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2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo

March 28, 2017 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

Little known fact: This guy took his driver’s test way back in 1984 at the wheel of, wait for it, a Nissan Sentra. I failed.

It wasn’t the car’s fault. The cream coloured first generation Sentra belonged to my Young Drivers of Canada instructor and was a perfectly delightful little econobox. The problem was that I was used to driving a ’78 Dodge Monaco station wagon that was just a tick under 18 feet long, a full four feet longer than the Sentra. When it came time to parallel park, a skill which I had mastered in the Mopar, my sense of geometric movement(is that even a thing?) was all out of whack. It took two tries to get the job done and I failed my test.

The Sentra has changed a lot over the years, not the least of which is its size. The current model, the seventh generation, is now 182″ in length, a full 15″ lomger that the original. Two inches longer than a first generation Altima. This seems to be a trend within the industry, where each generation of vehicle is larger than the next. So where does that leave bump in stature leave the Sentra in Nissan’s model line-up?

To be truthful, Sentra still slots in below the now much larger Altima, but it is no longer the lowest rung on the brand’s model ladder. The excellent Versa Note is the Sentra’s next smaller sibling, while the economical Micra (here in Canada at least, sorry America) is now the entry level Nissan.

Suitably, the Sentra has stepped up its interior quality game, while adding a bunch of more upscale options as buyers will expect. It has also become that tough character that many auto scribes fret over: the nice car. In other words, the Sentra is a nice car. There is nothing horrible one can say about it, while at the same time there is nothing that makes a reviewer go off his nut with enthusiasm.


Attractive styling is evident inside and out. Cargo space is decent for a small sedan and interior fit and finish are what you would expect of a vehicle at this price point. The driving experience of the 2016 model was less than exciting though, mostly due to the rather disappointing 130 horsepower generated by its 1.8L four banger. The CVT transmission offered on most models did not help, but thankfully a 6 speed manual was available, which spiced things up a bit.

For the 2017 model year, Nissan has made an effort to bump the Sentra up from being a nice car to being a sporty car with the addition of a turbo charged version. That led many of us within the enthusiast community hoping that at least the spirit of the historic SE-R models would be riding along with the Sentra SR Turbo. The bump to 188 horsepower is substantial and squashes any commentary about the car being under-powered, but doesn’t go so far as to inspire any boy racer wet dreams.

What we have here is a really nice compact sedan which has just the right amount of oomph. In other words, a nice car.

Bear in mind that I have a bit of history with the brand and I am in their corner. I heartily recommend the boosted Sentra to those in the market for a nice little sedan. I however, want more.


The company takes its motorsport seriously these days, from international endurance racing to the born and bred in Canada Micra Cup. That passion for motorsport has led the company to create a bevy of NISMO branded machines that typically back up their aggressive looks with much improved performance. I would suggest that it is only a matter of time before a Sentra appears sporting NISMO badges, big brakes, stiffer springs, fatter tires, grippy seats and noisy exhaust.

When that car arrives, and it will, I will get excited.

 

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Nissan creating BRE liveried 370Z race car to commemorate 40th anniversary of first National Championship

April 21, 2010 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

It might be hard for some to believe, but the iconic Zed Car (Zee Car for our friends south of the border) has been part of our lives for 40 years. In fact, we are coming up on the 40th anniversary of John Morton’s National Championship win driving the red, white and blue BRE Datsun 240Z.

Not only did that paint scheme immortalize the Brock Racing Enterprises team, but it burned the visual of BRE’s winning cars into the memories of enthusiasts. So much so that Nissan devotees all over North America have been building tribute cars ever since. For this special anniversary, Nissan themselves are getting in on the action with a race prepared 370Z that will wear the historic colors, with Pete Brock himself working with the painters to get the design just right.

“Because the 370Z has strong, sculpted shapes, I was able to make the livery even bolder and more aggressive,” said Brock. “It was good to be in the paint booth working out the details of the design. I look forward to seeing it in a race track setting at The Mitty.”

[Read more…]

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First Drive: 2010 Nismo Z

September 24, 2009 by Gary Grant 3 Comments

2010 Nismo Z (12)

If the typical Z Coupe buyer is a 30 something guy & the typical Z Roadster buyer is a 40 something guy, then who is the typical NismoZ buyer? A 40 something who thinks he’s a 20 something? All I know is that whatever the demographic is, I want to be part of it!

All the good things I’ve said about the Coupe and Roadster apply, so let’s not waste time with the basics. Let’s chat about the changes that make the Nismo version special when sitting next to a pair of stunning siblings.

