2010 Altima  |
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Image credits: © Nissan.
MSRP: $19,900-29,380
Invoice: $19,075-27,220
2009 Nissan Altima news, pictures, and information | ||
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2009 NISSAN ALTIMA OFFERS SPIRITED PERFORMANCE, LUXURY FEATURES - ALL WRAPPED IN A DISTINCTIVE, HIGH VALUE DESIGN
Following its total redesign for the 2007 model year, the Nissan Altima Sedan continues to set individual sales records as Nissan's best-selling sedan. (concept carz) Designed wîth the goal of being the best-performing front-wheel drive sedan available globally, the latest generation Altima is built on Nissan's advanced 'D' platform. For 2009, Altima Sedan is again available wîth a choice of two engines: the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 or the powerful 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder.Refinements for the new model year include revised standard features for the base grade, revised option package content and three new exterior colors. New standard features on the Altima base model include a new 16-inch wheel cover design, black grille highlights, the addition of dual power remote-controlled sideview mirrors and a standard trip computer and outside temperature gauge. Other base model enhancements include air conditioning wîth in-cabin microfilter and front side window demisters, trunk cancel switch and rear seat lock, dual sun visors wîth driver's side vanity mirror and speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers.
All 2009 Altimas also receive a new automatic door lock system. The Altima 2.5 S features revised Connection Package content, including dual zone automatic temperature control and rear A/C vents. The Altima 3.5 SE now includes standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, fog lights and rear spoiler. There are also new stand-alone moonroof and 3.5 SL Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) packages
The 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan is available in four models: 2.5 (CVT), 2.5 S (6MT, CVT), 3.5 SE (6MT, CVT), 3.5 SL (CVT).
The 2009 Nissan Altima also offers a range of comfort and convenience features, including standard Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ wîth Push Button Ignition, available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, RearView Monitor and Nissan Navigation wîth XM NavTraffic® real-time traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold separately).
'The 2009 Nissan Altima is positioned in the mid-size sedan §egmènt, but it has the looks, quality, driving performance and available features of a much more expensive vehicle,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. 'Featuring standard Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ, available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® NavTraffic™, RearView Monitor and more – along wîth outstanding acceleration and handling – Altima is truly in a class of its own.'
Distinctive Altima Styling
The 2009 Altima's exterior styling is a continuation of Altima's distinctive, iconic, sporty design. It offers a 'dynamic simplicity' wîth 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) headlights are standard on 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL 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 wîth 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space. Altima is available wîth 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels and 16-inch steel wheels wîth newly designed covers for 2009. Eight exterior colors are offered, including new Sonoma Sunset, Majestic Blue and Sonoran Sand.
Attention to Quality and Detail
The 2009 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 advanced '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-like fabric and wîth leather-appointed seating. Among the innovative passenger amenities for the class are available Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ wîth Push Button Ignition, Bose®-developed audio system wîth nine speakers, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rearview Monitor and dual-zone automatic temperature control.
Other available convenience features include an 8-way power driver's seat, automatic on/off headlights, leather-wrapped §teering wheel, §teering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding glass moonroof, XM® Satellite Radio, HomeLink® Úniversal Transceiver, heated front driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control and rear-passenger air conditioning vents.
Sport Enthused Platform and Powerplants
Altima's exhilarating driving pleasure comes from a tuned combination of strong acceleration, responsive handling and dynamic sound – provided by advanced engine designs and the front-wheel drive 'D' platform, which offers improved body rigidity over the previous design.
Altima's advanced independent front suspension wîth dynamic geometry and shock absorbers wîth rebound springs provides responsive handling and a comfortable ride. The subframe-mounted front suspension makes extensive use of lightweight aluminum parts, while an X-type upper cowl structure helps establish front body rigidity for suspension mounting. Altima also features a low engine-mounting position wîth 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.
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 2009 Altima, the 14-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). 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 CVTÔ
The 2009 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 CVTÔ 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-liter V6 equipped models.
A Harmony Between Structure, Steering and Braking
The 2009 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 2009 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 P215/60R16 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 P215/55R17 tires.
