2002 Nissan Sentra Press Kit

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2002 Nissan Sentra Press Kit: Overview

For the 2002 model year, Nissan continues to refine the fifth generation Sentra sedan, which bowed as an all-new vehicle in 2000. Changes include new option packages and two new exterior colors for GXE. In addition, an all-new SE-R model replaces the SE model (covered separately).

"The 2002 Sentra remains to be a standout vehicle in the very competitive small car marketplace," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "Although it has only been recently redesigned, Nissan engineers are constantly improving this impressive sedan."

The 2002 Sentra features an exterior styled at Nissan Design America (NDA) in La Jolla, Calif., an interior inspired by Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in Geretsried, Germany and was engineered at Nissan Technical Center (NTC) in Japan and Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) in California, Michigan and Arizona. Sentra is manufactured by Nissan Mexicana (NMEX) in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

2002 Sentra is available in well-equipped XE and GXE models, with a powerful 126-horsepower DOHC 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and a limited production Sentra Clean Air (CA) model with 122 horsepower. The CA is the first gasoline-fueled vehicle to meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) standards and obtain partial zero emission credits.

A Global Platform, Designed and Built in North America
Two goals drove the initial development of the fifth generation Sentra: First, reduce cost dramatically by utilizing advanced technologies such as platform sharing and high strength Zone Body construction, and secondly, invest the savings back into the vehicle – creating a stylish and comfortable new generation sedan that exceeds customer expectations of performance, quality and value.

Through use of a global platform (Nissan defines platform as the combination of floor panel and functional components such as the engine, transmission and chassis components attached to the floor panel which determine the basic performance of the vehicle), Sentra development time was reduced. Along with time and cost reductions in research and development, other savings were realized under the platform strategy in areas such as capital investment expense, die production, production trial vehicle development and supplier development costs. Future platform sharing also will improve quality and reduce assembly time by as much as 20 percent through adoption of modular assembly techniques.

Currently, Sentra shares its global platform with six other models in Europe and Japan, with more variations likely to come in the future.

Using the global platform as an engineering base, NTCNA in Farmington Hills, Mich. completed the vehicle development to meet North American customer needs and requirements and coordinated styling, interior and manufacturing elements.

"Nissan's new platform strategy has clearly allowed us to have the best of both worlds – the development time, cost and quality improvements of a world-class platform with the unique look, feel and performance tuning for our home market," said Kirrane. "The strategy allows us the freedom and room to create models as varied as the Sentra CA for the diverse needs of the U.S. market, rather than just accepting vehicles designed for other world markets."

Contemporary Exterior Design
Nissan Design America, designers of the wildly popular Nissan Xterra sport utility vehicle and the latest generation Maxima sedan, wanted to take the styling of the Sentra in a new direction, away from its previous economy focus into a more Maxima-like arena – stylish and comfortable, smart, assertive and self-confident.

"This was our first crack at an 'entry level' product so the first thing we did was eliminate 'entry level' thinking," said Bruce Campbell, director of design, NDA. "Our aim was to design a car with its own character that happens to be in the right price range for a lot of people."

With an overall length of 177.5 inches, body width of 67.3 inches and height of 55.5 inches, Sentra's front end features an expressive hood with subtle surface forms, a large, functional bumper and fascia and integrated headlights and grille. The sporty profile is marked by a solid, structural waist, low hoodline, high rear deck and a stretched and chiseled character line running front to rear. Strong rear fenders blend into a wide deck with an arching character line and easily accessible trunk space.

An additional third floor pan crossmember improves torsional rigidity and expandable foam has been utilized in body pillars as well as marked reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The 2002 Sentra XE is available in five different exterior colors, while GXE is offered with eight colors, including two new exterior colors – Mystic Green and Molten Silver.

Assertive Interior Design
In addition to creating the exterior styling, NDA coordinated the final execution of the interior concept developed by Nissan Design Europe. NDE sought to give passengers a comfortable, open feeling, using "appropriate technology" that reflects versatility and practicality with high quality materials, textures and shapes.

"Like the exterior, the interior of Sentra has grown up – it's fun but functional," said Campbell. "There's an intelligence to the design with a place for everything you really need, yet nothing interferes with usable headroom or legroom space."

The 5-passenger Sentra continues to offer many unique features not commonly found in other sedans in its class, including excellent front and rear headroom and legroom with total interior volume 100.1 cubic feet (88.5 cubic feet passenger compartment/11.6 cubic feet trunk) – an EPA compact classification. Interior dimensions accommodate both larger people as well as a greater range of sizes.

