Nissan SE-R

The SE-R is Nissan's performance oriented trim for such vehicles as the Sentra, Altima, and 200SX. SE-R's are mostly known for their handling prowess and increased power. Such things as more stylish rims, bodykits, and interior were also added to its SE-R line.

SE-R through the years

Nissan Sentra SE-R

The first SE-R Nissan released was the cult classic Nissan Sentra SE-R. It was produced between 1991-1994. It had 140 horsepower (100 kW) and 132 ft·lbf (179 N·m) of torque, 24 horsepower (18 kW) more than the regular 16V Sentra, stiffer springs, damping, a limited slip differential, 14" sport tires, a 5 speed gearbox, and sport seats. The Sentra SE-R is known to this day as the vehicle that started the import racer craze. Under its hood, it had the immensely popular SR20DE engine, which is a favorite among tuners. With a 1/4 mile of 15.8 and a 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds, it was known as one of the quickest 4 cylinders of its time.

The Sentra SE-R had a revival in 2002; both a regular SE-R and a SE-R Spec V were released at the time. The Spec V added 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) more and 10 ft·lbf (14 N·m) more of torque. The addition of a 6 speed manual transmission was also standard on the Spec V. The regular SE-R only came with an automatic transmission or a 5 speed manual transmission. The power output of a 2000-2005 SE-R was 165 horsepower (123 kW) and 170 ft·lbf (230 N·m) of torque. The Spec V came in at 175 horsepower (130 kW) and 180 ft·lbf (240 N·m) of torque. Just like with the earlier version of SE-R, this trim of Sentra came with more stylish rims, interior, and suspension.

The current model of SE-R (2007 to present) sports 200 horsepower (150 kW) and 180 ft·lbf (240 N·m) of torque. One of the main problems people have with this vehicle is that the Scott Russell linkage rear end has a high roll center, which makes it roll a little too much in the corners. There problems reported with catalytic converter deterioration and ingestion, and loose intake plenum valve screws ingested by the engine appear to have been fixed in the QR25's revision. Likewise, the styling has been criticised, and the car isn't as fast as its more expensive rivals (the MazdaSpeed 3 or the Cobalt SS), or as nimble as the Honda Civic Si.

Nissan 200SX SE-R

In 1995, the SE-R trim could only be found on the 200SX. The 200SX had slower performance figures as the 1991 to 1994 and lost its independent rear suspension, plus its engine was limited to a 7100 rpm redline, while the earlier SE-R could reach 7400 rpm.

Nissan Altima SE-R

The Nissan Altima SE-R was produced between 2005 and 2006. It produced 260 horsepower (190 kW) and 250 ft·lbf (340 N·m) of torque, 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) more and 10 ft·lbf (14 N·m) more than the 3.5 Altima. The Altima SE-R could be found with both a 5 speed automatic transmission and six speed manual. The vehicle's 0-60 has been known to be 5.9-6.1 with the manual and 6.3-6.5 with the automatic. Keeping with the SE-R tradition, the car came with the same kind of upgraded parts that the previous SE-R's had (rims, kit, suspension).

Sources

• Jordan, M. (2001). http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/sedans/0110_nissan_sentra_se_r_spec_v/index.html
• SE-R.net. http://www.se-r.net/about/sentra_se-r/specs.html
• SE-R.net. http://www.se-r.net/about/200sx/95-97_200sx_stats.html
• Gold, A. (2005). Test Drive: 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R. http://cars.about.com/od/nissan/fr/ag_05altser.htm