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 are two new Sentra SE-Rs. The second, dubbed Spec V, has an extra 10 hp and a six-speed manual. Despite wearing four-door clothing, these cars are set up for serious track work.
Brakes are disc all around, and both models get a limited-slip differential.
Inside, there are grippier seats and an available 280-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo that is said to thump. Since the Z s departure in 1996, Nissan s image has been a little cloudy. That will clear up when this new Z hits showrooms in mid-2002 as a 2003 model. Dimensionally, it s slightly longer and wider than the Porsche Boxster and looks to be about the same size as a Honda S2000. A 3.5-liter, bored and stroked version of the Maxima s V6 will power the new Z, putting around 270 hp to the rear wheels.