The last time we drove the Nissan Altima it was already a winner in our book. A stylish mid-sized coupe or sedan with a bit of sport and luxury feel, all boxed up in an economical package. This year that tradition continues and is further emphasized in our test vehicle equipped with one of the best V6 engines on the market.

For 2010 styling remains mostly unchanged with the exception of the reshaped outline of the front grill and the addition of the SR trim level replacing the SE trim from last year. We had the opportunity to review the Altima 3.5SR coupe equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission and it was a blast to drive. This time we have the Altima 3.5SR sedan with Nissan’s proven CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which is nothing short of a performer. The Altima V6 sedan, because of its relatively lightweight body (3357lbs.) and powerful 270 horsepower engine, is a decent performing family sedan.

The power delivery of the VQ series 3.5-liter V6 engine is smooth, and when combined with the CTV tranny it almost seamlessly finds the power-sweet-spot when you need it. On the highway the Altima SR sedan’s sport tuned suspension is firm and gives you a since of confidence even at higher speeds. From a standstill the Altima V6 is able to reach 60mph in 6.8 seconds and has a good stopping distance of 123 feet down from 60mph. Traction control and vehicle skid control keep the front wheel drive sedan in check if the 258 foot-pounds of torque gets out of hand. Just like the Altima’s older sibling, the Nissan Maxima, front-wheel-drive torque steer is almost non-existent. This is something the 3^rd generation (2002-2006) Altima V6 suffered from greatly.

The smooth sheet metal of the 2010 Altima looks modern and refreshed when compared to the model just a couple years ago. Nissan has added chrome painted accents along the grill, reshaped the headlights slightly and even added in folding rearview mirrors. The Altima has always been among the better-looking entry-level family sedans on the road, in my opinion, even when compared to the Toyota Camry. Out test vehicle was equipped with HID headlamps and integrated fog lights up front which add a luxury look to the vehicle at night as well as helping you see better.

Inside of the 2010 Altima, many things remain unchanged from the previous years. The leather seating appointments are supportive and available in a wide variety of colors. The Bose stereo with its color LCD screen, iPod/USB integration, XM satellite radio and 9 speakers is an ‘okay’ sounding system. The way it handles bass could be improved. What we really like about the Altima is its available back-up camera which is displayed on the 4.3-inch Bose stereo screen. Also to our surprise our Altima had rear a/c vents. This is something you do not find on cars of this class. All of these options were part of the Altima SR’s premium package.

All of the controls and instrument cluster readouts are large and easy to read. Not much about the Altima’s interior leaves you guessing.

The rear seating of the Altima sedan has some room for improvement as it has its passengers sitting relatively low. Trunk room is ample as is the total amount of cargo space with the standard 60/40 split rear seats folded down.

When the Nissan Altima had a major redesign for 2002, it came out of the gates as ‘the family sports car’ which was later shadowed by the Nissan Maxima. The Maxima, built off of the same platform, comes at a higher price point that includes many more available luxury amenities.

The Nissan Altima remains to be a family sedan that is small enough to be nimble, yet big enough to seat 5 comfortably. The Altima also keeps its tradition of being economical with a modest 20mpg city and 27mpg figures for the V6 and 23mpg/32mpg for the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. Nissan has given potential buyers of the Altima the option to load it up with several amenities such as a voice-activated navigation system and even streaming Bluetooth audio. If you are looking for a reliable, stylish, economical yet sporty family hauler, then the Nissan Altima SR is one vehicle you don’t want to overlook. The Altima 2.5 sedan starts at just $19,900 and the 3.5 SR starts at $24,740. Our test vehicle came in at $30,165, which includes a destination charge of $720.

Copyright: 2010 AutomotiveAddicts.com

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: Base Altima 2.5 $19,990 Base Altima 3.5SR $24,740 As-Tested $30,165
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 190.7 in.
Width: 70.7 in.
Height: 57.9 in.
Wheel Base: 109.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.4 in.
Curb Weight: 3357 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4279 lbs.

Interior
Front Head Room: 40.6 in.
Front Hip Room: 56.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 55.7 in.
Rear Head Room: 36.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.5 in.
Rear Hip Room: 52.5 in.
Front Leg Room: 44.1 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.8 in.
Luggage Capacity: 15.3 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Engine Number of Cylinders: 6
Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 270 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm
Torque: 258 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm
Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 37.4 ft.
0-60mph: 6.8 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 20 mpg / 27 mpg / 23 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 400 mi. / 540 mi. / 460 mi.

Usually when you think of a sports coupe the Nissan Altima does not pop into your head immediately. Nissan has set out to change that way of thinking with the latest Nissan Altima Coupe SR.

