Stationed at the top of the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V’s performance ladder is the track-designated R-tune version. Going a few steps beyond the S-tune, this iteration of Nissan’s little sedan pops the top off the standard 2.5-liter four banger, slides in $799 worth of precision camshafts, and adds a $295 cold air intake system. Those are a just a few the parts Nissan used to tweak our tester. Here’s a list of the rest:

• Headers (can be ordered with catalytic converter for $858, or without for $569)
• Front strut tower brace ($175)
• Adjustable 25-mm rear stabilizer bar ($225)
• 25-mm front lower tie bar ($154)
• Semi-metallic front brake pads (prices differ depending on whether your Spec V has the optional Brembo brake package – $175 with Brembo; $150 without Brembo)
• Bronze five-spoke 17-inch by 7.5-inch alloy wheels priced at $285 each (price of BF Goodrich KD 215/45R17 tires not included)
• S-tune parts including the cat-back exhaust ($700), 23-mm front stabilizer bar ($225), suspension kit ($1,000), the graphics ($175), shift knob ($65-140), and floor mats ($79).

All told, the upgrades on our R-tune tester totaled more than $5,700, not including installation. That’s a hefty chunk of change for a car that isn’t meant for the street. But, that doesn’t mean the expense isn’t worth it. In fact, that investment buys a Sentra with tight handling, that alluring cat-back bark, and roughly 200 horsepower that you can feel with your right foot and your butt.