The driver's seat is 8-way adjustable (GXE, 4-way XE) and the raised hip point aids in easier entry and exit. The seat design provides an open feeling through use of a large, one-piece cut pattern around the shoulder area. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with locking seat back is now standard on the GXE. Three types of cloth are available, depending on model and trim levels, in three colors.

Sentra also features a large amount of total storage capacity and storage pockets include a covered box on the top of the instrument panel (GXE, CA) and a tray covering the front side sill crossmember. Front door pockets include a holder for 20-ounce water or soft drink bottles. A tray is provided next to the parking brake lever to hold small items.

The instrument panel features a gauge cluster design with large, easier-to-read figures for enhanced visibility and instant understanding.

The 2002 Sentra also offers a wide array of convenience features ranging from power door locks and windows to a state-of-the-art 7-speaker, 180-watt AM/FM/CD audio system.

A Refined Engine
The 2002 Sentra XE and GXE is offered with a responsive 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that is 50-state emissions certified and utilizes platinum-tipped spark plugs with 100,000-mile maintenance intervals.

The 1.8-liter DOHC engine delivers 126 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 129 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm. The engine features a direct ignition system (similar to Maxima), variable valve timing, exhaust manifold, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, 32-bit engine control module and a special swirl control valve which increases air/fuel mixing during engine warm-up to improve combustion.

The Sentra engine delivers an estimated 27/35 mpg City/Highway for the 5-speed manual transmission and 27/33 mpg City/Highway with the 4-speed automatic transmission. Sentra meets the California Air Resources Board's stringent requirements for Low Emission Vehicles (LEV).

A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard on all models except Sentra CA. Clutch activation uses hydraulic control (instead of cable) and utilizes first and second gear double-cone synchronizers for smoother, stronger performance.

A 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard on Sentra CA and optional on XE and GXE models. It features a modified clutch pack and revised shift schedule to provide smoother performance and a torque converter to enhance performance and fuel economy.

The Sentra CA - Breakthrough Emissions Technology
The advanced Sentra CA model is the first gasoline-fueled vehicle to meet CARB Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standards (SULEV) with zero evaporative emissions and obtain partial zero emission credits. The SULEV standard is part of CARB's LEV II regulatory package for 2004 and subsequent years, meaning the Sentra CA currently meets SULEV emissions levels years earlier.

The Sentra CA received CARB certification in November 1999 after stringent testing, meeting requirements in three critical areas: zero evaporative emissions, SULEV tailpipe emissions levels and OBD II (On-Board Diagnostic II) and 150,000-mile durability emissions system requirements.

According to CARB, the Sentra CA qualifies for zero emission vehicle credits, which used to only be awarded to pure electric vehicles, because it also has zero fuel evaporative emissions and has adopted CARB's 15-year/150,000-mile limited emissions warranty. The 2002 Sentra CA also fulfills all OBD II standards, which require emissions systems to detect minute changes in emissions and to notify the driver when service may be needed to keep the engine running in its cleanest possible state.

Tailpipe emissions from the Sentra CA are about six times cleaner – one-fourth of unburned hydrocarbon (HC) levels, one-tenth of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) – than Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV), the cleanest gasoline-powered automobiles currently being sold in California.

A number of key technologies combine to make the Sentra CA possible: double-wall exhaust manifolds, a combustion control sensor, quicker catalyst warm-up (three 3-way catalysts are utilized in the emissions system), hydrocarbon trap catalysts, a non-return fuel system and use of a special electronically controlled swirl control valve that reduces hydrocarbon emissions in cold and warm start situations.

The 1.8-liter DOHC Sentra CA engine produces 122 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 122 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm. With a standard 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, its estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg City/33 mpg Highway.

"Sentra CA proves that you can build a safe, affordable, environmentally friendly vehicle without sacrificing styling, comfort or performance," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

The CA looks and drives like any 2002 Nissan Sentra – distinguished only by special 'CA' badging on the trunk. The only concession the driver will notice is the vehicle's need for low-sulfur gasoline, which is currently available only in California. There is no effect on performance or mileage if the CA is driven on higher sulfur content fuel, however SULEV emissions levels may not be attainable.

