Nissan Sentra Spec-V Concept: SEMA Builds Explained

Nissan has brought the Sentra Spec-V name back for a SEMA show car, alongside a competition-focused Z and a modernised Datsun S30. For Canadian enthusiasts, the distinction matters: these are concept builds, not newly announced vehicles available to order.

Nissan Canada’s October 28 announcement places the projects at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 3–6, 2026. It confirms that the concepts are not for sale and does not announce Canadian pricing or a production Spec-V launch.

Sentra Spec-V: a turbocharged manual build

The Sentra project uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre MR20DD engine and a modified six-speed manual transmission with a helical limited-slip differential. Nissan’s official build sheet also lists a Garrett G25-550 turbocharger, supplemental port injection and a front-mounted intercooler.

There is an important distinction in Nissan’s power figures: the announcement says 300 horsepower, while the build sheet specifies 300 whp, meaning wheel horsepower. Those measurements are not interchangeable. Without clarification, neither should be presented as a verified production engine rating.

The parts list extends beyond the engine. It includes GT-R-derived Brembo brakes, Recaro front seats, NISMO coilovers and 19-inch forged wheels. A BOMEX widebody kit and GT-R NISMO rear spoiler give the project its visual identity. These specifications describe this concept, not a showroom Sentra package.

Project NAT2 Z: built around competition requirements

Nissan Project NAT2 Touring 2 Z front three-quarter view

Project NAT2 comes from Nissan’s volunteer employee motorsport team. Its Touring 2 build sheet describes a Z prepared for SCCA competition, including a roll cage, a racing seat, a six-point harness and fire suppression equipment.

The engineering priorities differ from those of a road-going special edition. Cooling upgrades serve the engine and differential, while the stripped cabin removes items including carpet, sound deadening and air conditioning. Nissan lists 38-mm turbo inlet restrictors for class legality; the project is not evidence of an unrestricted new retail power specification.

Datsun S30: classic shape, modern Z hardware

Datsun S30 concept exterior in the workshop

Chris Forsberg’s S30 project takes the restomod approach. The Datsun build sheet pairs a twin-turbo VR30DDTT engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

Carbon-fibre components include the front fenders, hood, hatch and spoiler. The cabin combines racing seats and custom gauges, while the chassis receives adjustable suspension and a Wilwood brake conversion. Nissan lists 17-inch forged wheels and 245/40 tyres. It is a specific modified build, rather than a newly homologated Datsun model for Canada.

What Canadian enthusiasts should take from it

The three projects explore different ideas: a modified compact sedan, a competition Z and a heritage-based restomod. They demonstrate hardware choices, but photographs and parts lists cannot establish how any of them drives. Speedhounds has not road-tested these cars.

Nissan cautions that modifications can affect safety, emissions, durability, road-use certification and warranty coverage. The release says some accessory parts may be available through dealers; that is not confirmation that every component or conversion can be purchased or used legally in Canada.

For a separate example of why the exact vehicle configuration matters, our Nissan Kicks safety-award explainer examines a production vehicle’s build-date restrictions. The same reading habit applies here: distinguish what Nissan has demonstrated from what it has actually announced for sale.