2007 Nissan Sentra Press Kit

View More Sentra News >

2007 Nissan Sentra Overview

The all-new 2007 Nissan Sentra, which goes on sale in October 2006, is designed to live in two worlds – weekdays and weekends. It offers all the expected attributes of the previous generations of Sentra – good fuel economy, high levels of durability, quality and reliability, safety, an affordable price and low cost of ownership – and adds a completely unexpected level of style, roominess, responsiveness and versatility to meet the needs of its young, active, highly social target buyers.
Pricing of the 2007 Sentra is expected to begin at around $15,000 (nicely equipped with power door locks and windows, side-impact curtain air bags and air conditioning).

The new Sentra is much larger than the previous generation and should offer one of the largest interior volumes in the compact car class (final specifications will available closer to on-sale date). Built on Nissan’s new “C” platform, this sixth generation Sentra has a 5.9-inch longer wheelbase than the 2006 model. It is 2.3 inches longer in overall length, 3.2 inches wider and sits 4.0 inches taller for easier ingress and egress and enhanced head room.

The new, roomy interior also features an array of innovative comfort and convenience features, including a 60/40 split double-folding rear seat with a fold-flat seat back angle for better utilization of the wide trunk pass-through opening; a special trunk divider panel which creates a hidden trunk storage compartment; and an integrated overhead compact disc holder.

Under the dramatically styled body is a totally all-new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine designed to combine responsive acceleration with good fuel economy and efficient operation. The new Sentra will be available with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Along with more roominess and enhanced performance, the 2007 Sentra will be offered with the widest array of premium equipment ever – including leather-appointed seating, Intelligent Key keyless entry system, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and premium Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with 6-disc autochanger, 8-channel amplifier and 8 speakers.

“The biggest change in the new Sentra is in concept, moving from ‘entry-level’ to ‘aspirational,’” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “The addition of the new Nissan Versa hatchback and sedan allows us to move Sentra up in terms of both size and style. As a result, the new Sentra is a much stronger match for the image and usage needs of its active target buyers who lead highly social, morning-to-morning lifestyles.”

The dramatic exterior of the new Sentra addresses one of the major “unmet needs” of compact sedan buyers – style and emotion. In keeping with Nissan’s distinctive design language, the new Sentra features a sporty front end with Nissan signature headlights and grille. 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.

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. Designed to accommodate full-size adults in comfort, the new Sentra’s passenger volume of 97.7 cubic feet is 9.2 cubic feet larger than the previous generation Sentra.

In the front, head room, shoulder room and hip room have all increased, while rear seat shoulder room, knee room and head room have all also been enhanced. The revised front and rear hip points help improve ingress and egress from the front and rear seats.

Along with the roomy, social space of the interior, the new Sentra supports active lifestyles with flexible and functional storage – including innovative, compartmentalized storage areas.

The cargo volume of 13.1 cubic feet is an increase of 1.5 cubic feet over the 2006 Sentra. The trunk itself is designed to accommodate long, bulky and “unexpected” items by increasing the size of the trunk pass-through opening. Combined with the new 60/40 split double-fold rear seat (the cushion folds forward, allowing the seat back to fold flat), Sentra offers exceptional cargo flexibility for carrying snowboards, hockey sticks and even bikes.

One of Sentra’s true innovations is the patented (pending) trunk divider, which allows the trunk to be used for short term and long term/hidden storage. A removable divider wall, which can be positioned flat on the trunk floor when not in use, can be raised into a vertical position, creating two separate compartments. The durable polymeric material divider (carpeted on one side to match the rest of the trunk and waterproof on the other side for easy cleaning) also includes hooks mounted on the outer surface to help secure items such as grocery bags.

“As impressive as the dimensional enhancements are, the real revolution in this new Sentra is in its improved functionality,” said Bosley. “A typical entry-level buyer has only one vehicle, so we designed the 2007 to serve as a 24-hour mobile knapsack, a home base for people who are anything but homebodies.”

Other storage solutions include an integrated, removable overhead compact disc holder (patent pending) above the driver’s sun visor which can hold up to eight CDs, net storage pockets on the upper backs of the front seats for rear seat passengers’ cell phones and mp3 players, 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, lighted, locking glove compartment that can fit a 8x11-inch tablet or a large-sized map book. The center console offers multiple storage options, including an adjustable cup holder design and cell phone space.

“The other element missing in most compact sedans is a sense of driving excitement. We think we’ve exceeded expectations on both counts – whether for everyday commuting or weekend road trips –with this dynamic new Sentra platform and powertrain,” said Bosley.

The new 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-plus 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. Estimated fuel economy is 29/36 miles per gallon City/Highway with the CVT.

