When looking for performance cars, the Nissan Sentra sedan is not exactly a brand that comes to mind. However, the Japanese motor giant is looking to change that perception. Nissan recently announced that the 2017 Sentra would be available in NISMO variant, complete with high-performance upgrades and enhancements.

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NISMO is Nissan's motorsports division dedicated to kitting ordinary cars with high-performance upgrades. Nissan's NISMO division is known for high-performance models like the GT-R NISMO, 370Z NISMO, and the 350Z NISMO, all of which are respected models in the high-performance car market.

Although some motor analysts think that a NISMO brand Sentra may not be as powerful or appealing as compared to its counterparts, Nissan is optimistic that it could turn the traditional image of the Sentra into something that is synonymous with power and performance.

At the heart of the 2017 Sentra NISMO is a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine capable of producing 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft worth of torque, according to CNet. The car has an optional 6-speed manual transmission.

Compared to the 600 horsepower GT-R NISMO, the 2017 Sentra NISMO may not appear to be an impressive model. However, the car's upgrades should be enough for it to compete with the likes of the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen GTI, according to BGR.

The 2017 Sentra NISMO is expected to hit showrooms early next year. The car is expected to cost less than $25,000, a factor that could surely entice buyers. Moreover, with that price tag, the new Sentra will be the most affordable car to carry the NISMO badge.

Tagsnissan, 2017 nissan sentra, nissan sentra, NISMO, 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO, Sentra NISMO