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2009 ALTIMA HYBRID: A HYBRID THAT DRIVES LIKE A NISSAN
Combining true driving pleasure, distinctive and sporty design and a driver-oriented interior wîth excellent fuel mileage, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is a hybrid like no other. The Altima Hybrid, which joined the Nissan lineup in the 2007 model year, continues to offer the efficiency and fuel economy of a hybrid drivetrain wîth the performance and excitement typical of any Altima.'Hybrids are top-of-mind for buyers seeking low emissions/high fuel-efficiency vehicles, but not all hybrids are created equal,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. 'When developing the Altima Hybrid, Nissan engineers had a requirement to make it a Nissan-style hybrid, not just a fuel efficient car. This is a key reason that the Altima Hybrid has done so well when stacked up against the competition, such as in the recent comparison by a leading automotive enthusiast magazine, which called the Altima Hybrid ‘the best' among the hybrids tested.'
For the 2009 model year, the Altima Hybrid adds a standard auto door-lock function and four new exterior color choices (nine total): Red Brick, Navy Blue, Sonoran Sand and Mystic Jade.
Altima Hybrid has been certified to meet California emissions requirements and is sold in states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. These eight states are among the strongest markets for hybrid vehicles.
The Altima Hybrid is part of Nissan's ongoing efforts in the area of environmental protection and vehicle efficiency. The company's aim is to provide the right technology to the right market at the right time and right value to the customer.
In addition to Altima Hybrid, Nissan offers a wide application of its advanced Xtronic CVTä (Continuously Variable Transmission) in its 2009 passenger cars and crossovers and Flexible Fuel Technology (FFV) in the 2009 Titan pickup and Armada SÚV. Nissan has also announced plans to develop electric vehicles as a strategic direction embedded in Nissan GT 2012, Nissan's new mid-term business plan, wîth the development of safe and low-cost lithium-ion batteries. A Nissan electric vehicle is scheduled for introduction in the Ú.S. and Japan in 2010. By 2012, Nissan has announced its plans to mass-market electric vehicles to consumers globally.
Cutting-Edge Hybrid Technology
The Altima Hybrid powertrain mates a refined version of Nissan's QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT wîth an advanced electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. Altima Hybrid is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no evaporative emissions.
'Altima Hybrid's drive system creates a synergy between its electric motor and its gasoline engine, offering efficiency and excitement in the same attractive package,' said Castignetti.
The advanced energy drive system shares duties between the gasoline-powered 4-cylinder and the emissions-free electric motor – allowing Altima Hybrid to run solely on electric power if appropriate, especially during stop-and-go driving. If extra performance is needed, the gasoline engine starts instantly and smoothly adds power as required.
Altima Hybrid is estimated to have a hybrid system net power rating of 198 horsepower (148 kW). EPA fuel economy is estimated at 35 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway. Combined wîth Altima's standard 20-gallon fuel tank, the Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of up to 700 miles between fill-ups.
The Altima Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking technology to recharge the hybrid system's batteries, meaning Altima Hybrid doesn't have to 'plug in' to maintain a sufficient store of electric energy.
In order to recharge the battery, a generator places resistance on the driveshaft during braking. Altima Hybrid's Regenerative Brake System calculates braking force generated by brake pedal operation and controls the regenerative brake force to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, optimizing energy regeneration. The system converts the vehicle's kinetic energy to usable electric energy that is stored in the system's 244.8V Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery for eventual use by the electric motor.
The Altima Hybrid utilizes proven technology and components from Toyota Motor Corporation that are mated to Nissan's refined 2.5-liter engine.
Nissan's proven QR25 4-cylinder engine has been refined for use in the fourth generation Altima, wîth a larger intake manifold, increased compression ratio and reduced friction characteristics compared to the previous generation. The engine also features continuously variable valve timing, modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum-coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttle.
Helping provide smooth acceleration and maximize powertrain efficiency is Altima Hybrid's hybrid system-specific eCVT, which works in conjunction wîth the Hybrid Vehicle-Electric Control Únit (HV-ECÚ) to determine which power source or combination of power sources will turn the wheels.
Altima Hybrid's electric motor produces high torque at low rpm, allowing it to utilize its Electric Vehicle (EV) mode to power the car from a standing idle and through initial acceleration without the assistance of the gasoline engine. While this stage of acceleration is a typical gasoline-only powered vehicle's least fuel-efficient stage, Altima Hybrid offers much of its fuel-efficiency benefits here.
Altima Hybrid's all-electric mode, called Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, powers the vehicle in this initial acceleration phase. After the electric motor provides initial acceleration, the gasoline engine quietly starts and assumes the load of powering the vehicle. The gasoline engine works independently through cruising speeds until the vehicle reaches speeds at which fuel efficiency declines.
When loads require, the electric motor restarts again and aids the gasoline engine in powering the Altima Hybrid. This allows the gasoline engine to remain in its ideal rpm range while the axle torque simultaneously increases due to extra power contributed by the electric motor. A digital display on the speedometer indicates when the Altima Hybrid is running solely on electric power. The Altima Hybrid's available DVD navigation system also features a real-time display showing how the hybrid system directs the flow of energy.
'Altima Hybrid feels remarkably smooth – most drivers will never be aware of the transitions between the electric and gasoline power sources,' said Castignetti. 'Mostly what they will feel is highly responsive acceleration and the seamless delivery of power under almost all driving conditions.'
A Pure Altima Experience
The Altima Hybrid is one of three distinct choices for Altima buyers in 2009, along wîth the Altima Sedan and the Altima Coupe – each delivering a rewarding, engaging driving and ownership experience.
Serving as the foundation for all 2009 Altimas, including Altima Hybrid, is Nissan's advanced 'D' platform. The platform includes a subframe-mounted front suspension, shock absorbers wîth rebound springs and equal-length half-shafts that are nearly parallel to the ground – virtually eliminating traditional front-wheel drive torque steer.
Altima's exterior features an aggressive stance, a strong wedge character line and signature Altima-style taillights. Inside, Altima utilizes refined workmanship, high-quality materials and a long list of available amenities. The Altima Hybrid shares exterior and interior designs wîth the 2009 Altima Sedan – wîth the exception of unique Hybrid badging and hybrid power/charge display in the driver information display.
The 2009 Altima Hybrid 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).
One Well-Equipped Model
The 2009 Altima Hybrid is offered in one model, the Altima Hybrid, and wîth several optional equipment packages. Standard equipment includes the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid electric components, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), eCVT transmission, 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes wîth Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), electric power rack-and-pinion §teering, 4-wheel independent suspension and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Comfort and convenience features include standard Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ wîth Push Button Ignition and a dual-zone automatic temperature control that includes an Altima Hybrid-specific electrically powered A/C that continues to provide cooling when the gasoline engine is stopped.
The Altima Hybrid also offers an impressive list of available convenience features, including leather-appointed seating, Bluetoothâ Hands-free Phone System, RearView Monitor, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Nissan's Advanced Navigation System wîth real-time Energy Flow Display.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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