Five Star Safety
The Altima has received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) highest rating - 5 stars - for front-impact and side-impact crash safety.*
The 2009 Altima Sedan comes equipped wîth a number of standard safety features, including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) wîth dual-stage supplemental front air bags wîth seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
Other standard equipment includes front seat belts wîth pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction wîth front and rear crumple zones and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Models and Manufacturing
The 2009 Nissan Altima will be available in four well-equipped models: 2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL. The 2009 Altima is assembled at the Nissan North America Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi Manufacturing plants.Source - Nissan
2009 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE DEMANDS ATTENTION WITH AGGRESSIVE STYLING, PERFORMANCE AND FEATURES
Though based off the dynamic Nissan Altima Sedan, the sporty, 2-door Altima Coupe delivers a totally unique driving experience. The Altima Coupe fills a desire among target customers for a more personal expression of style, individuality and fashionable appearance. Its unique exterior design is intended to stand out in a crowd of sedan-based two-door models wîth magnetic, perfectly proportioned styling wîth a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan. The smaller size and lighter overall weight also contribute to the Altima Coupe's sportier driving feel – another desired attribute of the typically younger, more performance-oriented coupe buyers.'Like the popular Altima Sedan, the Coupe offers style, performance, quality and passion wîth a personality that is all its own,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. 'The Altima Coupe is more than just two less doors, it offers its own unique interpretation of Nissan's exhilarating driving pleasure. The Coupe's aggressive design, driver-oriented cockpit and unique styling give it an extensive amount of separation from the Sedan.'
An all-new design for 2008, the Altima Coupe adds revised 18-inch alloy wheels on V6-equipped models wîth larger 235/45R18 tires for the 2009 model year. Automatic door locks are also added to all models and the front grille receives a high-gloss paint treatment (previously medium gloss).
The 2009 Altima Coupe is available wîth a choice of the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 or powerful 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engines, each offered wîth either a 6-speed manual transmission or Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission).
Also offered for 2009 is a long list of user-friendly technology features – including standard Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ, available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, an advanced touch-screen navigation system wîth XM NavTraffic® wîth real-time traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor.
Design That Ignites Emotion, Passion and Enthusiasm
The most noticeable separation from the Altima Sedan is the Altima Coupe's bold exterior styling. 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 lower than the Sedan. In terms of major body panels, the two cars share only a common hood, wîth all other panels, grille, headlights and rear combination lights unique to the Altima Coupe. Two chrome exhaust tips wîth unique rear taillights form a distinctive rear presence.
'Altima Coupe is sleek and sporty, featuring an aggressive stance and a bold shoulder that adds dimension to the body side,' said Castignetti. 'It's a car that looks much more expensive than it is, both the exterior and interior, and feels like it, too.'
The 2009 Altima Coupe 2.5 S model is available wîth 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on the 2.5S model wîth P215/60R16 all-season tires, while new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels wîth Michelin P235/45R18 tires are standard on the 3.5 SE.
An Advanced 'D' Platform
Únder the 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 fourth-generation Altima Sedan.
Altima Coupe utilizes Nissan's advanced 'D' platform. First used on the 2007 Altima family, this new platform was developed wîth the objective of making Altima one of the best performing large front-wheel drive vehicles available globally.
A number of items help to virtually eliminate torque steer on the Altima Coupe, including suspension geometry, an engine placement that is lower in the subframe and equal-length half-shafts that have equal angles and are more parallel to the ground (than the previous platform design).
The Coupe's rear multi-link independent suspension design separates the rear shocks and springs for reduced friction and the shocks are in line wîth 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 wîth the Altima Coupe.
Exhilarating Performance
Eye-opening power is supplied from a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 is the 'next generation' version of the 13-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 twin knock sensors.
Also available wîth the 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, wîth 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.
Both the 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder models are available wîth Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmissions.
The V6 CVT features a 'Sport' mode controller wîth a high-speed central processing unit and Adaptive Shift Controller wîth 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 wîth our award-winning V6,' said Castignetti. 'Handling is also a strong point of the 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 §teering system and 4-wheel disc brakes wîth standard 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) wîth Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
A Sporty, Comfortable Interior
Inside, the Altima Coupe is exciting and accommodating wîth progressive, driver-oriented styling. Though sharing much of the design and features wîth the Altima Sedan, the Coupe includes unique sport-style front seats wîth 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 wîth 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 passenger amenities includes standard Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ wîth Push Button Ignition and available Bose®-developed audio system wîth nine speakers, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor and dual-zone automatic temperature control.
