2008 Nissan Altima news, pictures, and information

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

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 wîth leather-appointed seating.

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

Advanced Platform, Engaging Performance

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 wîth dynamic geometry and shock absorbers wîth 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 wîth 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 wîth 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% wîth 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 wîth a choice of two transmissions wîth 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 wîth smooth, responsive, fluid-feeling performance and efficient operation. The CVT units utilized wîth both engines have been tailored specifically for use wîth the Altima.

The V6 CVT features a 'Sport' mode controller wîth a high-speed central processing unit and Adaptive Shift Controller wîth 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) wîth Traction Control System (TCS) is available as an option wîth Altima 3.5-lter V6 equipped models.

Superior Structure, Steering and Braking

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.5 L., 4-cylinder Power: 175 hp Torque: 180 ft-lbs Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder Power: 270 hp Torque: 258 ft-lbs
6-speed Manual, CVT

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 §teering system provides light §teering effort at low speeds and a secure feeling at high speeds, along wîth a secure, 'on center' feel.

Braking for the 2008 Altima is provided by standard 4-wheel disc brakes wîth 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) wîth 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 wîth the 4-cylinder engine are equipped wîth 16-inch wheels (steel wheels wîth covers on 2.5 and 2.5 S, aluminum-alloy wheels are optional on 2.5 S and standard on 2.5 S wîth SL Package) and 215/60R16 tires. The V6-equipped Altima 3.5 SL comes standard wîth 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

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