C&D First Impressions on the new SE-R/Spec-V

[BadMojo]

I apologize if this is a repost, but this is the first substantial info I've seen on the new Spec V.

Seems like a good review for the Sentra and the favorable comparison to the new Civic Si is kind of surprising.

The #'s on the Spec look impressive and it seems to be the one to buy since the SE-R is burdened with the automatic...err CVT transmission. I wsa hoping we would finally get an independent rear suspension on a SE-R again, but it sounds like Nissan did a pretty good job getting as much out of the suspension as possible. Suspension tuning at the 'Ring is cool, but seems to be little more than a marketing tactic lately.

200hp with good torque sounds like a good deal, although I wish the Helical LSD was standard. Not sure about price, but hopefully Nissan comes in cheap than the Si and VW Gti.

The car looks a *bit* better with the body kit, but there's still some indescribable wierdness going on back at the C Pillar. Still, the article points out that "ugly" is kind of part of the SE-R heritage.

So, who's getting one?

http://www.caranddriver.com/pr....html

[OldmanPurdy]

Well the styling looks better than I thought it would (I had very low expectations), but it would benifit from a better stance and a shorter roofline (obviously not going to happen). Its also nice to see that they at least worked over the ole QR, I still won't buy one untill I see some long term quality tests.

[nametakennow]

I'm wholly surprised it got that good of a review. Besides the engine, I'd still venture to say that it's still a bit of a downgrade. It's just so friggin' big.

As for the beam axle in the back, it's worked in every Sentra beforehand. The inside rear picks up off the ground at times and there's lift-throttle oversteer, hence the great turn-in ability they mention. If it ain't broke...

[nissanman04]

the headlights look like they came off of a ford fusion

[BadMojo]

I'm wholly surprised it got that good of a review. Besides the engine, I'd still venture to say that it's still a bit of a downgrade. It's just so friggin' big.

As for the beam axle in the back, it's worked in every Sentra beforehand. The inside rear picks up off the ground at times and there's lift-throttle oversteer, hence the great turn-in ability they mention. If it ain't broke...

Lift throttle oversteer is fun! Still, I think conventional wisdom in motorsports says that having all 4 wheels on the ground when turning is a good thing.

I do remember an article way back in SCC mag comparing the last gen Spec-V to the Lancer Ralliart (I think) and it absolutely crushed the Lancer in the slalom. I think they basically said it wasn't pretty going through the cones, but it was fast.

Two things I haven't seen published are:

a) The weight for the Sentra in SE-R and Spec-V trim. I know the other Sentra trim levels weight in at about 2900lbs (!).

b) Price. I assume the Spec-V will come in under $20K with very few options available other than the LSD. Anyone heard a specific price?

[nametakennow]

It crushed the Lancer in the slalom in part because of that rear beam. The first gen Rabbit GTi was the beginning of the FWD econobox performance trend in many ways, and its handling was and still is considered top notch, even with the dog-peeing style. Conventional wisdom goes out the window when you remember that the rear wheels of a FWD car are somewhat of a hinderance for going fast. Rotation is helpful, so lift-throttle oversteer is not only fun, but also useful if approached properly. Having the inside wheel off is helpful in the same way, as it means less friction in the rear to have to overcome.

[nissanman04]

beating a lancer isn't really anything to brag about...sry

[BadMojo]

Its also nice to see that they at least worked over the ole QR, I still won't buy one untill I see some long term quality tests.

Are the newer QR's (prior to the SE-R version) still living on a steady diet of throttle body screws and catalytic converter material? Have they fixed that on 2006 MY cars or are they still replacing engines like crazy?

[VMPhil]

Nah thats been addressed the only thing the 06 was really known for was starting engine fires and that too has been addressed.

[redtop240]

it is great to hear u like it

[nissantech06]

Are the newer QR's (prior to the SE-R version) still living on a steady diet of throttle body screws and catalytic converter material? Have they fixed that on 2006 MY cars or are they still replacing engines like crazy?

SUPPOSEDLY Nissan has fixed this whole thing. Only time will tell how well the engine holds up.