The 2009 Altima Coupe also comes equipped wîth a number of standard safety features, including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) wîth dual-stage supplemental front air bags wîth seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
Other standard equipment includes front seat belts wîth pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction wîth front and rear crumple zones and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).Source - Nissan
4.4 Million Altimas Later, Another First: All-New, 2013 Nissan Altima Begins Production in Tennessee
First Generation (1993-1997)
The name 'Altima' originally referred to a trim line of the Nissan Laurel mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. In 1993, Nissan discontinued the Stanza line, replacing it wîth the Ú.S.-made Altima. The very first Altima rolled off the assembly line in Smyrna, Tenn., in June 1992, as a 1993 model. All Altimas were built in Smyrna until June 2004, when Nissan's Canton, Miss., plant began producing additional Altimas to meet high demand.Initially, the car's official name was 'Stanza Altima.' 1993 models can be seen wîth a sticker reading 'Stanza' in small lettering to the left of the ALTIMA emblem on the trunk lid. Though the Stanza name was there more for regulatory compliance than a lack of confidence in renaming the middle vehicle in Nissan's longstanding Sentra-Stanza-Maxima three-sedan lineup, there were concerns at the time about the public's acceptance and ability to pronounce the new Altima name - enough that guidelines were distributed explaining the proper syllable emphasis. The concern was ill-founded, as Altima had an almost immediate impact on the mid-size sedan §egmènt, which at the time was dominated by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
All Altima models used Nissan's 150 hp straight-4 DOHC engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Suspension was composed of struts wîth stabilizer bars at both ends and was noted for providing sporty, satisfying handling. Trim lines consisted of the entry level XE, mid-line GXE, sporty SE, and luxury GLE.
The base XE (rare) had manual windows. The mid-line GXE had power windows, a power retracting antenna, pass thru rear armrest, digital clock in dash, and color matched plastic speaker grilles for the rear 6-inch speakers. The XE and GXE models only had the fixed intermittent wiper switch.
In addition to the GXE features, the SE had a stiffer suspension, fog lights, 3-leg mount rear spoiler, side skirts and sport seats (plus a standard sunroof in 1994-1995). It also had 4-wheel disc brakes, which came on the other trim lines when antilock brakes were ordered.
The GLE's enhancements included a digital head-up display (1993 and 1994 only), which displayed speed in mph or km/h, turn signals, and various warning lights on a unique mirrored patch made into the windshield. Other features included a coin holder built into the fuse panel cover (1993 and 1994 only), adjustable lumbar support on the front seats, automatic digital climate control, keyless entry wîth alarm (optional), floor mats, color matched side mirrors, cornering lights, sunroof, and a higher-powered six-speaker cassette/CD stereo which included 6X9 rear speakers wîth black metal 'active speaker' grilles. For 1997 it gave up all of the above in exchange for standard leather (previously optional). All SE and GLE models had alloy wheels and variable intermittent wipers.
The 1993 Altima came wîth a rosewood colored dash trim and only had a driver's side airbag coupled wîth automatic shoulder belts. The 1994 Altima gained a darker burl wood dash trim, a flush mount passenger airbag and regular seatbelts. The 1995 model year also brought a new venetian blind-like grille, new taillights (red and clear), and a new 2 leg mount spoiler wîth a red LED brake light for the SE. Nissan added new wheel covers for base models in 1996. In 1997 the GXE gained a new 'Limited Edition' package including alloy wheels, keyless entry, alarm, floor mats, and a Limited Edition sticker on each side near the front wheels. The majority of final-year Altima models were dubbed '1997.5' models, signifying the added crash protection necessary to meet 1997 side-impact standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)
Second Generation 1998- 2001
The second generation Altima followed in 1998 and was produced through the 2001 model year. Once again designed in California and manufactured in Tennessee, it had more power (155 hp by 2000) and a more responsive driving feel. It also offered a much more comfortable interior, a higher quality feel and additional equipment options. For 2001, the first Limited Edition model was introduced, which would become an important part of Altima's value pricing strategy in the years that followed.
