Glad to have you here, Andrew.

This marks a *first* for NICOclub, and a huge deal for the members - Congratulations to Nissan for getting involved with the ORIGINAL social media: Enthusiast forums.

Keep the questions coming, folks!

MinisterofDOOM wrote:Considering all of that, what's Nissan doing to make the Sentra truly competitive in today's intense compact car marketplace? Why should I buy a Sentra rather than a Focus, or a Forte?

One big reason is the outstanding fuel economy - the new 2013 Sentra will have best-in-class 34 combined MPG.

Was this sentra created to compete with the likes of the civic, the corolla and the hyundai elantra?

What is the MSRP on a fully loaded SR model?

Eikon wrote:What can you tell us about the NissanConnect Infotainment system? Do you love it? How's the interface? Does it come with Ipod and USB connections? Subwoofer pre-outs?

Some recent competitors have included a 7" Nav screen as a standard feature. The only interior shots I've seen so far show that screen as well. Is that a standard feature or an upgrade in only the high end models?

The new NissanConnect with Navigation system in the Sentra is really awesome. The interface is very simple and intuitive with full touch-screen controls. You can hook up your iPod or iPhone through the USB connection. With the iPhone hooked up, you will even be able to send Pandora controls into the Sentra's headunit, allowing you to do thumbs up of songs right from the display or steering wheel controls (much safer than reaching down to press something on your phone as you drive via an aux port).

The NissanConnect with Navigation screen size for the 2013 Sentra will be 5.8".

Jesda wrote:Weight -- Is it getting any lighter even though its getting larger?

Yes, the vehicle is getting lighter despite being about 2" longer. The curb weight has been decreased by over 150 lbs, and the chassis features more high strength steel too.

MaximA32 wrote:Will the SL and SR be the only trim levels offered?

With the new CAFE mpg rules in place, how will the new Sentra stand heading towards model year 2016?

There will be a number of different trim levels offered: S, SV, SR, SL, and FE+.

Regarding CAFE fuel economy, all Nissan models that have the PUREDRIVE badge already meet or exceed the 2016 CAFE fuel economy requirements. That includes the new 2013 Sentra, Versa, cube, Juke, and Altima sedan with 4-cylinder engine!

Andrew, tell us about the S. How "stripped down" will that model be, and what kind of MSRP will we see for the S?

4DSC wrote:Why is it only capable of 39mpg (or 40 in FE+ trim), when the larger, more powerful Altima with the 2.5L 4cyl is capable of 38mpg? Why should I be more inclined to purchase a Sentra over an Altima? Will the price difference be considerable enough to warrant losing the extra space?

While it is lighter, why is Nissan continuing to make its vehicles larger as well? The B17 looks like it's nearly the size of the previous generation Altima.

Why is the engine being reduced to a less powerful 1.8 liter? Was the efficiency really a large enough difference between the MR18 and a larger displacement option?

Pricing will be announced as we get closer to the start of sale date. The Sentra gets great fuel economy not just on the highway, but also in the city, with a 30 MPG rating for city fuel economy.

If we can make it larger, while still improving the fuel efficiency, why not? We wanted to give this car even more cargo capability and the new, larger trunk does that with 15.1 cu. ft. of space.

The all-new MRA8DE engine was designed to work well with the Sentra's new CVT transmission and lightweight body. The engine also has peak torque of 128lb-ft at only 3600 rpm, so it's right where you need it in everyday driving.

boost_boy wrote:Was this sentra created to compete with the likes of the civic, the corolla and the hyundai elantra?

What is the MSRP on a fully loaded SR model?

Sorry guys - no MSRP details available at this time. In terms of the competition, we definitely have our eye on the Civic, Corolla, and Elantra among others. The 2013 Sentra is ready for battle!

AZhitman wrote:Andrew, tell us about the S. How "stripped down" will that model be, and what kind of MSRP will we see for the S?

I wouldn't use the term "stripped down" to describe that car at all. It will have standard air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, a tilt/telescopic steering column, and the headlamps with LED accents and LED taillights. We didn't want to make you pay extra for those cool styling cues.

Eikon wrote:We heard that there will be a 6 speed manual option available on the base "S" model, just like the Cube. Is this true?

Yes, that's correct. The 6MT will be making a return on Sentra's S grade for 2013.

Eikon wrote:Can you share any of the advertising plans? Any really cool commercials to keep an eye our for?

Keep an eye on the College Football area. The Sentra will be appearing in a series of spots as part of our sponsorship with the Heisman trophy.

Rex wrote:What previous "perceptions" about the Sentra will the B17 Sentra change?

What key new features will separate the B17 from its competitors?

What other makes/models are considered the B17's competition?

Do you expect the B17 to be the next "new" Nissan brought to market?

The 2013 Sentra will be an uncompromising sedan. Along with its new engine/transmission offerings for great fuel economy, the vehicle will also have Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges standard. Combine that with a very premium interior with a soft-touch instrument panel and armrests, and the new Sentra is unlike any vehicle on the road today.

The 2013 Sentra will go on sale around the same time as the all-new 2013 Pathfinder.

NissanAndrewJennings wrote:

Eikon wrote:We heard that there will be a 6 speed manual option available on the base "S" model, just like the Cube. Is this true?

Yes, that's correct. The 6MT will be making a return on Sentra's S grade for 2013.

