From the previous generation, Sentra SE-R the new Spec-V has grown considerably with a wider stance, length and height. The vehicle has also bulked up a bit with an additional 330-lbs. in curb weight. Where the original SE-R was a two-door coupe, the new breed flexes four doors.
We were able to test the Sentra on a closed-course racetrack at the infamous Laguna Seca Raceway. Even in stock trim the Spec-V Sentra scorched the racecourse. Power was always available as the in-line four screamed to redline. The 17-inch wheels mounted on 215/45ZR radials clawed through the corners. Braking consists of large 4-wheel disc brakes with 11-inch rotors up front for decreased stopping distance.
2002 Nissan Altima
The new 2002 Altima has been redesigned from the ground up and brings a totally new level of midsize sedan. For the first time, a V6 engine will be offered on the Altima. The new V6 engine is similar to the engine found in the Maxima, with the exception of a revised intake and exhaust system. The engine still pounds an incredible 240 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque to the flywheel. The 20 less horsepower are hardly noticed since the curb weight of the Altima is slightly lower than the Maxima. One draw back is that the Altima does not offer the close-ratio six-speed manual, which is hardly missed on the vehicle. Suspension set-up consists of a four-wheel independent suspension which is state-of-the-art. The new Altima hugs the road like no other mid-size sedan in its class. Since the Altima has been reengineered from the ground up torsional rigidity has been increased by 170-percent, giving the vehicle a more solid feel. The wheel tract has been moved out for better handling, giving the Altima a more aggressive stance and look. Exterior styling of the Altima has changed dramatically with new front and rear fascias.
Of the five vehicles I drove I was most impressed with the Altima as the vehicle had the perfect balance of power and handling. The V6 pounced with anticipation and never missed a beat. Torque is available at any rpm which makes driving the vehicle a pleasure. The Altima is rather roomy even for backseat passengers as the interior volume of the Altima has been increased by 9.2 cubic feet. The performance is nothing less than astounding as the Altima is like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
2002 Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed
A new option this year for the Crew Cab was the addition of the longbed version. Under the hood whistles an optional supercharged 3.3-liter SOHC V6 powerplant packing 210 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque but a standard 3.3 V6 non-supercharged and 2.4-liter 143-horsepower four cylinder are also available. The optional supercharger is a Nissan first. The Roots-type supercharger was developed in conjunction with Eaton and is fully warranted by Nissan. First impression of the Frontier you either like it or don't as the body cladding is very visual and aggressive. From the front, the truck looks like a jet fighter while the wide fender flares gives it a tough and rugged stance. Although the interior is rather roomy, the back seats are not meant for tall passengers. The S/C (supercharged) model comes with standard 17-inch alloys mounted on 265/55R for (2WD) and 265/65R for (4WD) tires. The S/C also comes with specially tuned suspension and standard limited-slip differential. In automatic trim S/C towing capacity is 5,000 lbs.
Driving the Frontier Crew Cab is very much like driving a car. You hardly notice the extra bed at the end of the vehicle. Fortunately for us, the seaside drive consisted of short climbs and descents gave us plenty of opportunity to test out the supercharged engine. Although we weren't expecting amazing power, the 210 rated horsepower still falls short of expectation. Especially after a long climb, intake charge temperatures can easily reach above the triple digits, causing power production from the engine to decrease. However, on the straight-aways the power is substantial with plenty on hand to pass slower traffic.
2002 Nissan Xterra
The Xterra and Frontier share identical engines, from the four to the six and the supercharged six. From the outside the 2002 Xterra shares the same body structure of the previous model year. One dramatic change is the front fascia of the Xterra and the most pronounced change is the front headlamps, which are now rounded instead of square. The also hood features a 48mm "power bulge," increasing the front-end masculinity of the Nissan. Like the Frontier, the interior panel has been redesigned with a three-gauge cockpit-style instrument cluster. Also notable is the three new exterior colors available for the Xterra-Shock Blue, Sedona and Molten Lava.
Upon driving the Xterra you certainly notice that the vehicle is slower than the Frontier, majorly due to the heavier curb weight. The supercharged powerplant is the exact same as the Frontier but lacks pulling power. The 17-inch wheels mounted on 265/65R BFGoodrich tires offers a very decent ride on asphalt and still has enough traction on packed dirt.