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2008 Nissan Altima

2008 Nissan Altima Continues Tradition of Exceptional Performance, Style, Quality and Innovation

2008 Nissan Altima
–Altima Continues to Set the Bar as Alternative to 'Run of the Mill' Sedans –

The dramatic, fourth-generation Nissan Altima, introduced for the 2007 model year, could not have had a better rookie season – setting sales records and winning the AutoPacific 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Premium Mid-Size Cars and the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM as the highest ranked mid-size car.

For its sophomore year, the 2008 Altima adds a number of enhancements, including standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) splash guards, Diversity Antenna and available factory-activated XM ® Satellite Radio (required monthly subscription sold separately).

The fourth-generation Altima utilizes the Nissan 'D' platform with improved body rigidity and a redesigned, sporty suspension. This new platform was developed as the foundation that makes Altima one of the best performing large front-wheel drive sedans available globally. The new Altima is available with Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmissions and a choice of the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 or powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines

'This new generation Altima, with its all-new platform, redesigned suspension, available Xtronic CVT™ and long list of available convenience features has been a hit right out of the box,' said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.

'It's especially gratifying that it owners have responded so strongly, helping Altima earn the prestigious VSA and APEAL awards in its first year of production.'

In announcing the 2007 Vehicle Satisfactions Awards, AutoPacific noted 'Owners of the all-new Nissan Altima rated their vehicle significantly higher than the segment average for both performance and economy (most unusual). Passenger and luggage room and innovative technology, instrument layout and audio controls were also well received. Based on owner satisfaction ratings, Altima is an easy car to live with.'

Distinctive, Sporty Styling 2008 Nissan Altima
The 2008 Altima's exterior styling is a continuation of Altima's distinctive, iconic, sporty design. It offers a 'dynamic simplicity' with an aggressive stance, distinctive Nissan 'T-shaped' grille, powerful front fenders, strong wedge character line, forward A-pillars and Nissan-family roofline, Altima-style taillights and dual exhaust finishers on all models. High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights are available on V6-equipped models.

The 109.3-inch wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs (with an overall length of 189.8 inches) enhances Altima's agile maneuverability and contribute to its sporty, aggressive appearance. Altima's chassis layout also offers roomy front and rear interior headroom and legroom, plus ample cargo storage with 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space.

'The fourth-generation Altima design looks and feels open and accessible,' said Bosley. 'All of its dimensions, both inside and out, have been specifically engineered to embody the Altima design philosophy of offering the total package of style, performance and comfort.'

The 2008 Altima exterior is available with 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels and 16-inch steel wheels with covers. Nine exterior colors are offered.

Attention to Quality and Detail

2008 Nissan Altima
The 2008 Altima continues to emphasize refined workmanship and the use of soft materials, such as padded armrests, and stylish chrome accents. Interior noise levels are minimized by the rigid 'D' platform and increased sound insulation.
Altima's instrument panel features a Fine Vision gauge display for precise readability and the L-shaped flow of the instrument panel to the center console adds to a driver-oriented cockpit feel. The center console includes a triple front cup holder design (CVT-equipped models), among the many convenient cup and bottle areas (up to nine total, including 20-ounce bottle holders in the door panels) and storage compartments, many of which are covered. The volume of the glove compartment is also substantial, measuring an accommodating 0.46 cubic feet.

Thee interiors colors are available – charcoal, blonde and frost. The interior is offered in both high quality soft-touch suede fabric and with leather-appointed seating.

Among the innovative passenger amenities for the class are available Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bose ®-developed audio system with nine speakers, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

Advanced Platform, Engaging Performance

2008 Nissan Altima
Altima's exhilarating driving pleasure comes from a tuned combination of strong acceleration, responsive handling and dynamic sound – provided by the rigid 'D' platform and advanced engine designs.

The 2008 Altima continues to utilize Nissan's innovative 'D' platform, which offers improved body rigidity over the previous design, and an advanced independent front suspension with dynamic geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs.

A low engine-mounting position features a six-point pendulum-type mounting system and the half-shafts are set at equal angles and nearly parallel to the ground – virtually eliminating torque steer.

Altima's subframe-mounted front suspension makes extensive use of lightweight aluminum parts. An X-type upper cowl structure helps establish front body rigidity for suspension mounting. The rear multi-link independent suspension design separates the rear shock absorbers and springs for minimized friction and the shocks are in line with the center of the rear wheels, providing excellent damping and almost no harshness. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard.

Altima 3.5 SE offers larger diameter stabilizer bars and unique spring rates and strut damping, as well as 17-inch wheels and tires.

Two powerplants are available in the 2008 Altima, the 13-time Ward's '10 Best Engines' award-winning VQ-series V6 and an inline 4-cylinder.

The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 is rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and offers strong acceleration and a tuned, resonant sound quality. The V6 features minimized friction, superior cylinder head cooling and twin knock sensors.