There we go - Lightest weight, lowest cost, and still well-equipped. Good formula!

nissangirl74 wrote:Who is your target demographic?

While we are aiming for the Sentra to have a very broad appeal (all ages welcome!), our target is to draw an equal number of male and female buyers who may not have children in the house. We expect them to be well educated, and need a vehicle that they can use every day yet still express themselves with.

A couple questions came in via the NICOclub Facebook page:

What is the benefit of producing the sentra in Guangzhou, China?

Will the Sentras slated for the North American market be produced both in Canton as well as Mexico? Or will Mexico be responsible for production of the Central and South American market cars?

More (via Facebook):

Is the suspension design and componentry brand new and exclusive to the B17, or are there any carryover components from the B16 line? How about from other models in the lineup?

AZhitman wrote:A couple questions came in via the NICOclub Facebook page:

What is the benefit of producing the sentra in Guangzhou, China?

Will the Sentras slated for the North American market be produced both in Canton as well as Mexico? Or will Mexico be responsible for production of the Central and South American market cars?

Hello to our Facebook fans! The 2013 Sentra will be produced both in our Aguascalientes, Mexico plant as well as Canton, MS for USA sales. Both plants were chosen in order to avoid falling short of high demand when the car goes on sale.

NissanAndrewJennings wrote:

AZhitman wrote:Andrew, tell us about the S. How "stripped down" will that model be, and what kind of MSRP will we see for the S?

I wouldn't use the term "stripped down" to describe that car at all. It will have standard air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, a tilt/telescopic steering column, and the headlamps with LED accents and LED taillights. We didn't want to make you pay extra for those cool styling cues.

NICE!

There you go, guys - You can get your 6MT, and still have PW, PDL, AC and other goodies. For buyers like myself, who may be considering a new Sentra for our teenage drivers, or buyers who just aren't interested in all the technological gizmos, that's a win.

AZhitman wrote:More (via Facebook):

Is the suspension design and componentry brand new and exclusive to the B17, or are there any carryover components from the B16 line? How about from other models in the lineup?

The 2013 Sentra's front suspension features an all-new shock absorber design with a high frequency response range to improve ride comfort. The rear suspension's geometry is largely the same, but features new bushings and reinforcements to improve stability and responsiveness.

Another question came in via e-mail:

"Will the 2013 Sentra be eligible for Nissan's VPP purchase program?"

NissanAndrewJennings wrote:

4DSC wrote:Why is it only capable of 39mpg (or 40 in FE+ trim), when the larger, more powerful Altima with the 2.5L 4cyl is capable of 38mpg? Why should I be more inclined to purchase a Sentra over an Altima? Will the price difference be considerable enough to warrant losing the extra space?

While it is lighter, why is Nissan continuing to make its vehicles larger as well? The B17 looks like it's nearly the size of the previous generation Altima.

Why is the engine being reduced to a less powerful 1.8 liter? Was the efficiency really a large enough difference between the MR18 and a larger displacement option?

Pricing will be announced as we get closer to the start of sale date. The Sentra gets great fuel economy not just on the highway, but also in the city, with a 30 MPG rating for city fuel economy.

If we can make it larger, while still improving the fuel efficiency, why not? We wanted to give this car even more cargo capability and the new, larger trunk does that with 15.1 cu. ft. of space.

The all-new MRA8DE engine was designed to work well with the Sentra's new CVT transmission and lightweight body. The engine also has peak torque of 128lb-ft at only 3600 rpm, so it's right where you need it in everyday driving.

You said MRA8DE.. Any idea what the A stands for? We're used to engine codes with the engine size in the third and fourth spots.

What is different about this engine from the prior MR18DE?

AZhitman wrote:Another question came in via e-mail:

"Will the 2013 Sentra be eligible for Nissan's VPP purchase program?"

Details for VPP or other programs will be available closer to the start of sales for the vehicle.

Eikon wrote:You said MRA8DE.. Any idea what the A stands for? We're used to engine codes with the engine size in the third and fourth spots.

What is different about this engine from the prior MR18DE?

Good catch! The A is to delineate that this engine has the same displacement, but different bore x stroke than our other MR18 engine variants.

For the new engine, the stroke has been increased, it will feature lighter-weight valve springs, and it also has twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) on both the intake and exhaust side cams.

That's all for now guys. Thank you for submitting the great questions about the all-new Sentra!

I'll be doing some additional Q&A tonight on the http://www.twitter.com/nissannews (@NissanNews) Twitter feed at 6pm CDT. Check it out, or use the tag #2013Sentra to ask more questions there.

Nice work, all!

Andrew, thanks for spending an hour with us.

We'll be doing some additional Q&A sessions with other Product Planners and Nissan personnel as Nissan launches the rest of their new lineup over the coming months. Stay tuned, we'll bring you guys lots more information on the other upcoming cars as soon as we get it!

Thanks again to Andrew and the team at Nissan, as well as the Zocalo Group for all their assistance with this chat. Keep an eye on Twitter (@NissanNews) as well as the hashtag "#2013Sentra" for more info!

It's pretty cool to get answers "from the horses mouth" so to speak, rather then speculation and conjecture.

WDRacing wrote:It's pretty cool to get answers "from the horses mouth" so to speak, rather then speculation and conjecture.

Agree. This was very cool. Thanks Andrew and thanks Greg for setting this up!

Good times, and a great opportunity for NICOclub and its members.

We'll be bringing you guys some more stuff like this soon!