Nissan is broadening the Sentra’s appeal with the addition of a new SR Turbo variant powered by the same 188hp and 177 lb-ft (240Nm) 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged four used in the Juke.

Offering 64 more horses and 52 more lb-ft of torque than the naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter 2017 Sentra grades, the SR Turbo is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or a tweaked Xtronic transmission with manual mode, both driving the front wheels. As of yet, Nissan has not released any performance or fuel economy figures.

The Japanese company paired the more potent powertrain to a tweaked chassis sporting enhanced body structure, revised steering system with a different electronic mapping, larger 11.7-inch front disc brakes, and a uniquely tuned suspension with 10 percent increase in front spring stiffness and different shocks (front damping increased by 23 percent and rear damping by 50 percent). Nissan says it also optimized the car’s Active Understeer Control system.

Aside from the SR Turbo badging and standard power sliding glass moon roof with tilt, the 188hp model is identical to the naturally-aspirated 2017MY Sentra SR model featuring specific 17-inch alloy wheels in 205/50R17 tires, LED headlight accents, side sills, a boot spoiler with an integrated LED brake light, fog lights, chrome exhaust finisher and heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, along with sportier interior trimmings.

“The Sentra SR Turbo is designed for buyers who want all the attributes of traditional compact sedans but also desire some serious turbo performance,” said Michael Bunce, Vice President of Nissan North America. “The SR Turbo builds upon the redesigned Sentra and adds 50 percent more horsepower and more than 40 percent more torque, as well as the upgrades where drivers will feel them. It’s truly the complete package for compact car buyers and enthusiasts alike.”

No word yet on pricing and availability, but we should see the Sentra Turbo SR before the end of the year with a higher MSRP than the regular SR that starts from $21,245.

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