Nissan’s strong-selling Altima has been a mainstream hit since its mid-1990s debut, but the fifth-generation model is just around the corner.
The Altima is one of the segment’s strongest sellers, sometimes surpassing the overall leader Toyota Camry on a month-to-month basis. While the previous Altima’s redesign was evolutionary rather than revolutionary, Nissan seems to be taking a bit more of a gamble with the 2013 model with a more upscale design and curvaceous body lines.
At least for now, Nissan is only talking about naturally aspirated four- and six-cylinder versions of its sedan, as the Altima Coupe is expected to carry on in its current form for another year until a replacement can be penned. As for the hybrid, Nissan is being mum about it – at least for now.
So what engines do we get?
For starters, the 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine from years past returns, but updated of course and now yielding 182 horsepower (up 7 horsepower) and 180 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a significantly updated continuously variable transmission, or CVT, which delivers a 15 percent bump in fuel economy to what Nissan is predicting to be class-leading 27 city, 38 highway miles per gallon. No manual transmission will be available as standard or an option.
For starters, the 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine from years past returns, but updated of course and now yielding 182 horsepower (up 7 horsepower) and 180 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a significantly updated continuously variable transmission, or CVT, which delivers a 15 percent bump in fuel economy to what Nissan is predicting to be class-leading 27 city, 38 highway miles per gallon. No manual transmission will be available as standard or an option.
If that isn’t enough power for your grocery-getter, Nissan will gladly sell you an Altima Sedan equipped with a carried over 270 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque 3.5-liter V6. The V6 models to benefit from the same updated CVT as found in the Altima 2.5 models, but when mated to the V6 it yields just a 10 percent fuel economy bump to an estimated 22 city, 30 highway mpg. One thing the V6 does have, however, is the addition of paddle shifters for simulated gear shifting with the CVT transmission.
What’s inside?
As with the rest of the recently updated midsize sedans, the latest Altima receives improved materials, more appealing design and added electronics for the interior. Some of the interior features include Nissan’s “Smart cockpit” design with its next-generation systems including NissanConnect integrated smartphone connectivity with available Hands-Free Messaging Assistant, Advanced Drive-Assist Display customizable command center with steering wheel controls which allows drivers the ability to view pertinent information on a standard 3D-effect color display, chronograph gauges with chrome trim rings, Bluetooth audio including streaming capability and a slew of optional features such as Pandora internet radio, Google POI search, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Bose premium audio with nine speakers and an optional moonroof.
As with the rest of the recently updated midsize sedans, the latest Altima receives improved materials, more appealing design and added electronics for the interior. Some of the interior features include Nissan’s “Smart cockpit” design with its next-generation systems including NissanConnect integrated smartphone connectivity with available Hands-Free Messaging Assistant, Advanced Drive-Assist Display customizable command center with steering wheel controls which allows drivers the ability to view pertinent information on a standard 3D-effect color display, chronograph gauges with chrome trim rings, Bluetooth audio including streaming capability and a slew of optional features such as Pandora internet radio, Google POI search, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Bose premium audio with nine speakers and an optional moonroof.
Buyers can also customize the interior to their taste with available wood tone or metallic texture finishes if the stock layout isn’t for them.
Some other advanced technology new to the Altima for 2013 includes the optional NissanConnect infotainment system with a 7.0-inch navigation screen, turn-by-turn navigation, Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Warning and a remote start feature for the engine.
Trim levels
The 2013 Altima Sedan will carry-over the traditional trim naming scheme, featuring seven trim levels. The bottom rung of the Altima ladder is the 2.5, followed by the Altima 2.5 S model which includes a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Advanced Drive-Assist Display, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, Nissan Intelligent Key, six speakers, auto on/off headlights, in-cabin microfilter, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure readouts and more. Altima 3.5 S adds 18-inch wheels and tires, plus paddle shifters with manual mode.
The 2013 Altima Sedan will carry-over the traditional trim naming scheme, featuring seven trim levels. The bottom rung of the Altima ladder is the 2.5, followed by the Altima 2.5 S model which includes a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Advanced Drive-Assist Display, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, Nissan Intelligent Key, six speakers, auto on/off headlights, in-cabin microfilter, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure readouts and more. Altima 3.5 S adds 18-inch wheels and tires, plus paddle shifters with manual mode.
Altima SV models include Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Remote Engine Start System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy wheels (17-inch on 2.5 SV, 18-inch on 3.5 SV), RearView Monitor, NissanConnectSM with Pandora radio capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, 5.0-inch color audio display, USB port with iPod connectivity, Hands-Free Messaging Assistant and more.
The 3.5 SV also adds a moonroof, fog lights and HomeLink Universal Transceiver.
Altima SL models include leather-appointed seating, Bose Premium Audio System with nine speakers (including woofers), eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, LED taillights, LED outside mirror turn signals, premium interior trim, power sliding moonroof, auto dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink Universal Transceiver.
Just three options packages are available: a Convenience Package (2.5 SV), Navigation Package (SV) and Technology Package (SL) – along with the optional Remote Start and Rear Spoiler.
For now, the hybrid model is missing and the coupe is expected – but not confirmed – to carry-on for one year in its current form.
Bigger but lighter?
As is usually the case, the latest Altima has grown slightly, with a wider track by 1.4 inches and .8 inches of deeper fender on each side, but the wheelbase remains the same and almost counter-intuitively, the weight dropped by 79 pounds.
As is usually the case, the latest Altima has grown slightly, with a wider track by 1.4 inches and .8 inches of deeper fender on each side, but the wheelbase remains the same and almost counter-intuitively, the weight dropped by 79 pounds.
Even though it is considerably more shapely and looks quite a bit larger from some angles, its design is purposeful and the coefficient of drag is actually lower on the new model, contributing to the improved fuel economy.
Safety counts
The latest Altima shields its drivers from harm with an array of passive and active technologies, including the aforementioned Advanced Drive-Assist Display which can be linked to three new available safety features – Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD), if buyers opt for the pay-to-play Technology Package, which also adds NissanConnect with navigation.
The latest Altima shields its drivers from harm with an array of passive and active technologies, including the aforementioned Advanced Drive-Assist Display which can be linked to three new available safety features – Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD), if buyers opt for the pay-to-play Technology Package, which also adds NissanConnect with navigation.
Other safety features include electronic traction control, anti-lock brakes and Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat occupant head protection.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for a live image update to give a much more extensive view of the car. PHOTOS
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