The new 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe SR is a blast to drive. It reminds me of the time spent with the Infiniti G37 Coupe. The firm ride from the sport tuned suspension of the Altima Coupe was quite surprising in that it provided a decent ride while keeping the car firmly planted to the road during hard cornering.  I would say the ride gets a bit harsh on bumpy roads but nonetheless it did not beat me up as bad as the Nismo 370Z. With a wheelbase of only 3 inches shorter than the Altima Sedan, the Altima Coupe’s ride is still smooth when necessary.

For a front-wheel drive sport coupe, the Nissan Altima holds its own and then some. The 270 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque 3.5-liter VQ series V6 engine provides well enough power to overcome vehicles at highway speeds without any second thoughts. Our test vehicle was equipped with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, which is an excellent choice over the optional CVT transmission. Even though the CVT transmission is a worthy choice, it still does not match the performance that can be had with a 6-speed manual that has the proper gear ratios. Our experience with CTV transmissions in previous tested Nissan vehicles has been pleasing.

With the new Altima Coupe, Nissan has attempted to mimic the styling of the Infiniti G37 coupe, which is not a bad idea. On the outside the front has been slightly redesigned for this year, leaving everyone still guessing if it is a new Altima or Maxima coming down the road. The soft lines running down the rear roofline into the rear trunk differentiates the Altima Coupe from the Sedan. Unfortunately, the Altima Coupe suffers from subtle blind spots.

An inside look at the Altima Coupe is pleasing to the eyes and very functional. The red leather seats equipped in our test vehicle add a nice luxury appeal that one would only think to find in more expensive sport coupes. The red leather seats make a bold statement. The power driver’s seat is not difficult to adjust to find a comfortable position. The manually adjusted passenger seat is a different story due to the lack of height adjustability. The black leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter along with the dark padded dashboard accents adds a nice appeal to the interior. Finding quality interior materials is a major plus. Nissan has come a long way in this area and has done a great job. It shows in the Altima Coupe.

The rear seats of the Altima Coupe are usable but rather tight when you attempt to seat two adults. Accessing the rear seats is a difficult task as well with the front seats not providing much forward travel. This may be due to the front seats being somewhat ‘beefy’ which is not a bad thing for front passengers as the seats are very supportive.

Fit and finish of the Nissan Altima Coupe SR is excellent. Everything flows well inside and out. The light aluminum hood and trunk may push the Altima off as a cheap car but the weight savings is more of a functional design aspect rather than a sign of quality of craftsmanship. Most materials used in the Altima have a quality feel to them.

Performance is what you get in the Altima Coupe SR. Even though the Altima is front wheel drive, you should not let it fool you into thinking it is a pushover. With enough power on tap, the Altima Coupe 3.5 SR can actually get you into trouble. Nissan has virtually eliminated torque steer in their front wheel drive V6 equipped vehicles. We first took notice of this from the test drive of current Nissan Maxima. With a clutch that was neither too soft nor too firm on our 6-speed test vehicle, you could stick it in any suitable gear for the speed you are traveling and be assured that the Altima is serious about performance. The Altima Coupe is no 370Z but a softer front-wheel-drive variant of it.

Including a new “SR” group in the lineup of Altima’s was a great idea. Many enthusiasts went crazy when Nissan introduced an Altima SE-R in 2004. The SR somewhat takes its place for those who are concerned about performance in a mid-sized sports coupe. If you are in the market for such a vehicle, then you should not overlook this one. The 3.5 SR standard equipment list is long with only one option on our test vehicle being the floor & trunk mat set. Altima Coupe SR packaging includes the notable features of the Bose audio system w/ 7 speakers, 8-way power drivers seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed seats in red, 4.3-inch color screen with backup camera, HID headlights and intelligent key system. You get all of this priced at $30,495 which is not bad at all.

Copyright:2010 AutomotiveAddicts.com

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: Base 3.5 SR 6-speed manual $29,600 As-Tested 30,495
Type: Midsize Coupe
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Subcompact Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 180.9 in.
Width: 70.7 in.
Height: 55.9 in.
Wheel Base: 105.3 in.
Curb Weight: 3294 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4586 lbs.

Interior
Front Head Room: 37.2 in.
Front Hip Room: 54.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 53.9 in.
Rear Head Room: 35.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 52.4 in.
Rear Hip Room: 47.6 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.5 in.
Rear Leg Room: 34.4 in.
Luggage Capacity: 8.2 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 270 hp
Max Horsepower: 6000 rpm
Torque: 258 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm
Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 36.1 ft.
0-60mph: 6.5 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Manual: 18 mpg / 27 mpg / 21 mpg
Range in Miles:
Manual: 360 mi. / 540 mi. / 420 mi.

