Nissan has unveiled three concepts at SEMA 2026, including a 300bhp Sentra Spec-V. The Spec-V is a tribute to Nissan’s enthusiast culture, featuring a heavily reworked 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a menacing body kit.
Built to commemorate 35 years since the original Sentra arrived in North America, the Spec-V is a far cry from its everyday family saloon DNA, sporting an even larger GT-R Nismo rear wing that shows its track-focused intent. Strangely, there’s no Micra concept on display, highlighting Nissan’s decision to concentrate on its more performance-oriented nameplates.
The Spec-V also borrows parts from other Nissan models, including Brembo brakes and Recaro seats from the GT-R, and a six-speed manual gearbox from the Juke Nismo RS.
Raiding Nissan’s vast parts bin, the concept also adopts the GT-R’s high-performance brake calipers and the Juke’s precise shift linkage, but beyond those components the build remains largely original, keeping the overall balance true to the Sentra’s chassis while delivering a race-ready feel.
In addition to the Spec-V, Nissan has also showcased “Project NAT2”, a purpose-built race car based on the new Z, built to SCCA Touring regulations.
Another concept on display is Chris Forsberg’s S30 restomod, which combines a Datsun with a twin-turbo V6 from the new Z and lightweight carbon-fibre body panels.
The recipe here is simple: Nissan has transplanted the twin-turbo V6 from the new Z into the old, alongside lightweight carbon-fibre body panels and some decidedly un-1970s brakes to make sure it stops, too, giving the classic chassis modern stopping power and a dramatic power-to-weight ratio.
According to Kim Less, vice-president of aftersales and customer loyalty at Nissan Americas, these projects are a chance for Nissan to have fun with its shared passion with fans and showcase what’s possible with cars like the Sentra and Z.