The 2007 Sentra utilizes a new CVT design with the latest generation CVT technology, one of three Nissan CVTs available for a range of applications. The CVT for Sentra features reduced friction, wide gear ratios and improved shift speed.

“Nissan is a world leader in CVT design, applications and units in operation, with our first CVT-equipped production vehicles going back to 1992,” said Bosley. “With the 2003 Murano, we began using CVT with our 3.5-liter V6 and our customers tell us they really appreciate the smoothness, reliability and fuel efficiency. We expect a similar reaction with CVT-equipped models of the new Sentra.”

The 2007 Sentra also 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 has been 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.

Standard safety features for the new Sentra include Zone Body Construction, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage front air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat, and front seat Active Head Restraints. Front seat side air bags and side curtain air bags (for front and rear outboard seat protection) are also standard.

The 2007 Sentra will be manufactured by Nissan Mexicana S.A. de CV (NMEX-DF), Aguascalientes, Mexico, which builds the current generation Sentra.

“Nissan has sold over 3.8 million Sentras in the United States alone since it was introduced in 1982. It has a well-earned reputation for quality, dependability, value, performance and style,” said Bosley. “But this is the Sentra that people won’t believe is a Sentra – unlike any Sentra ever seen.”

(back to top)

2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Overview

When Nissan first launched the Sentra SE-R in 1991, it helped establish the concept of a “sport compact” car. With a high performance 4-cylinder engine stuffed into a compact body, the original SE-R offered sports car-like performance for buyers on a budget. Enthusiasts and the media recognized this unique combination of performance and value and the Sentra SE-R became an instant hit – and has maintained a loyal following through two successive generations of SE-R.

The latest incarnation of the SE-R joins the Nissan lineup in March 2007 with two exciting versions, the Sentra SE-R and the higher horsepower Sentra SE-R Spec V. Both the new SE-R and SE-R Spec V are powered by Nissan’s advanced 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (QR25DE) and are equipped with a range of unique performance-oriented equipment and features, including standard 17-inch wheels and tires, 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and specially tuned electric power steering (EPS) – as well as unique exterior and interior appearance modifications.

“The new SE-R takes full advantage of the redesigned 2007 Sentra and adds a level of power and performance that is usually available only through aftermarket modifications,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With the 2007 model, Nissan has undertaken its most in-depth development effort yet for the SE-R.”

Development of the SE-R engine was guided by Motohiro Matsumura, Chief Vehicle Engineer, who previously led the development of Nissan’s highly acclaimed “VQ” series V6 engine.

Special emphasis was placed on the SE-R Spec V’s new high output version of the QR25DE 4-cylinder engine, with extensive modifications to the top end of the engine developed exclusively for the SE-R Spec V. Among the unique Spec V engine features are use of a unique resin intake manifold and dual branch exhaust manifold; revised piston crown shape to support a higher compression ratio (10.5:1); 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 6,800 rpm.

With these modifications, the power achieved is 200 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm (when using premium unleaded fuel). Helping to put all this power to the ground is an optional Helical Limited-Slip Differential (available with Spec V only). The Spec V model is available only with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. It also has unique suspension, brakes, tires and body structure changes (versus the base SE-R).

In the area of chassis, handling and braking performance, the SE-R Spec V is equipped with higher rate springs, shocks and bushings; 225/45WR17 uni-directional high performance tires; high capacity 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.

Chassis performance and vehicle dynamics tests were conducted on the grueling Nurburgring Nordschleife closed circuit outside of Cologne, Germany. Behind the wheel of the SE-R Spec V on the Nordschleife circuit was Nissan’s chief development driver, Yukio Kamiyama, who was also responsible for Nissan’s legendary Skyline R32 and R33 models.

“With Nissan’s top development staff working on Sentra SE-R, it has achieved unprecedented levels of power and performance,” said Bosley.

The SE-R model offers fun-to-drive performance and aggressive, sporty appearance to those who want the convenience of an automatic transmission. The Sentra SE-R, equipped exclusively with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission), is a unique offering in the sport compact market.

Enhancing the driving experience of the SE-R model are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Designed to be fun and engaging, the paddle shifters allow for quick and responsive up shifts and down shifts while driving on mountain roads or just negotiating through daily traffic.

“As we’ve shown with the Xtronic CVT-equipped Altima and Maxima, CVTs are not just for smoothness and fuel economy – they can be tuned for performance also” said Bosley.

Performance in the SE-R is delivered by the QR25DE engine tuned for 177 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm (on regular unleaded fuel).

The new SE-R’s independent strut front / torsion beam rear suspension design, shared with the standard 2007 Sentra, has been tuned for sporty handling, while not being overly firm during everyday use.

Stopping power for the SE-R is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes with 11.7-inch front rotors. Contact with the road is handled through 225/45VR17 all-season performance tires.

