2008 Nissan Sentra Press Kit

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2008 Nissan Sentra Overview

The 2008 Nissan Sentra, which follows the 2007 debut of an all-new generation Sentra design, offers style, space, quality, performance and interior flexibility for active lifestyles. For 2008, Sentra adds a number of significant enhancements, including additional standard equipment and package content changes for various models.

The 2008 Sentra is built on Nissan’s “C” platform and offers a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission or fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) and responsive handling. Inside Sentra’s spacious cabin are thoughtful and useful features, including a 60/40 split double-fold rear seat, available hidden trunk storage compartment and available integrated overhead compact disc holder. The 2008 Sentra is also available with a range of unexpected amenities – ranging from the luxury of leather-appointed seating to the convenience of Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system.

“Sentra’s good fuel economy, high levels of durability, safety, quality and reliability – along with its affordable price and low cost of ownership – have made Sentra a key player in the compact sedan category,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “It offers all the expected attributes of the previous generations of Sentra – along with a completely unexpected level of style, roominess, responsiveness and versatility.”

A Stylish, Highly Space-Efficient Package
Built on Nissan’s new “C” platform, the sixth-generation Sentra has a 5.9-inch longer wheelbase than the previous generation design. 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.

Sentra’s dramatic exterior addresses one of the major “unmet needs” of compact sedan buyers – style and emotion. In keeping with Nissan’s distinctive design language, 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, Sentra’s passenger volume of 97.7 cubic feet is 9.2 cubic feet larger than the previous generation Sentra.

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

The trunk, with 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, 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 flat), Sentra offers exceptional cargo flexibility for carrying snowboards, hockey sticks and even bikes. One of Sentra’s true innovations is the available patented Divide-N-Hide® 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.

Other storage solutions include an integrated, removable overhead compact disc holder 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 player (2.0 SL), 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 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 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.

“Sentra has broken free of the pack of like-sized and like-styled compacts with exception style, available features and innovative utility,” said Bosley. “A typical entry-level buyer has only one vehicle, so we designed Sentra to serve as a 24-hour mobile knapsack, a home base for people who are anything but homebodies.”

Performance For Passionate Drivers
Under the dramatically styled 2008 Sentra body is a 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 S only).

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

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 25/33 miles per gallon City/Highway with the CVT and 24/31 miles per gallon with the 6-speed manual transmission (Sentra 2.0 S only).

The 2008 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.

Three Well-Equipped Models
The 2008 Sentra is offered in three well-equipped models, starting with the Sentra 2.0 with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and Xtronic CVT™ transmission. Standard features include electric power-assisted steering, 15-inch wheels and tires, suede cloth interior, oversized locking glove compartment, power windows and door locks, rear folding seat system4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input and much more.

Sentra 2.0 S, which is offered with a choice of Xtronic CVT™ or 6-speed manual transmission, adds 16-inch wheels and tires, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD RDS audio system, Vehicle Security System, in-dash vehicle information display monitor, cruise control, Remote Keyless Entry, driving lights and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

Sentra 2.0 SL adds leather-appointed seats, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (required monthly subscription sold separately) and integrated overhead CD storage.
Available options and packages include Convenience Package, Alloy Wheels, Audio Package with 340-watt 8-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, XM® Satellite Radio, Divide-N-Hide™ Trunk System and Moonroof Package.

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2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Overview

With the introduction of the all-new Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V in March 2007, Nissan returned to an arena it helped establish more than 15 years before: the affordable, high performance “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. It’s a formula that still has merit today – perhaps even more as leading compact sedans like Sentra grow in size, platform sophistication, comfort, amenities, innovation and quality.

The latest duo of Nissan Sentra SE-R models, which carry over into the 2008 model year virtually intact, offer more power, more performance and more technology than any SE-R that has gone before – including a power-to-price ratio of 200 horsepower for around $20,000.

Both the 2008 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 (versus non-SE-R Sentra models) 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 SE-R takes full advantage of the latest generation Sentra design, adding a level of power and performance that is usually available only through aftermarket modifications,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.

Sentra SE-R Spec V: A High-Output Performance Designed Engine
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 engines.

Special emphasis was placed on the Sentra SE-R Spec V-specific high output version of the QR25DE 4-cylinder engine, which features extensive modifications to the top end of the engine. 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.

With these modifications, the engine achieves 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 and features unique suspension tuning, 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 than the non-Spec V SE-R; 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.