The second generation (chassis model L30) was an American market-only version, again styled by Nissan's California design center. A new interior brought a revised glove box and cup holders, a folding back seat (except on XE), and depowered airbags.
While total volume remained identical at 108 cubic feet (3.1 m3), most felt it was distributed better and resulted in a slightly roomier-feeling cabin.
Trim lines were the entry XE, volume-selling GXE, sporty SE, and luxury-trimmed GLE. The SE can be distinguished by its body-color grille, fog lights, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and white-faced gauges. In this generation of Altima, all GLEs had leather seats standard.
The majority of changes came for the 2000 model year. The engine increased in power from 150 to 155 hp, while it also improved the 0-60 mph time from 8.7 to 8.4 seconds. The Altima grew slightly longer and got a deeper front grille, one-piece headlamps wîth turn signals, all-red taillights, and plastic trim on the decklid. Side airbags were newly standard on GLE and available on GXE and SE. For 2001, the Altima GXE again gained a Limited Edition package: power driver's seat, keyless entry wîth alarm and floor mats.
Third Generation 2002-2006
While the first two generations of Altima laid the foundation - and were very successful compared wîth the previous Nissan Stanza - the third generation really put Altima on the map and customer shopping lists.
It was the first mass-market product built on Nissan's new FF-L platform, which was unique to North America and had no equivalent model in Japan. It was produced in model years 2002 through 2006. This new design had up to 18-inch wheels and was the first Altima series to offer a 3.5-liter V6 in addition to its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Altima grew substantially for this generation, as interior volume expanded to 118.8 cubic feet. The Altima's interior dimensions even surpassed that of the higher-end Maxima, so the 2004 Maxima moved more upscale into the full-size bracket. The new Altima also featured improved handling and more aggressive styling. Reviews were consistently strong by media and consumers alike as the Altima helped lead Nissan's product resurgence in the early part of the new century.
'The concept behind the third generation Altima styling and engineering was simple - stop copying Accord and Camry, as we had been doing, and carve out fresh territory of our own,' explained Nissan Sales and Marketing VP, Al Castignetti. 'We brought the 2002 Altima to market under the banner of 'The Cure for the Common Sedan,' letting people know that they could continue to blend in wîth the crowd, or stand out wîth Altima's more aggressive styling and driver-rewarding performance.' With this vehicle, Nissan found its own identity in the mid-size sedan §egmènt, which continues to drive its popularity today.
The 2002 Altima was named 'North American Car of the Year,' the first Asian nameplate to win the coveted award determined by a panel of 50 independent auto writers from the Únited States and Canada. It was also named 2002 'Best of the Year' by MotorWeek on PBS. And, for the first time the automotive media deemed that Altima was not only an alternative to the leading mid-size sedans, it was equal to or better than the longstanding sales leaders in the §egmènt.
The 2003-2004 models received two tone dash color, and the 3.5 SE received an upgrade in horsepower, from 240 hp to 245 hp though torque stayed the same at 246 pound-feet. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine launched the sedan from 0-60 mph in just 8.6 seconds, more than competitive to those in its class.
For 2005-2006 the Altima received a facelift, including a new front grille, all-red taillights, redesigned interior, and an optional DVD-based navigation system. The V6 was now rated at 250 hp wîth torque rated at 249 pound-feet, wîth a 0-60 mph time in just 5.9 seconds utilizing the Xtronic 5-speed transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Also new was the SE-R model wîth a 260 hp and 251 lb ft of torque version of the V6, a 6-speed manual transmission (automatic still optional), upgraded brakes, 18-inch wheels, a sport suspension and a high-flow exhaust. Topspeed.com recorded a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds for the SE-R.
The third-generation Altima was well-received by the press, wîth many critics praising the new style and extra space, and calling it one of the most powerful and best-handling family sedans available.
Fourth Generation: 2006 - 2012
The fourth generation Nissan Altima was announced at the 2006 New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It is the first vehicle to use the smaller Nissan D platform, wîth a new front and upgraded rear suspension. The wheelbase is 1-inch shorter than the third generation Altima, but interior space is mostly unchanged. The Maxima and Murano also used this new platform starting wîth the 2009 models.