Inside the Sentra SE-R 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, red seat belts (Spec V only), aluminum foot pedal pads, leather-appointed steering wheel 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.

Like all 2007 Sentra models, the new SE-R also offers an array of comfort and convenience features including standard power windows and door locks, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD 6-speaker audio, and an integrated overhead compact disc holder. Optional features include a 340-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system, factory installed satellite radio and Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system (SE-R only).

Standard safety features for the Sentra SE-R include an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage front air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat, front seat side air bags, side curtain air bags (for front and rear outboard occupant head protection), front seat Active Head Restraints and Zone Body construction.

“The last great component of the new 2007 Sentra SE-R is price. We’re targeting a price of around $20,000 for the Sentra SE-R Spec V – which means 200 horsepower for $20K – which we believe makes SE-R Spec V one of the best values in the sport compact segment,” said Bosley. “This new Sentra SE-R has a lot to offer even the most demanding enthusiasts. It’ll be a thrill to drive, right out of the box.”

(back to top)

# # #

2007 Nissan Sentra: At a Glance

The all-new 2007 Nissan Sentra represents a revolution in the advancement of Nissan’s popular compact sedan. This new, sixth generation Sentra is unlike any that has come before – with more style, space, quality, performance and interior flexibility for active lifestyles.

Built on Nissan’s new “C” platform, the 2007 Sentra features an all-new, standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, standard 6-speed manual transmission or fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) and responsive handling.

Inside the spacious cabin are thoughtful and useful innovations, including a 60/40 split double-fold rear seat, available hidden trunk storage compartment and available integrated overhead compact disc holder. The new Sentra is also available with a wide range of unexpected amenities, ranging from the luxury of leather-appointed seating to the convenience of Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system.

The 2007 Sentra is scheduled to go on sale October 2006 and is expected to have a MSRP starting at around $15,000 (nicely equipped with power door locks and windows, side-impact curtain air bags and air conditioning).
Highlights of the 2007 Nissan Sentra include:

Design

• An exterior design that fully reflects Nissan design language and offers design cues found on other distinctive Nissan products
• A contemporary new interior design that features a new instrument panel layout incorporating the transmission shift lever

Body

• A long wheelbase of 105.7 inches, resulting in 97.7 cubic feet of passenger volume (an increase of more than 9.0 cubic feet over the previous generation)
• A wide overall width of 70.5 inches (similar to that of many mid-size sedans)
• Ample cargo volume of 13.1 cubic feet

Platform and Powertrain

• All-new Nissan “C” platform
• Front engine/front-wheel drive
• All-new 16-valve 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, with 140 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque 
• Standard 6-speed manual transmission
• Available Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission)

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Torsion beam rear suspension with integral stabilizer bar
• Electric power-assisted steering (EPS)
• Standard 15-inch wheels with 205/60HR15 tires; 16-inch wheels on 2.0 S model
• Available 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels 
• Power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes with available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)

Interior Features

• Roomy, high quality interior with long list of available amenities
• Large, comfortable front seats with available driver’s seat height adjuster
• Interior accent lighting
• Electric actuated heating and ventilation controls with a 26-step fan speed control
• Multiple AM/FM/CD audio systems available, including RDS, mp3 playback and satellite radio capable, aux input jack (variations by model)
• Available Intelligent Key keyless entry system
• Available Bluetooth™ Hands-Free Phone System
• Available Rockford Fosgate-powered premium audio system with 8 speakers

Safety and Security

• Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone
• Standard Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat)
• Standard front seat Active Head Restraints for head and neck protection in rear impacts
• Standard 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions
• Standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
• Standard child safety rear door locks
• Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
• Standard engine immobilizer system
• Standard front and rear side curtain air bags (for front and rear outboard seat protection)
• Standard dual front seat-mounted side air bags for chest and pelvis protection

Models and Manufacturing

• Offered in three well-equipped models: 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL
• Assembled by Nissan Mexicana SA de CV (NMEX-DF), Aguascalientes, Mexico

(back to top)

2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R: At a Glance

When Nissan first launched the Sentra SE-R in 1991, it helped establish the concept of a “sport compact” car, offering sports car-like performance for buyers on a budget. The latest incarnation of the SE-R joins the Nissan lineup in March 2007 with two models – SE-R and SE-R Spec V – offering more power, more performance and more technology than ever before. The new 2007 Sentra SE-R also promises to continue SE-R’s legendary “affordable performance” positioning, targeting a power-to-price ratio of 200 horsepower for around $20,000.

