January 9, 2001

The big and the mighty: Nissan aT Concept and 2002 Sentra SE-R

The big is Nissan's radical full-size pick-up truck concept; the mighty is a new Sentra SE-R, the first since 1995, powered by an all-new 170 hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder.

Nissan Alpha Truck Concept

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The aT Concept is a radical design exercise, one of several created to stimulate consumer discussion while clearly marking the intent of Nissan’s upcoming entry into the full-size truck market. The show truck is a follow-up to last spring’s announcement that Nissan will produce a full-size, V8-powered U.S.-assembled truck model within the next few years. A full-size sport utility vehicle, sharing the same platform as the full-size pickup, has also been confirmed for future production.

While the trend in full-size trucks in recent years has been to become more and more car-like in look and feel, the designers of the Nissan aT Concept sought a strong, industrial feel, drawing inspiration from high-end power tools and other mechanical designs.

"The aT Concept’s appearance may be a little startling to those who have come to view trucks as sedans with an open trunk," said Shiro Nakamura, design director, NML. "Following our tradition of building authentic, hard working, hard playing pickups like the 2001 Nissan Frontier, we want to appeal to the true truck lover’s desire for a big, powerful, aggressive looking vehicle with more than just a little edge to it."

The aT Concept’s exterior features a massive front grille, bumper and headlights, scooped hood, an aggressive 4-door body with butterfly open doors for easy access, a sharply sloped A-pillar, unique glass panel roof treatment with personalized opening sections, retractable rear window and side step rails, a deep bed with low-hinged electronic tailgate, large 22.5-inch alloy wheels and 265/60R22.5 off-road style tires.

Inside the pickup bed are numerous tie-down points and a power-operated slide-out bed floor (usable with the tailgate down). A tool box compartment is integrated into the tailgate.

The aT Concept promises performance to match its powerful appearance, with a 300-horsepower 4.5-liter V8 engine, rugged suspension, 4-wheel drive and 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R

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Debuting at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, this new model will be available for sale in fall 2000 in SE-R and ultimate-performance SE-R Spec V models.

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 lamps 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.

An all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, named QR25, powers the SE-R. This engine produces 180 horsepower and 180 ft-lbs of torque in the SE-R Spec V model and 170 horsepower and 175 ft-lbs of torque in the SE-R, up 40/30 horsepower and 48/43 ft-lbs of torque from the previous generation SE-R. SE-R Spec V gains 10 horsepower 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.

Estimated 0 to 60 mph times are in the low 7.0-second range (SE-R Spec V).

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.

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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.

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