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid – “The Ultimate Hybrid Midsize Sedan”

Don’t’ let the Hybrid badges on the sides and rear fool you into thinking that the new 2010 Nissan Hybrid is slow at launch and performs like a weighty, mid-size hybrid sedan.

It doesn’t feel, or look like, a typical hybrid sedan that I have tested so far this year.

Its sporty good looks, higher levels of performance and premium interior appointments are second to none.

What makes the Altima Hybrid so special and extraordinary is its gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain.  It starts with Nissan’s refined version of its QR25 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions.

The advanced energy drive system shares duties between the gasoline-powered four-cylinder and the emissions-free electric motor-allowing Altima Hybrid to run solely on electric power, if appropriate, especially in city stop-and-go traffic.  If extra performance is needed, the gasoline engine starts instantly and smoothly adds power as required.

The Altima Hybrid combines a net power rating of 198hp, but more importantly, 199lb.ft. of torque from 0rpm to 1,500rpm, which gives the Altima Hybrid extraordinary acceleration at launch.  EPA fuel economy figures are estimated at a healthy 35mpg/city and 33mpg/highway.  With a standard fuel tank holding 20-gallons of fuel, the Altima Hybrid can travel on the highway up to 700 miles before you have to fill the gas tank.

The Altima Hybrid uses the regenerative braking technology to recharge the hybrid system’s batteries so you don’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 244.8 volt Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery for eventual use by the electric motor.

Altima Hybrid’s all-electric mode, called Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, powers the vehicle in the initial launch phase benefiting from the 199lb.ft. of torque instantly.  After the electric motor provides the 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 car.  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.

It is almost like a supercharger or turbo, instantly boosting power when you need it.

A digital display on the speedometer indicates when the Altima Hybrid is running solely on electric power.  The Altima Hybrid’s available hard drive navigation system also features a real-time display showing how the hybrid system directs the energy flow.

Serving as the foundation for Altima Hybrid is Nissan’s advanced ‘D’ platform.  It includes an independent front suspension featuring subframe mounted struts, gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs and stabilizer bar.  The rear independent setup is multi-link with coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.  With this fully independent suspension the handling is just like if you were driving the Altima 3.5 liter V6 engine equipped model but with much better mpg.

The Altima Hybrid goes where you want it to go thanks to the advanced electric power assisted rack & pinion steering system.  It is weighted just right, light at low speeds and heavier as your speed increases, with a good feel for the road and on-center feel.

Quickly slowing the Altima Hybrid down from speed are large, power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes.  Up front are 11.7in vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers, and 11.5in. solid discs in the rear clamped with single piston calipers.  Keeping you in control are standard ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.  These brakes are regenerative helping to recharge the battery pack that sits behind the rear seats.

All Altima Hybrid’s ride on 16X7in. aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with low-rolling 215/60R16in. Continental Pro Contact all-season radial tires.

It is a real pleasure driving the new Altima Hybrid around town or at speed on the highways, giving back excellent power and handling performance you’ll only find on more expensive gasoline-powered sedans.

Nissan made several changes to the exterior styling of the 2010 Altima Hybrid.  The distinctive, signature exterior styling features a revised hood, grille, front bumper and rear license plate finisher designs along with new 16in. aluminum alloy wheel design.  Other changes include a power sliding moonroof in the Premium Package.  It is an even more aggressive stance with a strong wedge character line, sweptback windshield pillars, lower side extensions, spread dual exhaust tips and trunk mounted spoiler.  The co-efficient of drag is 0.31.

The interior is roomy, comfortable and sporty with Nissan’s Fine Vision gauge cluster, comfortable and supportive front seats with an available 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, sliding center console with 3-cupholders, storage slots in each door, faux wood trim on the door switch plates, available leather seats and trim, Nissan Intelligent Key to more easily open the doors, push button start/stop, dual-zone automatic climate control with filtration, rear pull-down dual cupholders and dual air ducts behind the center console to bring more air into the rear.  My fully loaded test Altima Hybrid came with these features standard-tilt-telescoping/leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio/cruise control buttons, speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers/washers, rear passenger floor vents, power windows with one touch up/down in front, dual 12-volt plugs, dual sun visors with vanity mirrors, dual map lamps, rear reading lamps, center console with dual-level storage, and grab handles above each passenger door.  The Premium Package included leather seats/trim and shift knob, 4.3 color display with rearview TV monitor, front heated seats, Bose Audio System with 9-speakers, USB port and iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands free phone system, XM satellite radio, Homelink universal transceiver, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, power-remote/heated side mirrors, and compass.  The Technology Package comes with Nissan Navigation system with 5in. VGA touch-screen color monitor, Hybrid energy flow display & Energy/Fuel History display, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, DVD Player and VTR jack.  The Altima Hybrid interior has it all to keep you in touch and in the know.

