The Sentra SE-R does battle with an array of tough competitors from around the globe in a hotly contested market. It will immediately appeal to a pre-existing group of loyal Nissan enthusiasts, who will certainly snap up the first examples that become available. Winning over the competition may be more difficult. While the Spec V comes to the table with a solid performance package, including a limited slip differential, special gauges and other interior and handling improvements, it doesn’t out-spec any of its competitors by a great margin, and it’s still wrapped in the Sentra’s sensible-shoes styling. Even Nissan’s “200 horsepower for $20,000” is nothing to crow about, as the Civic Si is virtually the same for the same price, and it’s likely the upcoming 300-horsepower Dodge Caliber SRT4 will at be in the same ballpark.