Don’t worry about the absence of the Nissan Skyline NISMO sports sedan in the United States, because the Nissan Sentra DET Concept demonstrates that your Sentra can be just as sporty. While the idea of a family car as a sports car may seem unconventional in 2023, the active participation of cars like the Sentra in significant races indicates that the spirit of 80s/90s sports sedans is very much alive.
Nissan has injected a dose of speed into the beloved Sentra compact sedan with the Sentra DET Concept. This dynamic concept draws inspiration from the Sentra Cup spec-racing series in Canada, with a U.S. round set for 2024. It pays tribute to Nissan’s cherished SE-R models and NISMO heritage, delivering thrilling performance upgrades that cater to today’s Sentra enthusiasts and embody the spirit of Nissan’s performance legacy.
The concept’s name, DET, provides a hint about its powertrain. It stands for “Dual overhead cam, Electronic Fuel Injection, Turbo,” a reference to iconic Nissan performance engines from the past, including those found in the Silvia / 180SX, Pulsar GTI-R, Skyline, and Stagea. At its core, the Sentra DET concept features a turbocharged MR20DD 2.0-liter engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a prototype stainless-steel NISMO B18 performance exhaust, adding a rich engine tone.
To complement the increased power, the concept rides on a prototype NISMO coilover suspension, equipped with twin-tube shocks and linear-rate springs, fine-tuned with valuable input from GT4 professional racer Bryan Heitkotter.
The Sentra DET concept boasts new 18-inch NISMO LM-RS6 wheels with various finish options, wrapped in high-performance Yokohama ADVAN Neova® AD09 tires. Inside the cabin, you’ll find the RECARO Sportster CS front seats and a NISMO GT shift knob. This concept represents a thrilling blend of style and dynamic enhancements, catering to the spirit of Nissan’s performance heritage.
Keep going to find the full Sentra DET concept build sheet.
Suspension
- Prototype NISMO B18 Sentra coilovers
- Prototype NISMO B18 Sentra sway bar kit
Wheels and Tires
- NISMO LM-RS6 18 x 8.5 +40, Satin Black
- NISMO LM-RS6 18 x 8.5 +40, Bronze
- 245/40/18 Yokohama ADVAN Neova® AD09
- PN# 40220-TUN01NISMO forged open-ended lug nuts
Exhaust
- Prototype NISMO B18 Sentra cat-back exhaust
Powertrain
- Compression ratio, 10:5:1 (11:5:1 was stock)
- Eagle rods
- Manley pistons
- WPC treated internals
- Garrett intercooler
- Garrett G25 660 turbocharger
- Turbosmart Vee Port Pro BOV
- Jim Wolf Technology manifold spacer plate with injector ports
- 347 cc/min Bosch EV14 secondary injectors
- 255ph DeatschWerks in-tank fuel pump
- Motec fuel pressure transducer
- AFCO radiator
- PN# 15255-RN015 NISMO oil filler cap
- Quaife QDF9M automatic torque biasing (ATB) limited slip differential
- McLeod lightweight flywheel and sport clutch kit
- Motec M122 ECM
- Motorsports in Action Sentra Cup Car firmware
Brakes
- Nissan Z front and rear calipers
- CZP Lightweight Nissan Z rotors
Interior
- Recaro Sportster CS front seats
- NISMO GT Urethane shift knob
Exterior
- NISMO multi-function blue sports mirrors
- NISMO door protector set
- NISMO carbon mirror covers
Images: Nissan [US].