The 2007 Nissan Altima used revised versions of the engines from the third generation model. The 3.5 L V6 engine produced 270 hp and the 2.5 L straight-4 produced 175 hp. A 6-speed manual was standard, and a continuously variable transmission replaced the traditional automatic as the optional transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
The 2007 Altima sported some more recent innovations in the market, including, but not limited to, standard 'push-button start' (Called 'Intelligent Key'), Bluetooth capability for cell phones, and a parking camera. The dashboard has larger buttons for easy readability and a total of nine cup holders. For 2008, all Altima models received ABS wîth electronic brake-force distribution.
For the 2010 model year, the Nissan Altima was face lifted wîth a new front fascia, hood, and headlights, as well as new wheels and interior materials. Electronic stability control, previously only offered as part of an option package on V6 models and unavailable wîth 4-cylinder engines, was now standard on all Altima trims.
New Coupe and Hybrid Models Join the Lineup
The fourth and current generation Altima design (2007 to present) has far outpaced all of its predecessors, offering more of just about everything - including the addition of a dramatic new Altima Coupe for the 2008 model year. Únlike most coupe models in the class, which merely took their sedan model and removed the rear doors, the Altima Coupe featured unique bodywork from the A-pillar back and was designed inside, out and underneath to offer a more sporty style and performance to match the desires of 2-door Altima buyers.
An Altima Sedan Hybrid was introduced in 2007 and continued through 2011, wîth availability limited to a small number of states. The Altima Hybrid powertrain mated a specialized version of Nissan's QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT wîth an advanced electric drive motor/generator. This combination increased fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions.
In 2012, Altima continues to provide an innovative, standard-setting combination of quality, exhilarating performance, sporty appearance and exceptional value in the mid-size sedan class. Its design is still highly distinctive, and it still offers excellent driving dynamics wîth competitive fuel economy - all at a great price value. On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, the fifth and most innovative generation of the Nissan Altima will be launched in Smyrna, Tenn. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the Altima line wîth details of this exciting new model!
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 | • New Jetta Hybrid earns EPA fuel economy rating of up to 48 mpg; the first compact hybrid available with a turbocharged engine Herndon, VA - With EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 48 mpg on the highway, 42 mpg in the city, and a combined rating of 45 mpg, the Jetta Hybrid becomes the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup and the seventh model capable of more than 40 mpg on the highway. With sales of the Jetta Hybrid beginning later this month, Volkswagen wil...[Read more...] |
2009| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Chevrolet Malibu | ($21,605-26,880) |
| Chrysler Sebring | ($20,515-34,725) |
| Dodge Avenger | ($20,515-22,050) |
| Dodge Challenger | ($21,820-39,820) |
| Ford Fusion | ($19,035-25,605) |
| Ford Mustang | ($20,430-47,950) |
| Honda Accord | ($20,775-31,005) |
| Hyundai Sonata | ($18,700-26,550) |
| Kia Optima | ($17,495-22,145) |
| Mazda 6 | ($18,550-28,260) |
| Mercury Milan | ($20,320-26,720) |
| MINI Cooper | ($18,550-30,800) |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse | ($20,250-30,150) |
| Mitsubishi Galant | ($21,250-27,450) |
| Pontiac G5 | ($16,980-20,280) |
| Pontiac G6 | ($20,490-31,870) |
| Saturn Aura | ($22,430-26,925) |
| Scion tC | ($17,000-17,800) |
| Subaru Impreza | ($17,495-34,995) |
| Subaru Legacy | ($20,795-34,595) |
| Toyota Camry | ($19,145-28,695) |
| Toyota Prius | ($22,000-24,270) |
| Volkswagen Jetta | ($17,340-27,090) |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Honda | Jaguar |
| Saab | Subaru |
| Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Volvo | |
| Nissan: 2001-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Nissan History |
| Other models by Nissan |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Vehicle Recall Information |
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| 200SX 240 300 370Z | Altima Armada Cube Frontier | Fuga GT-R GTP ZX-Turbo Juke | Leaf Maxima Murano Navara | NV Pathfinder Quest Rogue | Sentra Silvia Titan Versa | X-Trail Xterra Z-Car |
| 2010 Altima |
