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Nissan Sentra gets mean with 240-hp Nismo concept

Nissan's Sentra Nismo Concept made its world debut at the LA Auto Show today as part of the Japanese automaker's intitiative to expand its performance line of factory performance models, and it's packing a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque - that's 110 hp more than the regular Sentra.
Of course, no high-performance version of any car would be complete without the suspension upgrades to handle the power, and Nissan has fitted Nismo-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential to the little front-wheel-drive sedan. With such an increase in power, Nissan wisely chose to swap out the stock brakes for the Brembo calipers and discs from the 370Z. Larger 225-millimeter-wide tires are wrapped around 19-inch Rays wheels and contained within wider fender flares. The steering and six-speed manual transmission also were tuned by Nismo.
The exterior gets new aerodynamic bits, such as a revised front fascia, a chin spoiler and a new rear spoiler, while the interior gets a nice set of Recaro seats and a leather-and-Alcantara steering wheel. For more information on the Sentra Nismo Concept, check out the press release below, and feel free to head over to the auto show photo gallery to see the car up close.

Renault gives rhinoplastic upgrade to Versa for Indian market

What do you call a Nissan Versa with a new nose and a home in the Indian car market? A Renault Scala. Given a chrome grille insert, the blacked-out crossbar common to Renaults and a few other "status-enhancing" tweaks, the Scala is Renault's fifth offering in India and rounds out its segment coverage.
The Scala is not only positioned as a sedan with value pricing and luxurious equipment, it is presented as a carriage for the chauffeured classes: best-in-class roominess, leather seating, rear vents for the climate control and two cupholders in the rear armrest attend to the boss in the back.
An 86-horsepower diesel and a 99-hp gas engine take care of matters up front. Available now in three trims, it joins the Pulse hatch, Fluence sedan, and Koleos and Duster SUVs in Renault's Indian line-up, and comes with Renault's CompleteCare service and 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Have a read of the press release below for more info.

US-built Infiniti Q50 engines to go into Euro-only cars

Back in March, Infiniti announced that it would be adding a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder to its Q50 line for European and Chinese buyers. Now, we know where that engine will be built.
Nissan's Decherd, TN facility will receive the $319-million investment, which will see a separate, dedicated line for the Infiniti engines. According to Automotive News, this is more than a line running alongside the Nissan operations - the Infiniti facility will sport its own unique architecture and interior lighting, in a bid to distinguish the premium line from its mass-market parent company.
The logistics of all this do seem, on the surface, quite screwy. Building a new engine on one continent for a car built on another that will eventually go on sale on a third doesn't seem too bright, although there is a catch here. The new engine will also find its way into the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which will kick off production in Vance, AL later this year.