Entire magazines owed their livelihood to the Nissan Sentra SE-R. In 1991, the SE-R helped inspire a new generation of hot rodders. Then, like the Z, it went away. For the 2002 model year, there were two new Sentra SE-R’s. The standard one had a 170-hp 2.4-liter DOHC four backed by either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The second, dubbed Spec V, had an extra 10 hp and a six-speed manual. Despite wearing four-door clothing, these cars were set up for serious track work. The top-grade Spec V had firmer springs adn shocks, thicker anti-sway bars, 17-in wheels and sticky 215/45XR17 tires. Brakes were disc all around, and both models got a limited-slip differential. Inside, there were grippier seats and an available 280-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo that was said to thump. Nissan wanted everyone to know that performance mattered, regardless of market segment.
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