DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Nissan Sentra Nismo Concept

The Nissan Sentra, or Pulsar sedan as it's known down under, is now the fourth car to be tweaked by Nismo, Nissan's in-house performance tuning arm.

The 177kW Sentra Nismo Concept was shown during the Detroit motor show, its second outing after being unveiled in Los Angeles in late 2013, and appears destined for US markets initially.

There's a chance the high-performance small sedan could make its way to Australia badged as the Nissan Pulsar Nismo, however a replacement hatchback for the Pulsar due to be unveiled at the 2014 Paris motor show in September has recently cast doubt over the Pulsar's long-term future Down Under.

Public and corporate reaction to the concept car at the Detroit motor show will play a large part in whether it gets the nod for production.

Indeed, the objective of the Sentra Nismo Concept, says Nissan's vice president of product planning, Pierre Loing, is to "demonstrate where we could go in the future".

Nissan claim the design of the Sentra Nismo Concept "is somewhat understated – more sophisticated and confident than 'in-your-face' boy racer".

The new model could hardly be called a shrinking violet -- it makes the Pulsar SSS look dull in comparison -- boasting a new front spoiler, wider front grille and an assertive front fascia complete with LED daytime running lights, providing the car with a more aggressive attitude.

This sporty new look continues along the rest of the body as well, with flared wheels arches, a custom rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips and even a rear diffuser inspired by the Nissan 370Z's derriere.

The latest Nismo road car also sits atop 19-inch RAYS aluminium-alloy wheels and borrows the red Brembo brake calipers from the 370Z.

To round out the exterior styling changes, Nismo's signature red accents are used to highlight the aerodynamic goodies and there is even a touch of carbon fibre on the door mirrors, front splitter and rear diffuser.

To match the aggressive styling, Nismo has developed a turbocharged version of the Sentra/Pulsar's 1.8-litre petrol four-cylinder engine, outputting 177kW of power and 325Nm of torque. It represents a significant boost from the Pulsar SSS's 1.6-litre turbo-petrol's 140kW and 240Nm.

Engine power is transferred to the front wheels through a limited slip differential via six-speed manual gearbox.

Sports tuned suspension is part of the package too.

Following on from the Nissan 370Z Nismo, the JUKE Nismo and the recently driven GT-R Nismo, the Sentra Nismo Concept marks the fourth car to be revealed under the Nismo brand.

As yet Nissan Australia has not said when the the Nismo brand will be launched Down Under but it's a case of when, not if.