Nissan Altima

The fourth generation Nissan Altima (chassis model L32) 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, with a new front and upgraded rear suspension. The wheelbase is 1-inch (25 mm) shorter than the third generation Altima, but interior space is mostly unchanged. The Maxima and Murano also used this new platform starting with the 2009 models.

The 2007 Nissan Altima used revised versions of the engines from the third generation model. The VQ35DE 3.5 L V6 engine produces 270 hp, and the QR25DE 2.5 L straight-4 produces 177 hp (132 kW).[11] A 6-speed manual is standard, and a continuously variable transmission replaced the traditional automatic as the optional transmission.

The 2007 Altima sports some more recent innovations in the market, including, but not limited to, standard "push-button start" (Called "Renault Card"), Bluetooth capability for cell phones, and a parking camera. The dashboard has larger buttons for easy readability and a total of nine cup holders, three hidden under the center console, two in the rear armrest, and one 20-ounce cup holder in each door. Several hidden compartments have been added as well as doubling the glove compartment space to 0.46 cubic feet (13 L). For 2008, all Altima models received ABS with electronic brake-force distribution.[12]

Consumerguide.com tested the inline four cylinder Altima 2.5S w/ CVT to go from 0-60 mph in 8.6 sec; the 6-cylinder 3.5 SE model w/ CVT performed 0-60 mph in 6.0 sec according to the Long Term Road Test by Car and Driver.

There has been speculation[who?] that the Altima will soon replace the Primera as Nissan's European competitor in the large family car market that is dominated by models such as the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 407. Nissan has yet to confirm whether this will happen. The Primera is still made at the Sunderland plant in England, although UK sales ceased in late 2006 and an NMUK spokesman warned that its direct successor might not be sold in the UK due to the old model's fall in popularity during the final year or two of its life.[13]
[edit] Facelift
2010 Nissan Altima 3.5SR sedan

For the 2010 model year, the Nissan Altima was facelifted with a new front fascia, hood, and headlights, as well as new wheels and interior materials.[14] Electronic stability control, previously only offered as part of an option package on V6 models and unavailable with 4-cylinder engines, is now standard on all Altima trims.[15]
[edit] Coupe
2008-2009 Nissan Altima coupe

First officially revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe is Nissan's first-ever two-door Altima. It has a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan.[16] It was released on May 25, 2007 as a 2008 model.

The 2008 Altima Coupe is available with two engines: the same updated VQ35DE in the sedan, a 270 hp (201 kW) 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 or the QR25DE, a 175 hp (130 kW) 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder. The 4-cylinder version of the coupe has a base price in the United States of $20,490, while the 3.5-liter V6 will have a base price of $24,890.

Changes to the 2009 Nissan Altima Coupe include; the 6-speed manual transmission being refined for improved operational feel; new 16-inch wheel cover design; new standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design for Altima Coupe 3.5 SE model, along with standard 235/45 R18 Michelin tires; new high-gloss grille finish (previously medium gloss) and new auto speed-sensing door locks. The 4-cylinder version of the coupe has a base price in the United States of $21,750, while the 3.5-liter V6 will have a base price of $26,390.[17]
[edit] Facelift
2010 Nissan Altima 2.5SL coupe

Like the sedan, the Altima Coupe received a facelift for 2010 which includes a redesigned front-end, hood, and grille, new projector beam headlights, and the Altima Coupe 2.5 S model now comes standard with 17" x 7.5" 5-split spoke aluminum alloy wheels, along with P215/55TR17 all-season tires instead of the 16" steel wheels provided in the former. The SE model has now been renamed to SR and there was a revision to the fabric and trim pieces in the interior. The 2010 models now come with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control as standard equipment, which was previously a $600 stand-alone option. A new premium Bose audio system with a 4.3-inch color display and Nissan's next generation navigation system with a 6.5-inch color display with an internal hard drive providing 9.3GB of music storage and USB connectivity was also included with the refresh.[18] Azure Blue has been replaced by Navy Blue and there are two additional colors: Crimson Black and Ocean Gray.
[edit] Hybrid
Nissan Altima Hybrid

The Altima Hybrid is Nissan's first hybrid car. When first introduced in 2007 and continuing through the 2011 model year, the Altima's hybrid-drive system is licensed from Toyota's hybrid technology. The hybrid model is available only in 9 states in the U.S. that follow California's strict energy laws (California, Oregon, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont). The company has asserted that subsequent hybrid models will be based on hybrid technology developed in-house.[19] Up to 40,000 per year will be built at Nissan's Smyrna plant.[20] The Altima Hybrid is also available in Canada. The Nissan Altima Hybrid is also used as a regular taxi vehicle and as a police cruiser with the NYPD.[21]

The Hybrid Altima features a 2.5 L QR25DE engine producing 158 horsepower and 162 pound feet torque, CVT and electric motor/generator.[22]

Its fuel efficiency is 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US) city and 7.1 L/100 km (40 mpg-imp; 33 mpg-US) highway, based on revised EPA measures for fuel economy ratings.[22]