Nissan Sentra SE-R and Nissan Altima Coupe Make World Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show - VIDEO ENHANCED

(Click PLAY button below to watch the complete Nissan press conference at the LA Auto Show)

LOS ANGELES--Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today unveiled two new vehicles at a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show – the 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R sport compact sedan and the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe. Both vehicles will be on public display, along with the complete range of 2007 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs, at the Los Angeles Convention Center from December 1 through 10. The Sentra SE-R is scheduled to go on sale in March 2007, with the 2008 Altima Coupe set to appear in Nissan showrooms nationwide beginning next summer.

“Los Angeles presents the perfect backdrop for introducing the two latest additions to the Nissan lineup – the affordable performance-oriented Sentra SE-R and the dramatically styled Altima Coupe,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “These vehicles’ combination of fun-to-drive performance, unmistakable Nissan style and user-friendly technology make them ideal extensions of the Nissan Sentra and Altima lineups.”

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Both the Altima and Sentra, Nissan’s two best-selling models in the United States market, were completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, including the addition of a new Altima Hybrid model, which will be available in designated markets beginning in January.

“We’re projecting significant increases in Nissan sales volumes in the second half of our fiscal year, which ends in March 2007, as the new Altima and Sentra join our recently introduced, hot-selling Nissan Versa,” said Bosley at the show.

Brief overviews of the Sentra SE-R and Altima Coupe follow.

2007 Sentra SE-R

The 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R, which marks the return of Nissan’s legendary sport compact sedan, offers more power, performance and technology than any SE-R that has come before. It is available in two models – Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V, each utilizing an advanced 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine designed specifically for the SE-R.

Special emphasis was placed on the SE-R Spec V’s new high output version of the QR25DE 4-cylinder engine, with extensive modifications to the top end of the engine that help the SE-R Spec V achieve 200 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Among the unique Spec V engine features are use of a unique resin intake manifold and dual branch exhaust manifold; revised piston crown shape to support a higher compression ratio (10.5:1); iridium tipped spark plugs for improved combustion characteristics; and a revised cam shaft profile, reinforced connecting rods and 8-counterweight crankshaft to achieve a higher redline limit of 6,800 rpm. The SE-R Spec V is available only with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

In the area of chassis, handling and braking performance, the SE-R Spec V is equipped with higher rate springs, shocks and bushings; 225/45WR17 uni-directional high performance tires; high capacity front disc brakes with 12.6-inch rotors; and a revised cowl top structure and a unique trunk mounted “V” brace, both utilized for increased body rigidity.

The SE-R model offers fun-to-drive performance and aggressive, sporty appearance to those who want the convenience of an automatic transmission. The QR25DE engine is tuned to deliver 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque (on regular unleaded fuel).

The Sentra SE-R is equipped exclusively with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Inside the Sentra SE-R cabin are a number of unique SE-R features, including an exclusive black interior color, sport bucket front seats with SE-R stitching, unique seat fabrics, red seat belts (Spec V only), aluminum foot pedal pads, leather-appointed steering wheel and shift knob, and an additional two-gauge meter pack.

Like all 2007 Sentra models, the new SE-R also offers an array of comfort and convenience features including standard power windows and door locks, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD 6-speaker audio, and an integrated overhead compact disc holder. Optional features include a 340-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system, factory installed satellite radio and Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system (SE-R only).

Standard safety features for the Sentra SE-R include an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage front air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat, front seat side air bags, side curtain air bags (for front and rear outboard occupant head protection), front seat Active Head Restraints and Zone Body construction.

2008 Altima Coupe

The all-new Altima Coupe, the first-ever two-door model in Altima history, fills a desire among target customers for a more personal expression of style, individuality and fashionable appearance. The Altima Coupe’s unique exterior design is intended to stand out in a crowd of sedan-based two-door models with magnetic, perfectly proportioned styling with a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan.

Though the new Altima Coupe shares much with the latest edition of the Altima Sedan, which went on sale in November 2006, the Coupe’s smaller dimensions, driver-oriented cockpit and unique styling give it an extensive amount of separation from the Altima Sedan.

Under the new Altima Coupe’s sophisticated exterior design, this latest addition to the Altima family shares the platform, powertrain and user-friendly features and innovations of the new fourth-generation Altima.

The new Altima Coupe is offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 is the “next generation” version of the 12-time Ward’s “10 Best Engines” award-winning VQ-series V6. For use in the Altima Coupe, it is rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Also available with the new Altima Coupe is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve QR25 inline 4-cylinder, producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL) and 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL). This engine has been refined from the previous version, with a larger, equal-length intake manifold, increased compression ratio and reduced friction characteristics.

Both the 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder models are available with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmissions.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com or by contacting the corporate media line at 615/725-5631.