2011 Nissan Sentra Overview
The Nissan Sentra has long been known as a stylish, roomy, fun-to-drive compact sedan. With room for five – or space to enough to carry a bike – it’s a versatile performer for people with busy weekday, weekend and around-the-clock lives. And, with highly fuel-efficient powertrains and available equipment ranging from available Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System to navigation system and RearView Monitor, Sentra has the perfect combination to match any need or budget.
Again in 2011 Sentra is offered in six models – Sentra 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL and the performance-oriented Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V (please see separate 2011 Sentra SE-R press materials for information on these models). Sentra 2.0 models feature a standard 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission or fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Each combines a stylish compact exterior with outstanding roominess and amenities, responsive, fun-to-drive performance and unexpected versatility.
Refinements to Sentra for 2011 include improved EPA estimated city fuel economy and the fine-tuning of option package equipment. New Sentra 2.0 packages include a SL Value Package, Visual Audio Package and SL Audio Package.
Other changes for 2011 include the addition of a SE-R style rear spoiler for 2.0 CVT, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) is now standard on Sentra 2.0, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) have been added as standard equipment to the Sentra 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SR.
“Sentra once again meets and exceeds all the expectations buyers in the compact sedan segment have – good fuel economy, durability, safety, reliability and affordability,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “Sentra, however, goes far beyond that with a completely unexpected level of style, roominess, responsiveness and versatility – attributes that once again set Sentra apart in the segment.”
A Stylish Sedan Designed for Active Lifestyles
Built on Nissan’s global “C” platform, Sentra’s exterior reflects Nissan design language and offers styling cues found on other distinctive Nissan products. The profile includes a long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, crisp character lines and large door openings, while in the rear the high deck accentuates the roomy cabin and cargo area.
The Sentra 2.0 SR adds a higher level of sporty appearance – including a sport grille, unique front and rear sport fascias, side sill spoilers, rear decklid spoiler with integrated brake light, smoked headlights and taillights, driving lights, exhaust finisher and “SR” badging on the rear deck. For 2011, a SE-R style rear lip spoiler with integrated LED high–mounted stop light has been added to Sentra 2.0 CVT, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models.
Nine exterior colors are available in 2011: Metallic Blue, Blue Onyx, Espresso Black, Lava Red, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Super Black, Red Brick and Aspen White.
“Again in 2011, Sentra maintains it fresh, eye-catching and high-quality appearance,” said Castignetti. “Like every Nissan, Sentra beautifully blends stylish design with other important attributes such as performance, roominess, comfort and utility.”
Inside, the interior continues the sporty, functional theme of the exterior, with the use of high quality materials, large gauges and a spacious, flexible center console. All Sentra 2.0 models receive feature cloth seat trim, with upgraded cloth on 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SL.
Leather-appointed seating and heated front seats are available for Sentra SL models. The instrument panel offers chrome HVAC knob accents, coin holder, reddish orange illumination color. A 4.3-inch color display is standard on Sentra 2.0 SL.
Sentra’s interior is designed to comfortably accommodate five full-size adults, with an ample passenger volume of 97.7 cubic feet. Along with the roomy, social space of the interior, Sentra’s trunk provides 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space and is designed to accommodate long, bulky and “unexpected” items through the use of an oversized pass-through opening. Combined with the 60/40 split double-fold rear seat (the cushion folds forward, allowing the seat back to fold down), Sentra offers exceptional cargo flexibility for carrying snowboards, hockey sticks and even bikes.
Other storage solutions include a rear seat armrest with cupholders that can accommodate a 20-ounce bottle and 32-ounce drink cup, extra instrument panel storage next to the driver’s door, and a large glove compartment that can fit a 8x11-inch writing tablet or a large-sized map book. The center console offers multiple storage options, including an adjustable cup holder design and cell phone space.
Along with ample roominess, Sentra is offered a wide array of premium equipment, including available Nissan Intelligent Key™ keyless entry system, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and premium Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with 8-channel amplifier and 8 speakers. An Interface System for iPod® is standard on all Sentra models except Sentra 2.0.
Responsive and Fun-to-Drive
Sentra’s powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine designed to combine responsive acceleration with good fuel economy and efficient operation. It is mated to a standard Xtronic CVT? or 6-speed manual (Sentra 2.0 only).
The advanced 2.0-liter Nissan MR20DE aluminum block engine is designed to offer an exceptional balance of responsive acceleration, excellent low and mid-range torque and increased thermal efficiency. The engine is rated at 140 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. Up to 90 percent of the torque is achieved by 2,400 rpm – providing comfortable driving and excellent fuel consumption in real world driving when mated to the Xtronic CVT.
Fuel economy is rated at 27/34 miles per gallon City/Highway with the CVT and 24/31 City/Highway miles per gallon with the 6-speed manual transmission (Sentra 2.0 only).
