Nissan Canada Inc.'s 'pocket rocket,' the 2004 Sentra SE-R, has been given a new look, a great new sound system and several other important upgrades to enhance performance, comfort and convenience.
The new look is thanks to restyled front and rear facias, including a new mesh grille exclusive to the SE-R and SE-R Spec V, and new alloy wheels. The wheels are specifically shaped to accommodate newly available Brembo® brakes, which add a new level of performance to the ultimate-performance Spec V. The Brembo Package (available only on Spec V) also includes a 300-watt Rockford Fosgate® sound system with nine speakers and a power sliding glass sunroof with tilt.
The Sentra SE-R also gets a new charcoal interior and a trip computer as standard equipment. Standard on the class-leading SE-R Spec V are Skyline-style sports bucket seats.
"The addition of the Brembo brake package to the 2004 SE-R Spec V are the finishing touches it needed to really stand out from the crowd in the pocket-rocket class," said Ian Forsyth, director of marketing of Nissan Canada Inc. "Brembo brakes are the choice of those who are serious about stopping performance, including the many Formula 1 teams."
Both the standard SE-R and the SE-R Spec V are powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder QR25 engine. In the standard SE-R model, it produces 165 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm. In the SE-R Spec V, it pumps out 175 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 180 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The SE-R Spec V engine's additional 10 horsepower and five ft-lbs of torque are the result of a specially tuned exhaust system.
The SE-R's standard transmission is a four-speed electronically controlled automatic with overdrive. A close-ratio six-speed manual is exclusive to the SE-R Spec V.
A helical limited-slip differential is standard on the six-speed-equipped SE-R Spec V. This mechanical differential is torque sensitive and provides instantaneous locking for increased traction and performance.
The well-equipped Sentra SE-R's generous standard equipment list includes all the features on the top-of-the-line Sentra 1.8S (formerly GXE) plus 16-inch alloy wheels with P195/55HR16 tires, sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, premium 180-watt audio system with seven speakers, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob and other comfort and convenience items.
Braking is provided by large four-wheel disc brakes - the fronts measure a full 11 inches, larger than many so-called sports cars.
As well as its more powerful engine, close-ratio, six-speed transmission and limited-slip differential, the Sentra SR-E Spec V's upgraded and additional equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45ZR17 performance tires, performance suspension and rear spoiler.
Sentra SE-R can be equipped with a Personal Security Package (PSP) with ABS (a four-wheel, four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System) and front-seat, side-impact airbags. The SE-R and SE-R Spec V can also be ordered with a Sport Package that includes the items in the PSP plus a 300-watt, nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate® audio system, a power sliding glass sunroof with tilt and an Immobilizer anti-theft system.
The audio system, custom designed for the SE-R by the acclaimed aftermarket audio company, includes an eight-inch subwoofer that fires to the rear of the vehicle, rear coaxial speakers and two-ohm front-door speakers. This was the first system of its kind designed by Rockford Fosgate for an OEM application.
The 2004 Sentra SE-R's standard safety equipment includes second-generation air bags, an energy-absorbing steering column, child safety rear door locks, three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, front seatbelts with adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners and load limiters, front and rear crumple zones and pipe-style steel side-door guard beams.
SE-R also features an emergency inside trunk release and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.