who owns a Sentra Nismo will undoubtedly lay into the loud pedal at every opportunity. Standstill to 60 mph will be under six seconds (I’d say around 5.5), with a quarter mile done in the high 14’s.
Of course, a jewel under the hood can be wasted without the right gearbox, and in this particular circumstance, nothing screams rightness more than a short-throw six-speed manual. Automatic and CVT users need not apply.
Finally, a trick limited-slip differential keeps the peg-leg blues at bay.
Chassis And Handling
Note: Standard Nissan Sentra pictured here.
The Sentra currently comes from the factory with an independent strut set-up in front and a torsion beam in the rear, which is a real shame considering it had four-wheel independent suspension prior to 1995. But alas, thus is the nature of space and weight savings, and it’s still possible to get decent handling with a torsion beam. Nismo will surely know what to do in that department, and you can bet on increased spring and dampening rates, as well as additional bracing and chassis rigidity.
One of the challenges will be getting the Sentra’s turbo power to the ground without boatloads of torque steer (a persistent problem in high-spec Sentras of the past), so I wouldn’t be surprised to see something like separate steering knuckles similar to what Honda uses for the Civic Type R. The steering will also use a quicker ratio for more responsive handling.
Wrapping those lightweight 19-inch wheels will be high-performance summer rubber. Finally, the large Brembo brakes will be sourced from the 370Z, with four-piston calipers on 14-inch rotors in front, and two-piston calipers on 13.8-inch rotors in the rear. All four calipers will be made from aluminum and painted in red.
Prices
This one is a little tricky, but obviously critical to the Sentra Nismo’s success. Looking over the complete package, I’d expect it to start at just under $30,000. $28,000 sounds about right.
Of course, that price point lands it firmly in Juke Nismo RS territory, but I think the difference in body styles and horsepower will be enough to keep cannibalization to a minimum.
Competition
Ford Focus ST
When it comes to FWD performance, you can’t go wrong with the Focus ST. As one of the preeminent hot hatches of the world, this blue oval product gets it right, dishing out 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual is there to row your own, and the suspension nips through the corners with aplomb. Pricing is good too, starting at $24,425.
Read the full review here.
Honda Civic Si Sedan
While it might not be the full-blown Type R, H-badge fans on these shores still get to enjoy the slightly less insane Si. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 205 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, placing it firmly below the Sentra Nismo when it comes to straight-line performance. However, the Civic Si is also significantly less expensive, starting at $22,990.
Read the full review here.
Conclusion
While I was out testing the 2016 Sentra non-Nismo, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Sure, it was quiet, roomy, and well appointed, but as an enthusiast, I was totally uninspired. The car made sense logically, but it did nothing for me emotionally. It was a means of conveyance, nothing more.
So of course, I had to talk to the Nissan reps about the possibilities of a high-performance model. While reiterating time and again that nothing was planned, each person I spoke to was wholeheartedly for the idea. A turbocharged engine and manual transmission was one recurring theme.
Which makes perfect sense, if you think about it. After all, racing is integral to the Nissan brand. GT cars, endurance racing, formula racing… Nissan even supports new talent via the GT Academy. Throw in a history of models like the SE-R and Datsun 510, and the suggestion of a Sentra Nismo isn’t exactly out of line.
I want it, you want it, and Nissan wants it. I guess it’s time to build it then, right?