August 1, 2007 – , Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 -0500 2007 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 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 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 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 Ultra 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® Universal 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. # # # Issued by Nissan
August 1, 2007 – , Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 -0500 2007 Following the introduction of the all-new, totally redesigned Altima sedan last year, Nissan’s best-selling nameplate enters the 2008 model year with the addition of 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, which has been engineered to be the best-performing front-wheel-drive sedan available globally, is an exciting, affordable alternative to its middle-of-the-road competition. Built on Nissan’s “D” platform, the 2008 Altima Sedan offers dramatic exterior styling, a comfortable well-equipped interior, and a choice of the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 or the powerful 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and 6-speed manual or Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) transmissions. The 2008 Altima also offers a long list of technology features, including standard Intelligent Key with Push Start Ignition, available Bluetooth ® Hands-free Phone System, RearView Monitor and an advanced touch-screen navigation system. Highlights of the 2008 Nissan Altima include: Body Distinctive, sporty Altima design Aggressive stance, Nissan “T-shaped” grille, Altima-style taillights, small wheel opening gaps Wide track, powerful fender forms Available High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights (V6 models) Available rear spoiler Engine and Driveline 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque or a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL) and 180 lb-ft torque (175 lb-ft CAL) for strong acceleration and tuned sound quality Standard dual exhaust with both engines Available Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) designed for fluid-feeling performance and efficient operation – V6 utilizes an advanced, performance-tuned controller with adaptive logic (Xtronic CVT™ available with both V6 and 4-cylinder engines 6-speed manual transmission with a narrow gate, short shift stroke and quality shifting feel (available with both V6 and 4-cylinder engines) Suspension, Steering and Braking Rigid “D” platform featuring low NVH, low engine mounting position Secure feel, flat cornering and stable comfort for easy to appreciate performance in everyday driving Front suspension design with dynamic geometry, equal-length half shafts that are almost parallel to the ground – virtually eliminating torque steer Rear suspension design with an emphasis on nimbleness and ride comfort Shock absorbers with rebound springs for secure cornering feel Standard front and rear stabilizer bars Larger diameter stabilizer bars and unique spring rates and strut damping on Altima 3.5 SE model Power-assisted vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system, providing light effort at low speeds, secure feeling at high speeds Power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) Available 16-inch steel or aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/60R16 tires or 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires Interior Features Crafted interior feel with refined workmanship, extensive use of soft materials (such as padded armrests) and chrome accents Roomy yet sporty interior space with innovative amenities, including Fine Vision gauge display instrument panel, available Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, convenient covered storage compartments and nine cup or bottle holders Available Bose®-developed audio system with 9 speakers, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, dual-zone automatic temperature control Comfortable, highly bolstered seats Safety Standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage air bags and seat belt sensors, standard front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and standard side-impact curtain supplemental air bags Zone Body construction Front seat Active Head Restraints Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system Models and Manufacturing Available in four models: Altima 2.5, Altima 2.5 S, Altima 3.5 SE and Altima 3.5 SL 2008 Altima is also offered in Altima Hybrid and Altima Coupe models Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi Plants # # # Issued by Nissan