Both the SE-R and SE-R Spec V utilizes an advanced QR25DE HO 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine designed specifically for the SE-R. Along with the larger displacement (2.5 liters versus 2.0 liters for standard 2007 Sentra models), the entire top end of the engine has been reworked for use in the SE-R Spec V – including unique intake and exhaust manifold, higher compression ratio (10.5:1), a higher redline (6,800 rpm), and unique camshaft profile and unique pistons and connecting rods.

The revised SE-R Spec V engine is rated at 200 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The SE-R Spec V also includes a standard close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), available Helical Limited Slip Differential, large 12.6” front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, sport suspension tuning and a rear trunk-mounted V-brace.

For use in the Sentra SE-R model, the engine is rated at 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a specially modified version of Nissan’s Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with standard paddle shifters.

Both the SE-R and SE-R Spec V also feature unique full front and rear fascias, side sill extensions, rear spoiler, unique headlight and rear combination lights and standard front fog/driving lights. Also standard are 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Like every 2007 Sentra, the SE-R is built on Nissan’s rigid new “C” platform that offers a longer wheelbase, more room and more interior flexibility than the previous Sentra design.

Inside the spacious Sentra cabin are a number of unique SE-R features such as sport bucket front seats with red stitching and an embroidered SE-R logo, unique seat fabrics, sport appearance two-gauge (G-meter and oil pressure) meter cluster, LCD gear indicator (Xtronic CVT only), aluminum pedal pads and a leather-appointed sport steering wheel. Spec V models also feature a leather-wrapped shifter knob and red front seat belts.

The new SE-R is also available with a wide range of available amenities, including Intelligent Key keyless entry system (available with CVT only), Sunroof and Audio Packages and satellite radio (XM or Sirius).

Highlights of the 2007 Nissan Sentra include:

Body

• Unique SE-R front and rear fascias, side sill extensions, rear spoiler, SE-R badge
• A long wheelbase of 105.7 inches, resulting in 97.7 cubic feet of passenger volume (an increase of more than 9.0 cubic feet over the previous generation Sentra) 
• A wide overall width of 70.5 inches (similar to that of many mid-size sedans)

Platform and Powertrain

• All-new Nissan “C” platform
• Front engine/front-wheel drive
• All-new 16-valve QR25DE High Output 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine
• SE-R Spec V rated at 200 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm resulting from extensive modifications to the top end of the engine, including:
  - Unique resin intake manifold and dual branch exhaust manifold
  - Revised piston crown shape
  - Iridium-tipped spark plugs
  - Revised cam-shaft profile
  - Reinforced connecting rods
  - An 8 counterweight crankshaft
• 10.5:1 compression ratio, 6,800 rpm redline (SE-R Spec V)
• SE-R rated at 177 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque @2,800 rpm 
• Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission standard on SE-R Spec V
• Specially modified Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddle shifters standard on SE-R
• Available Helical Limited-Slip Differential on SE-R Spec V

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Sport tuning for SE-R Spec V suspension, which includes higher rate springs, shocks and dampers
• Independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Torsion beam rear suspension with integral stabilizer bar
• Revised cowl top structure and unique trunk-mounted “V” brace on SE-R Spec V for increased body rigidity
• Electric power-assisted steering (EPS)
• Standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels 
• 225/45WR17 unidirectional high performance tires on SE-R Spec V; 225/45VR17 all-season tires on SE-R
• Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); SE-R features 11.7-inch front/11.5-inch rear discs; SE-R Spec V includes high capacity 12.6-inch front/11.5-inch rear discs

Interior Features

• Sport-type front bucket seats with red stitching and embroidered SE-R logo
• Unique seat fabrics, meter cluster with two additional gauges (G-meter and oil pressure) 
• Sport leather-appointed steering wheel (SE-R and Spec V) and shifter knob (Spec V only)
• Aluminum pedal pads
• Red front seat belts (Spec V only)
• Roomy, high quality interior with long list of available amenities
• Electric actuated heating and ventilation controls with a 26-step fan speed control
• Standard 6-speaker 160-watt AM/FM/CD system with satellite radio pre-wiring, auxiliary input jack and Radio Data System
• Available 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate-powered AM/FM/in-dash CD6 system with satellite radio pre-wire, mp3 capability and Radio Data System
• Available Intelligent Key keyless entry system (not available on Spec V)

Safety and Security

• Standard Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat)
• Standard roof-mounted side curtain air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection
• Standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags for chest and pelvis protection
• Standard front seat Active Head Restraints for head and neck protection in rear impacts
• Standard 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions
• Standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
• Standard child safety rear door locks
• Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Standard engine immobilizer system
• Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone

Models and Manufacturing

• Offered in two performance models: SE-R and SE-R Spec V
• Assembled by Nissan Mexicana SA de CV (NMEX-DF), Aguascalientes, Mexico

(back to top)

# # #