SE-R Spec V 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, the man responsible for Nissan’s legendary Skyline R32 and R33 models.
Sentra SE-R: Smoothness Plus Paddle Shifters

The 2008 Sentra SE-R model (non-Spec V) 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 also be tuned for performance,” said Bosley.

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

Sentra SE-R’s independent strut front / torsion beam rear suspension design, shared with the standard 2008 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 and 11.5-inch rear rotors. Contact with the road is handled through 225/45VR17 all-season performance tires.

Unique SE-R Exteriors and Interiors
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, red seat belts (Spec V only), aluminum foot pedal pads, leather-appointed steering wheel (with red 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.

Like all 2008 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.

“Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V have much to offer even the most demanding enthusiasts,” said Bosley. “They are thrills to drive, right out of the box – at a value that just can’t be beat.”

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2008 Nissan Sentra: At a Glance

The Nissan Sentra has forged its reputation as a stylish compact sedan with roominess and amenities, responsive, fun-to-drive performance and unexpected versatility for six Sentra generations. For 2009, Sentra continues to build its reputation with a refreshed rear trunk lid, new seat cloth trims, standard automatic door locks, MP3 playback capability (2.0 S and 2.0 SL) and new 2.0 SL Premium Package.

The 2009 Sentra offers a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission or fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) and responsive handling. Inside Sentra’s spacious cabin offers a range of thoughtful and useful features, including a 60/40 split double-fold rear seat and available Divide-N-Hide™ Trunk System hidden trunk storage compartment. Sentra is also available with a range of unexpected amenities – ranging from the luxury of heated leather-appointed seating to the convenience of Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system.

Highlights of the 2009 Nissan Sentra include:

Body

• An exterior design that fully reflects Nissan design language and offers design cues found on other distinctive Nissan products 
• New rear trunk lid; three new exterior colors: Red Brick, Sonoran Sun, Artic Blue Standard driving/fog lights with body-color surrounds on 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models
• A long wheelbase of 105.7 inches, resulting in 97.7 cubic feet of passenger volume 
• 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

• Advanced Nissan “C” platform
• Front engine/front-wheel drive 
• 16-valve 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, with 140 horsepower (135 CAL emissions) and 147 lb-ft of torque (142 CAL emissions) 
• Standard Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission (Sentra 2.0 S)

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes with available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) (standard on 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models, optional on 2.0 model) 
• 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 (standard on 2.0 SL model)

Interior Features

• Attractive, high quality interior design with instrument panel layout that incorporates the transmission shift lever
• Roomy, comfortable interior with long list of available amenities 
• Large, comfortable front seats with available driver’s seat height adjuster 
• New charcoal and beige cloth interior trims on 2.0 and 2.0 S models 
• Standard automatic door locks 
• Added MP3 playback capability on 2.0 S and 2.0 SL 
• Driver-side power window with one-touch auto up/down and auto-reverse feature 
• XM® Satellite Radio standard on 2.0 SL models (XM® subscription required, sold separately) 
• Spanish interface programming for trip computer 
• Standard daytime illumination (2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL models) 
• Folding assist grips replace fixed assist grips 
• 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 Nissan Intelligent Key™ keyless entry system 
• Available Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System 
• Available Rockford Fosgate-powered premium audio system with 8 speakers

Safety and Security

• 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 
• Front seat Active Head Restraints 
• LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) 
• Front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors 
• Standard 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions 
• Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones 
• Child safety rear door locks 
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System

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

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2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R: At a Glance

With the introduction of the all-new Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V in March 2007, Nissan returned to an arena it helped establish more than 15 years before – the affordable, high performance “sport compact” car. The latest duo of SE-R models, which carry over into the 2008 model year virtually intact, offer more power, more performance and more technology than any SE-R that has gone before – including 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 2008 Sentra models), in all SE-Rs, SE-R Spec V features a reworked top end – including unique intake and exhaust manifold, higher compression ratio (10.5:1), a higher redline (7,000 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-inch front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, sport suspension tuning and a rear trunk-mounted V-brace.

For use in the 2008 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, standard front fog/driving lights and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Like every 2008 Sentra, the SE-R is built on Nissan’s rigid new “C” platform that offers a long wheelbase, and a roomy, flexible interior design.

Unique SE-R interior features include 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 2008 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 XM â Satellite Radio ( required monthly subscription sold separately).

Highlights of the 2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R include:

Body

• Unique SE-R front and rear fascias, side sill extensions, rear spoiler, SE-R badging
• 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

• Nissan “C” platform
• Front engine/front-wheel drive
• 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, 7,000 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, Spec V includes red stitching) 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

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