Two trims, the SE-R and the SE-R Spec V, are available. The former comes with a 2.5 litre, 4-cylinder engine rated at 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. But more serious enthusiasts will look at the Spec V. Though both use the same engine, the Spec V is tuned towards 200 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.

Unique front and rear fascia, head and tail-light, spoiler, and other exterior features separate the SE-R from the standard Sentra. Same with the interior which includes a more sporty appearing dash and sport bucket seating.

Details can be found in the following press release. Pricing information to be announced at a later date.

Our take? 2007 is looking to offer a plethora of choices for sport compact car seekers. The Sentra joins the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Honda Civic Si, and Mazda Mazdaspeed3 for great handling, fast, and affordable pocket rockets.

Additional Article:
2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R To Drive Up at L.A. Auto Show

Via Nissan

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