The 2010 NismoZ is the absolute embodiment of the modern Z car. Upgraded suspension, drivetrain and visuals all combine to elevate the already good 370Z car to superstar.
[Read more…]

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Nissan launches 370Z Roadster and Nismo Z, sends journos down some serious twisties

September 2, 2009 by Gary Grant 1 Comment

valencia

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that the Pacific Coast Highway is the right place to showcase a new model of roadster. Sun, sand and sea make for a perfect location to motor with the top down, it just doesn’t get any better. Or does it?

The good folks at Nissan are launching the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster and Nismo Z on the left coast this week and we were fortunate to tag along on the first wave. While the coast roads were stunning, it was the roads to and from the coast that made the trip memorable. On the way from the luxurious Hotel Valencia to Costanoa, my driving partner and I chose a black cherry colored Roadster. We followed a series of nice twisty roads that wound their way through valleys and redwood forests. Thanks to the heavy police presence in the area, we chose to take our time and enjoy the sights. That was a good thing when Bambi ran out in front of us! When we commented to Nissan’s PR folks on the quality of the roads the response was: “Those are just the good roads, the ones after lunch are the great roads!”
[Read more…]

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Nissan attacks Suzuka with GT-R race car for the first time

October 30, 2007 by Gary Grant 1 Comment

gtr-3.jpg

Now that images of the Nissan GT-R are almost becoming commonplace, Nissan has upped the ante a bit with a series of pictures of the GT-R prepped for the GT500 class in Japan’s Super GT series. The shakedown test took place yesterday and today at the famed Suzuka track under the watchful eyes of the NISMO team. At the wheel were NISMO regulars Satoshi Motoyama, Michael Krumm and Tsugio Matsuda. Apparently the test went off without a hitch, which is as expected given the experience of the team.

More images after the break
[Read more…]

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Track test: Nissan 350 Nismo

October 6, 2007 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

As regular readers know, I have a bit of a thing for Nissan’s modern Zed car. The car is just so good, that its’ joy to drive under almost all conditions. Equally happy on windy roads as it is in the snow (with winter boots of course) it is truly a world class all around sports car. When I saw the Nismo model sitting there waiting for me, I just had to give it a go. I mean, what could be better than taking a world class sports car, stiffening the chassis, beefing up the suspension and a bunch of other track tested bits and bites?

The 350Z Nismo wears a Super GT inspired body kit that gets mixed reviews. The more reserved among us (read fuddy duddies) feel the skirts and step ladder wing are a bit over the top, while others seem to thing designers could have gone a bit farther with the wing. Either way, there is no mistaking that this is missile is destined for track usage.
[Read more…]

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2007 Nissan Nismo 350Z

March 30, 2007 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

nismo350zex02.jpg

Regular readers here in The Garage know that I’ve got a soft spot for the Nissan’s twisty warrior, the 350Z. In stock form it’s one of the best all around sports cars I’ve ever driven, besting many cars that cost more than double. This season, Nissan is upping the ante with a hi-po version that’s decked out with the full line of Nismo upgrades.

Beginning with the cosmetic stuff, there is a full aero package that was inspired by the factory Super GT Championship winning cars. This body kit doesn’t only look good though, as it provides additional downforce at high speeds that will be most welcome on lapping days.

One of the great things about 350Z owners is that many of them actually do take their cars to local track days. The Nismo is even better equipped for the track, with a tweaked suspension, free breathing exhaust and big Brembo brakes to slow things down. Horsepower is up to 306.

Read the full details from Nissan after the break
[Read more…]

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NISMO Releases V8 350Z for Super GT Championships

February 9, 2007 by Gary Grant 12 Comments

fairlady-z.jpg

Nissan Motorsports, otherwise known as NISMO has a stellar history in the Japanese Super GT Championship, having won 2 out of the last 3 years. For 2007 they have introduced a V8 powered Fairlady Z to the series. At the same time, they have ramped up their support for customer teams across the globe.

Today’s press release actually doesn’t give too much information about the actual car, other than the fact that the car is powered by a 4.5 liter V8. The sole picture released shows a complete carbon fiber body.

Nissan press release after the break
[Read more…]

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Default ThumbnailNissan Z finishes 2nd & 3rd in round 5 of SUPER GT

Nissan Z finishes 2nd & 3rd in round 5 of SUPER GT

July 27, 2006 by Gary Grant 1 Comment

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Nissan press release

Round 5 of SUPER GT was held at Sportsland SUGO. The XANAVI NISMO Z (#23) with Satoshi Motoyama and Tsugio Matsuda took a 2nd place finish after an exciting and fierce battle. The MOTUL AUTECH Z (#22) with Michael Krumm and Richard Lyons started from 5th, finishing on the 3rd step of the podium. The number of spectators totaled 50,100.

[Read more…]

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