Also available is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL) and 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL). The QR25 engine was refined for 2007 with a larger intake manifold, increased compression ratio (9.6:1 from 9.5:1) and reduced friction characteristics. It features a silent chain drive and a balancer system (with balancer changed to a center-mounted location for excellent NVH) that effectively negates vibrations without taking up much space – combining ideal packaging and smoothness.

Both engines feature continuously variable valve timing, modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttles.

Altima's standard dual exhaust system is designed to reduce exhaust backpressure by 35% on the 4-cylinder and 50% with the V6 (over the previous generations). Both systems utilize large tube diameters and include dual chrome-tipped exhaust finishers.

Smooth, Efficient Xtronic CVT

The 2008 Altima is offered with a choice of two transmissions with both the V6 and 4-cylinder engines. A 6-speed, narrow-gate manual features low friction, short shift stroke, high torque capacity and close gear ratios covering a wide range. The Xtronic CVT is designed to create a true synergy between engine and transmission with smooth, responsive, fluid-feeling performance and efficient operation. The CVT units utilized with both engines have been tailored specifically for use with the Altima.

The V6 CVT features a 'Sport' mode controller with a high-speed central processing unit and Adaptive Shift Controller with adaptive logic for fast shifting in both normal and manual modes. The adaptive logic feature delivers the best shift pattern based on the driving environment and driver's perceived intentions. It utilizes 700 programmed algorithms to adjust to differing conditions, such as uphill or downhill driving, as well as adapting to three styles of driving – economy, normal and sporty.

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) is available as an option with Altima 3.5-lter V6 equipped models.

Superior Structure, Steering and Braking

The 2008 Altima's sturdy body structure includes extensive use of Últra High Strength Steel, which is utilized in many locations around the vehicle, including side-impact areas.
Altima's standard twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system provides light steering effort at low speeds and a secure feeling at high speeds, along with a secure, 'on center' feel.

Braking for the 2008 Altima is provided by standard 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake force depending on load condition (passengers and cargo). A variable ratio pivot brake pedal provides a rigid feel at freeway speeds and less sensitive, more controllable operation in city driving.

Altima models equipped with the 4-cylinder engine are equipped with 16-inch wheels (steel wheels with covers on 2.5 and 2.5 S, aluminum-alloy wheels are optional on 2.5 S and standard on 2.5 S with SL Package) and 215/60R16 tires. The V6-equipped Altima 3.5 SL comes standard with 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the Altima 3.5 SE features 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 215/55R17 tires.

Safety, Security and Convenience

Altima comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags. Also standard are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

Other standard equipment includes front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

Added convenience is provided by the available RearView Monitor, which utilizes a small camera to help show the view behind the vehicle when in reverse gear.

Other available convenience features include an 8-way power driver's seat, automatic on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding glass moonroof, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio, HomeLink® Úniversal Transceiver, leather-appointed seating, heated front driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control and rear-passenger air conditioning vents.

Models and Manufacturing

The 2008 Nissan Altima will be available in five well-equipped models: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package, 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL.

The 2008 Altima is assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi plants.

Source - Nissan

Next-Generation Nissan Altima Coupe Brings Style, Emotion and Sophistication to Mid-Size Coupe Market

– New Altima Coupe Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show; Offers Úpscale Styling, Sporty Performance, Driver-Oriented Interior and High Quality –

The Nissan Altima is a car on the move. With its next generation design for the 2007 model year, Nissan's best-selling vehicle in the Únited States is poised for even greater success as it establishes segment leadership in style, design, performance and innovation. The next-generation Altima is also expanding its model offerings with a new Altima Hybrid, set to go on sale in select markets in January 2007, and a dramatically styled new Altima Coupe, which will go on sale as a 2008 model in summer 2007.

The Altima Coupe, which made its debut in the shadows of Hollywood at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, fills a desire among target customers for a more personal expression of style, individuality and fashionable appearance. The Altima Coupe's unique exterior design is intended to stand out in a crowd of sedan-based two-door models with magnetic, perfectly proportioned styling with a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan.


2008 Nissan AltimaThe smaller size and lighter overall weight also contribute to the Coupe's sportier driving feel – other desired attributes of the typically younger, more performance-oriented coupe buyers.

'Rather than just eliminating two doors from the Altima Sedan, we gave the Altima Coupe its own style, its own dimensions and its own interpretation of Nissan's exhilarating driving pleasure,' said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.

Though the new Altima Coupe shares much with the latest edition of the Altima Sedan, which went on sale in early November 2006, the Coupe's smaller dimensions, driver-oriented cockpit and unique styling give it an extensive amount of separation from the Altima Sedan.


Dimensionally, the Altima Coupe rides on a 105.3-inch wheelbase, a full 4.0 inches shorter than the Sedan. Overall length is 182.5 inches – 7.1 inches less than the Sedan. The Coupe also has a lower profile – at 55.3 inches it is 2.5 inches shorter than the Sedan. In terms of major body panels, the two cars share only a common hood, with all other panels, grille, headlights and rear combination lights unique to the Altima Coupe.