"The most significant feature of the Sentra CA is zero evaporative emissions, a feat thought extremely difficult, if not impossible, to attain just a few years ago," adds Kirrane. "Fuel vapors, which are potentially harmful to the environment, can seep from fuel systems, whether a vehicle is being operated or parked. Some of these gases react with sunlight to create smog, which has been linked to a range of health problems. Sentra CA eliminates nearly all of those vapors."

Stable, Comfortable Ride and Handling
Sentra's suspension continues to utilize a front independent MacPherson strut setup combined with Nissan's innovative rear Multi-Link Beam™ design. Sentra's excellent road manners come from its front subframe, soft bushings, excellent steering and body construction. The rear Multi-Link Beam suspension, which provides predictable handling and less road noise than traditional designs, has a section lateral link to improve performance and noise isolation. In front, a subframe allows use of soft bushings for improved ride comfort and a short length stabilizer bar to improve dynamic performance.

"The 2002 Sentra drives like a more expensive, larger class vehicle," said Kirrane. "It has a strong sense of the spirit of Nissan – with 'pleasure paybacks' to the driver through road feel, the sound of the engine and the solidity of the body."
Braking is provided by a power-assisted front disc/rear drum braking system. A 4-wheel/4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is optional on GXE.

Steering is provided by an engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion system with a steering rack mount providing reduced lateral movement and excellent steering response and feel. Sentra XE and GXE offer standard 14-inch wheels and tires, with 15-inch alloy wheels and tires standard on CA models (optional on GXE).

Safety and Security
The 2002 Sentra features an emergency inside trunk-release and rigid bar child seat anchorage system called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren). This is in addition to the extensive list of standard safety features, including dual front supplemental air bags, energy-absorbing steering column, child safety rear door locks, 3-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, front and rear crumple zones and pipe-style steel side-door guard beams. Front seat side-impact supplemental air bags are optional on GXE.

A Vehicle Security System with Immobilizer is standard on the CA model.

2002 Sentra Model Availability
The 2002 Sentra is offered in the limited-production Sentra CA (available only in California), the value-leading XE and the well-equipped GXE. Available options include an automatic transmission (standard on CA), an XE Option Package, GXE Road Trip Package, GXE Road Hugging Package, GXE Synergy Package and front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and ABS (GXE).

"The Nissan Sentra has it all – value, styling, comfort and out-of-category performance," said Kirrane. "Along with Maxima and Altima, 2002 Sentra gives us the strongest three-sedan lineup in the industry."

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2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Press Kit: Overview

Nissan has a rich history in the value-driven sports sedan segment, first created by the Datsun 510 in the late 1960s and rekindled with the legendary 1991 Sentra SE-R. The 2002 Sentra SE-R fulfills that role and ensures that Nissan's leadership in this segment will continue. Initially shown at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, this new model will be available for sale in fall 2001 in SE-R and ultimate-performance SE-R Spec V models.

The original SE-R, produced from 1991 to 1994, was based on the third generation Sentra 2-door sedan. Even though it looked similar to a standard Sentra, a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine gave it lots of punch. The SE-R was a Car and Driver "10 Best" winner four times and an Automobile "All-Star" twice, not to mention a favorite of autocrossers and grassroots racers. Even though the Sentra SE-R left after the 1994 model year, it has kept a large enthusiast base with numerous nationwide clubs, magazine project vehicles and motorsports activities. Amongst all of these groups there was one unified cry – bring back the Sentra SE-R.

"We are happy to present the 2002 Sentra SE-R to driving enthusiasts everywhere," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "This car surpasses the original in every aspect and is worthy of the SE-R moniker."

SE-R Style
"The first Sentra SE-R was quite understated," said Kirrane. "This one announces its performance intentions at first glance."

The SE-R was designed to give a feeling of a mini-Nissan Skyline sports sedan. Building upon the style set forward on the fifth generation Sentra 4-door sedan, an aggressive front fascia with a mesh-pattern grille and large fog lights have been added. The side view is filled with body-color side sill extensions and large wheels and tires – 16-inch on SE-R and 17-inch on SE-R Spec V models. The final touch is provided by a rear spoiler and large chrome exhaust tips.

Contributing to the design of the SE-R was Nissan Design America (NDA) in La Jolla, California and Nissan Technical Center-North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan (NTCNA-FH).

SE-R Power
An all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, named QR25, powers the SE-R. This engine produces 175 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm in the SE-R Spec V model and 165 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm in the SE-R, up 35/25 horsepower and 48/43 lb-ft of torque from the previous generation SE-R. SE-R Spec V gains 10 horsepower and 5 lb-ft over the standard SE-R with the use of a specially tuned exhaust system.

