The Sentra Nismo Concept, revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday, gives us hope that Nissan will one day transform its rather nondescript Sentra into a pukka performance sedan that runs with the hot hatch wolves.
With Nissan's motorsport division, Nismo, having worked its magic on the engine, suspension, aerodynamics and styling, we have no doubt that this is one firecracker of a four-door.
Let's start beneath the bonnet, where the Nismo Sentra receives a 1.8-litre direct injection turbopetrol engine with much of its technology derived from the 1.6-litre unit that powers the Nismo Juke.
In the Sentra's case, the motor dishes out around 179kW and 325Nm. Power is still channelled through the front wheels, via a six-speed manual gearbox, but there is a limited-slip differential in place to put that power the tarmac cleanly.
Nismo's tuning expertise extends to the independent strut front and torsion beam rear suspension system, which also gains custom springs and dampers. Extra grip comes in the form of 19-inch Rays alloys with 225/35R19 rubber and stopping power is sorted by red-painted 350Z Brembo brake callipers.
In no mood for creating a sleeper, Nismo pimped the exterior design with a modified grille, wide front spoiler, “oversized” fender flares, integrated side sills, 370Z-inspired diffuser, large dual exhaust tips and a rear spoiler.
A glut of Nismo-inspired features found their way into the cabin, including Recaro “Sportster” front seats and numerous satin carbon fibre and dark chrome inlays.
But will they build it?
Nissan's product planning VP Pierre Loing shared some words of hope:
“Fans have asked that we bring back a high-performance Sentra straight from the factory, just like in generations past.
“With Nismo already producing versions of the 370Z, Juke and upcoming GT-R, we wanted to demonstrate where we could go in the future.”
Of course you could, Mr Loing.