The 2011 Sentra again offers responsive handling. The front suspension is an independent strut design with coil springs and stabilizer bar. The rear features a torsion beam with integral stabilizer bar, with the rear shock absorbers mounted below the trunk floor for improved trunk roominess. Sentra’s ride comfort is enhanced through use of special “ripple control” shock absorbers, an insulated front cradle-type subframe with pendulum engine mount system, roller-type front strut bearings and large, tuned rear beam isolators.
All 2011 Sentra models feature standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), along with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).
Other standard safety features for the Sentra 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.
Four Well-Equipped Models
The 2011 Sentra 2.0 is offered in four well-equipped models, starting with the Sentra 2.0 with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Xtronic CVT or 6-speed manual transmission. Standard features include electric power-assisted steering, 15-inch wheels and tires, suede-like cloth interior, oversized glove compartment, power windows and door locks, rear folding seat, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input and much more.
Sentra 2.0 S adds 16-inch wheels, P205/55HR16 tires, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD RDS audio system with MP3 playback capability, Interface System for iPod®, upgraded cloth, Vehicle Security System, trip computer, cruise control, Remote Keyless Entry, and more.
The 2.0 SR takes its sporty styling cues from the high-performance Sentra SE-R, adding a unique exterior treatment including sport front and rear fascias, sport side sills, fog lights, rear spoiler and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-line Sentra 2.0 SL is available with standard cloth seats or optional leather-appointed seats. Standard SL equipment includes 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key™ with power trunk release, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), leather-wrapped steering wheel, 4.3-inch color audio head unit with iPod®, fog lights and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
Available options and packages include Convenience Package (2.0 S, 2.0 SR models) with Nissan Intelligent Key™ keyless entry and ignition system w/trunk release function, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cargo net and hooks; and the Visual Audio Package (2.0 S, 2.0 SR) with 4.3-inch color display audio with USB, 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with AM/FM, MP3 capability auxiliary input, speed-sensitive volume, and Radio Data System.
Four packages are available with the Sentra 2.0 SL, starting with the 2.0 SL Leather Package with leather-appointed seats, heated driver’s and front passenger’s seats; and the 2.0 SL Special Value Package with power sliding glass moonroof w/tilt, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, cargo net and hooks, navigation system with 5.0-inch screen and RearView Monitor.
Other SL packages include the 2.0 SL Audio Package with an 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with AM/FM, MP3 capability auxiliary input, speed sensitive volume, and Radio Data System; and the Navigation Package with Nissan Navigation System (Secure Digital Card-based) with 5.0-inch color screen and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and USB Interface.
2011 Nissan Sentra SE-R Overview
Following Nissan’s longstanding formula of delivering serious performance in affordably priced sedans, the Sentra SE-R offers one of the best power-to-price ratios in class – not to mention exceptional versatility for those days when the roads have more stoplights than decreasing radius curves.
"The Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V are ideal for performance buyers who want aftermarket-style appearance and performance features straight from the factory,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “Yet they are also vehicles with the other ‘P’ word – practical. Built on a foundation of the roomy, comfortable and versatile Sentra sedan, the SE-R and SE-R Spec V are easy to live with day-in and day-out.”
Following a number of exterior, interior and mechanical refinements for the 2010 model year, the changes for 2011 are limited to the addition of the Nissan Navigation System to the SE-R Upgrade Package and Spec V Upgrade Package. The Secure Digital (SD) Card-based navigation system includes a 5-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information capability (XM® subscription required, sold separately).
Both 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 unique (versus non-SE-R Sentra models) performance-oriented equipment and features, including 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and specially tuned suspension (SE-R Spec V), as well as 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 on regular unleaded fuel in the SE-R and 200 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm (when using premium unleaded fuel) in the SE-R Spec V.
Among the Spec V engine features are 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 available 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, while 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 stabilizer bars front and rear, along with 4-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System 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 features unique suspension tuning, brakes, tires and body structure changes versus the base SE-R. The SE-R Spec V is equipped with higher rate springs, shocks and bushings and larger (25mm) front stabilizer bar, 225/45WR17 uni-directional high performance tires, high-performance front disc brakes with 12.6-inch rotors, and a revised cowl top structure and a unique trunk mounted “V” brace, both 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. 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, and an additional two-gauge meter pack. These two additional gauges, canted towards the driver, provide information on oil pressure and acceleration/deceleration g-force.
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 with USB interface, an auxiliary input, MP3 playback capability and standard Interface System for iPod?. Also available is an 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system. XM Satellite Radio is also offered, along with a Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic? Real-Time Traffic Information (XM subscription required, sold separately) and 5.0-inch color screen.
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.
Only two options are available for 2011: 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™, 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 intelligent key), along with Helical Limited Slip Differential.
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