At AutoMobility LA (formerly known as the LA Auto Show), Nissan unveiled their latest performance product in the 2017 Sentra NISMO in the heart of Los Angeles industrial backstreets.
The new Nissan Sentra NISMO starts with the recently unveiled SR Turbo and takes it to the next level of high-performance handling, feel and style with a comprehensive package of aero-body, suspension, wheel and interior tweaks.
Unmistakable is the NISMO styling DNA of its unique front fascia that squares up the Sentra’s bubbly appearance with a lower grille opening, LED daytime running lights and red accented front splitter elements.
That red line flows down the lower sculpted side rockers, framing its larger charcoal finished 18-inch wheels – the first offered on the Sentra. As that line flows to the back, it wraps into a new rear fascia that really snugs down the look well I think. There, a larger exhaust outlet is framed up nicely.
Up on top is a body color deck-lid spoiler, more aggressive than we’ve seen on Sentra in a long time. Trims are blacked out all around and black chrome elements such as on the rear deck-lid and the door handles further separating the Sentra NISMO from the rest.
Inside, the interior also gets a makeover with generous helpings of sueded trims starting with the steering wheel and sport seats. A dark headliner along with carbon accents, red trims and stitching also dial up the atmosphere, making this one of the most exciting Sentras you will ever sit in. NISMO logos abound including on its unique sport instrument cluster.
Backing up all this performance style is a full suspension makeover with stiffer struts and springs, a recalibrate steering system, and aforementioned Plus One tire and wheel upgrade with 215/45 rubber all around.
Brakes are 11.7-inch discs up front with 11.5-inch at the rear, the same as you will find on the Sentra SR Turbo. Also the same is what’s under the hood. Powering the Sentra NISMO is a 188 horsepower 1.6 liter turbocharged and directed injected four we’ve known for some time with the Nissan Juke.
Here like in the SR Turbo, it will be available with both a six-speed manual transmission or the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Thus, acceleration times are expected to be much the same as the Sentra SR Turbo.
While power may be the same, handling and styling have definitely taken a huge step up for the Sentra NISMO which goes on sale right around the first of the year. It will be available in a short list of colors including Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Super Black and Aspen White.
Base pricing hasn’t officially been announced but we’re told it will be right around $25,000 given the fully loaded equipment level of the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO. We’ll bring you a far more detailed review soon when we get behind the wheel.
