Last month, a Nissan enthusiast and salesman shared his plan to build a Nismo-inspired Sentra. Called the Sentra SE RS, we can now set eyes on the final product, which looks like it wants to give the Honda Civic Si more than a few headaches. The sporty sedan was shared in a post on social media by Nick Raymond Scherr, also known as ‘Nismo Nick’ online. Having brought his vision to life, the sedan is now available at Pinnacle Nissan in Scottsdale, Arizona. Is it worth buying over a Civic Si or VW Jetta GLI? Let’s take a closer look.
Sentra Comes To Life
The new 2026 Nissan Sentra is already a striking compact sedan, but Scherr’s upgrades take it to another level. Here’s everything that’s new:
- Nismo LM-RS6 18×8.5 wheels
- Nismo cat back exhaust
- Nismo-inspired graphics
- Bespoke grille design
- Adjustable coilover suspension
- Katzkin Black/Red leather with SE RS headrest
A black spoiler, roof, and mirrors add to the sporty look, and the design of the Nismo LM-RS6 wheels goes back to the ones found on the original 350Z. The look is easily more aggressive than the stock Civic Si and Jetta GLI.
“My goal is to bring excitement to the already bold 2026 Sentra while allowing customers to buy this right off the showroom floor,” said Scherr.
Although Scherr said he has plans for a turbocharged Sentra with a six-speed manual, that more dramatic transformation is coming at a later stage. For now, then, this is a bit of a sheep in wolf’s clothing, as all 2026 Sentras use a 149-horsepower engine and CVT.
Related: Buying the Cheapest 2026 Nissan Sentra Could Be a Costly Mistake
How Much Does It Cost?
Nissan Sentra SE RS nismonickofficial/Instagram
This turn-key model’s modifications will cost you $6,995. As it’s based on the 2026 Sentra SR, which goes for $25,000 on its own, the total works out to $31,995. That’s more than Honda charges for the Civic Si ($31,495) but less than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI ($34,200).
For Nissan enthusiasts who need the practicality of a sedan, the Sentra SE RS is the only option available without the laborious task of completing all the mods yourself. However, with no performance upgrades besides the suspension, it’s not going to be nearly as enjoyable to drive as the Civic Si or Jetta GLI, which are both a lot more powerful—the Honda makes 200 horsepower and the VW is up at 228 hp, and both have engaging manuals.
With availability limited to Pinnacle Nissan in Arizona, the SE RS’ wide-ranging appeal is lacking, but we applaud Scherr and the dealership for reminding us how appealing small, affordable, and performance-minded Nissans can be. We look forward to the turbocharged manual model, though, which should have the performance to back up those spicy looks.