Technology for this all-new engine comes from the award-winning VQ 6-cylinder engines found in the Maxima sedan and Pathfinder sport utility vehicle. This includes a modular engine design, micro-finished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, electronically controlled throttle and continuously variable valve timing.

To combat vibrations inherent in large 4-cylinder engines, the QR25 features a silent chain drive and compact balancer system that effectively negates vibrations without taking up too much space – a problem with previous balancer designs.

Backing the QR25 is a 6-speed manual transmission (SE-R Spec V), 5-speed manual transmission (SE-R), or a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (SE-R).

A helical limited-slip differential is standard on the 6-speed equipped SE-R Spec V. This mechanical differential is torque sensitive and provides instantaneous locking for increased traction and performance.

SE-R Handling and Braking
Sentra SE-R's suspension has been tuned to provide a maximum amount of performance and ride comfort. There are two suspensions available corresponding with model choices – the standard SE-R and the ultimate, track-tuned SE-R Spec V. All SE-Rs feature front independent MacPherson struts and Nissan's patented rear Multi-Link Beam™, with 2mm larger front and rear stabilizer bars.

SE-R features performance-tuned front and rear shock absorbers and a front strut tower brace for additional stiffness and suspension feel. Completing the suspension upgrades are 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R16 tires.

SE-R Spec V builds upon the SE-R's handling capabilities. Front spring rates have been increased 15 percent and rear spring rate has been increased 16 percent and there is improved shock absorber tuning. High-performance 215/45ZR17 tires on special 17-inch wheels complete the suspension package and give Sentra a tough, sport-compact look.

Braking is provided by large 4-wheel disc brakes – the fronts measure a full 11 inches, larger than many so-called sporting machines. A 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is also available.

SE-R Comfort and Rockford Fosgate® Sound
Sentra SE-R's interior is differentiated from the standard well-equipped Sentra with numerous performance and convenience enhancements designed by Nissan Design Europe (NDE), NDA and NTCNA-FH. An overhead storage console with map lights, special seat cloth, unique gauges and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob give SE-R's interior a sporty, functional look.

Once again, the SE-R Spec V model takes the Sentra to new extremes. A special instrument meter finish with red illumination and a special leather-wrapped steering wheel add to the performance look of the special Lava interior with black and red accents. Skyline-style sport bucket seats ensure that the SE-R Spec V driver's backside stays planted on twisty mountain roads.

Available on SE-R Spec V and SE-R is a 300-watt 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with an optional in-dash 6-disc CD changer. This system, custom designed for the SE-R by the acclaimed aftermarket audio company, includes an 8-inch subwoofer that fires to the rear of the vehicle, rear coaxial speakers and two ohm front door speakers. This is the first system of its kind designed by Rockford Fosgate for an OEM application. Rockford Fosgate will also provide an audio system to Nissan for the 2002 Frontier Crew Cab. "We're sure that SE-R fans will appreciate the sounds from this extraordinary audio system," said Kirrane. "It's so good that upgrading will not be a thought to the SE-R buyer."

SE-R Safety and Security
The 2002 Sentra SE-R's standard safety equipment includes second generation air bags, an energy-absorbing steering column, child safety rear door locks, 3-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners and load limiters, front and rear crumple zones and pipe-style steel side-door guard beams.

SE-R also features an emergency inside trunk-release and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. Optional are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and Vehicle Security System with Immobilizer.

SE-R Options
Sentra SE-R arrives remarkably well equipped. Available on SE-R is an automatic transmission, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and ABS package, The Sunroof Package which comes with dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors (A/T only), Audio Fanatic Package with Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system, partial fold-down rear seat and Vehicle Security System with Immobilizer (A/T only) and in-dash 6-disc CD changer (A/T only).

"The standard SE-R is an import tuner's dream," said Kirrane. "We've given them the best possible combination of parts and performance, ready for their enhancements."

Sentra SE-R Spec V models are equipped to an even higher level, with the 6-speed manual transmission and helical limited-slip differential standard. Optional are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, ABS, Audio Fanatic Package, Sunroof Package and in-dash 6-disc CD changer. No automatic transmission is available on Spec V.

"The Sentra SE-R Spec V is the extreme model – almost track-ready right from the dealership floor," says Kirrane. "Both SE-Rs indicate the future direction of Nissan's sedans. It's a spirited one, to say the least."

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