If you’ve been waiting as we have for Nissan to come out with a Nismo version of the Sentra, you can stop waiting, because here it is. But if you were hoping for a swell of power, you might be a little disappointed.
Revealed today at the LA Auto Show, the 2017 Sentra Nismo packs a 1.6-liter turbo four. It employs 16 valves, dual overhead cams, direct injection, variable valve timing and oil pressure, and spray-coated and mirror-finish cylinder bores to deliver 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
Those are the same exact specs as the Juke Nismo, but unfortunately fall short of the more potent, 215-horsepower Juke Nismo RS. So we’ll still keep our fingers crossed for a Sentra Nismo RS as well.
Adequate or not, the muscle is transmitted to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. The suspension is made up of independent struts up front and a torsion beam out back, with stabilizer bars at both ends and monotube rear shocks. It’s been recalibrated by Nismo, along with the electronic power steering system and upgraded front brakes.
The whole thing rides on 18-inch alloys, which complement the enhanced appearance and aero package. There front, rear, and side panels have been upgraded to not only give it a more aggressive look, but reduce lift by 30 percent at the rear end. Black and red trim help reinforce that this is no ordinary Senta, helped by the proliferation of Nismo logos inside and out.
The performance treatment continues inside with better-bolstered front seats, leather- and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and more. Red-trimmed charcoal is the only color in which the interior is available, while buyers will be able to choose between silver, dark grey, black, or white.
Unfortunately performance figures and pricing/availability information have yet to be released, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for those as soon as they are – so watch this space. From what we’re seeing so far, though, the 2017 Nissan Sentra Nismo is already looking down on power compared to prospective rivals like the new Hyundai Elantra Sport – let alone benchmark hot hatches like the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI.
If Nissan can get the price down below, however, the Sentra Nismo may open up a new class a step below to bridge the gap.
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