Únder the new Altima Coupe's sophisticated exterior design, this latest addition to the Altima family shares the platform, powertrain and user-friendly features and innovations of the new fourth-generation Altima.

'A strong sedan starting point, such as the new Altima, also gives you a tremendous advantage – if you get the basics right, you can focus your efforts on the unique desires of coupe buyers, including wanting a purely personal space,' said Bosley.

The Altima Coupe, as part of the fourth-generation Altima design, utilizes Nissan's all-new, highly acclaimed 'D' platform with increased body rigidity and a redesigned suspension. This new platform was developed with the objective of making Altima one of the best performing large front-wheel drive vehicles available globally.

2008 Nissan AltimaNew suspension geometry, shock absorbers with rebound springs, engine placement that is lower in the subframe and equal-length half-shafts that have equal angles and are more parallel to the ground all help to virtually eliminate torque steer.

The rear multi-link independent suspension design separates the rear shocks and springs for reduced friction and the shocks are in line with the center of the rear wheels, providing better damping and less harshness. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard. The Altima suspension has been specially tuned for use with the Altima Coupe.

The new Altima Coupe is offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 is the 'next generation' version of the 12-time Ward's '10 Best Engines' award-winning VQ-series V6. For use in the Altima Coupe, it is rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and offers strong acceleration and refined sound quality. The V6 features reduced friction, improved cylinder head cooling and new twin knock sensors.

Also available with the new Altima Coupe is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve QR25 inline 4-cylinder, producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL) and 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL). This engine has been refined from the previous version, with a larger, equal-length intake manifold, increased compression ratio and reduced friction characteristics. It features a silent chain drive and a balancer system (with balancer changed to a center-mounted location for better NVH) that effectively negates vibrations without taking up much space – combining ideal packaging and smoothness.

Both engines feature continuously variable valve timing, modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttles.

2008 Nissan AltimaBoth the 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder models are available with Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmissions.

The V6 CVT features a 'Sport' mode controller with a high-speed central processing unit and Adaptive Shift Controller with adaptive logic for faster shifting in both normal and manual modes. The adaptive logic feature delivers the best shift pattern based on the driving environment and driver's perceived intentions.

'The driving performance of the Altima Coupe is biased toward sporty feel, especially when equipped with our award-winning V6,' said Bosley. 'Handling is also a strong point of the new Coupe, as is the responsiveness feeling provided by the Xtronic CVT transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)'

Also contributing to the Altima Coupe's sporty performance feel are a standard twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system and 4-wheel disc brakes with standard 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

Altima Coupe models with the 4-cylinder engine are equipped with 16-inch wheels and tires, while V6-equipped Altima Coupes come with unique-design 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 215/55R17 tires.

The Altima Coupe's performance feeling is also enhanced by a driver-centered interior. Though sharing much of the design and features with the new Altima Sedan, the Coupe includes unique sport-style front seats with more side support, in-board release lever and front kangaroo pouches. All Altima Coupes also utilize a parking brake hand lever (versus foot release for Altima Sedans with CVT). The Coupe also includes a 60/40 split and flat
fold-down rear seat.

Like the Altima Sedan, the Altima Coupe's instrument panel features a Fine Vision gauge display for enhanced readability and the L-shaped flow of the instrument panel to the center console adds to the driver-oriented cockpit feel.

The center console includes a double front cup holder, among the many convenient cup and bottle areas and storage compartments.

The list of impressive passenger amenities includes standard Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and available Bose ®-developed audio system with nine speakers, Bluetooth ® Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

The new Altima Coupe also comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags. Also standard are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

2008 Nissan AltimaOther standard equipment includes front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The 2008 Altima Coupe will be available in four well-equipped models: 2.5 S 6MT, 2.5 S CVT, 3.5 SE 6MT, 3.5 SE CVT.

Available technology features include a RearView Monitor, which utilizes a small camera to help show the view behind the vehicle when in reverse gear, and Nissan Navigation System with a 6.5-inch color monitor.

'Along with the Altima Coupe's extensive list of available features and amenities, it offers one more thing to discerning coupe buyers – the reassurance of Nissan durability, quality and reliability,' said Bosley.

The new Altima Coupe will be assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee plants.

Altima Coupe becomes the seventh Nissan Altima model, joining the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL and Altima Hybrid (Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

'The Altima name and outstanding reputation adds great credibility to the new Altima Coupe – and the Coupe makes the Altima brand stronger by appealing to a new segment of buyers,' said Bosley. 'And like the Altima Sedan, the new Coupe will be a tremendous value when it goes on sale next summer. If you're looking for style, performance and affordability, the new Altima Coupe delivers.'

Source - Nissan

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