The 2010 Altima Hybrid also comes equipped with a number of standard safety features including the Nissan Advanced Airbag System with dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain side impact airbags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, front seat belts with pretensioners/load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH system for child seats, Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, side impact steel beams in each door, vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid has it all to keep anyone happy behind the wheel.  With bold, aggressive looks, a roomy, comfortable and contemporary interior, excellent power, superb handling, and the added fact of 35mpg/city and 33mpg/highway with a 20-gallon fuel tank giving you up to 700 miles on the highway and over 650 miles in the city before refilling your tank.  Now that is a pleasure for your wallet or pocketbook.

COPYRIGHT:2010:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: Base $26,780 As-Tested $34,810
Type: Midsize Sedan – Hybrid
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 190.7 in.
Width: 70.7 in.
Height: 58.3 in.
Wheel Base: 109.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.8 in.
Curb Weight: 3470 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4537 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.6 in.
Front Hip Room: 56.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 55.7 in.
Rear Head Room: 36.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.5 in.
Rear Hip Room: 52.5 in.
Front Leg Room: 44.1 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.8 in.
Luggage Capacity: 10.1 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2.5 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 158 hp (combined electric/gas hp 198hp)
Max Horsepower: 5200 rpm
Torque: 162 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 2800 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs.
Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 36.1 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 35 mpg / 33 mpg / 34 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 700 mi. / 660 mi. / 680 mi.

JD Power and Associates has identified the 2009 Nissan Altima as the “Highest Ranked Midsize Car in Initial Quality”.  The Initial Quality Study is designed to be a predictor of long-term durability and measures owner-reported problems that occur during the first 90 days of ownership. Responses from 80,930 new-vehicle owners were collected from February to May 2009 and spanned 245 models.  The 2009 Nissan Altima received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among midsize cars. The JD Power study also gave the Altima the highest possible rating in Fuel Economy Range and high scores for seating capacity and horsepower.

The Altima has been rolling off the Nissan assembly line since 1993 and is proof that practice makes perfect.  Small wonder that Altima is Nissan’s best selling model and this is sure to continue with more standard equipment and color options than ever before. With four Altima coupe models to choose from and a selection of five sedan models, there appears to be something for everyone. Standard features across all Altima models include, power windows, locks and mirrors,  Intelligent Key, 60/40 split/fold rear seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, 16-inch wheels, and speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Nissan offers a selection of optional packages for the 2009 Altima as well.  The technology package includes a navigation system with a 6.5-inch color monitor, backup camera and monitor, XM NavTraffic with active traffic information.  The convenience package includes alloy wheels, power driver’s seat auto on/off headlamps and steering wheel audio controls.  The premium package includes a Bose audio system, satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seats, dual zone auto climate control and Bluetooth hands free phone system.

Beyond the proven durability and bounty of extra features, the 2009 Altima has also been proven to be one of the safest vehicles on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted crash tests on the 2009 Altima Hybrid Sedan and Altima Coupe.  The Hybrid received the agency’s highest rating of 5 stars for both frontal and side-impact testing. The Coupe received 4 stars in the frontal testing and 5 stars in the side-impact testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also conducted crash tests on the 2007-2009 Altima and awarded it the Institute’s highest score in frontal offset crash testing.

All and all the Nissan Altima is one great car for the money, durable, adaptable and safe.

Nissan’s newest Altima has moved onto the big league with its latest design, becoming one of Nissan’s work-horse vehicles with a long consistent history.

At a reasonable distance, it is hard to differentiate the new Nissan Altima from its “big sister”, the Nissan Maxima. Although they share many components, the Altima is still in a different class that could ultimately save you money while providing some of the same styling that makes the Nissan family such a remarkable brand.

The newest styling was introduced in 2006 and seems almost as innovative and refreshing as it did back in 1999. Moving in the right direction, Nissan has pumped the new Altima with several modernized gadgets that were commonly found years ago only on luxury cars.  A few of the things included now consist of the new key-less push-button ignition, Bluetooth, MP3 player, side airbags and the list goes on.

The Altima is sold in several trim levels including the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder 2.5S test vehicle, hybrid and the upgraded V6 in 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL trims. Our test vehicle’s 2.5-liter engine was matted to the infamous CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) transmission that can be found in many other Nissan vehicles such as the Sentra, Maxima and Murano. The CTV is proven technology that offers a new level of fuel efficiency when compared to conventional automatic transmissions. The Altima 2.5S provides surprising power delivery from its 4-cylinder engine producing 175hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. With this type of setup you could keep up with many V6 cars on the highway while managing an average of 26 MPG. Basically, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Nissan’s interior has come a long way. Once criticized for the massive amount of cheap plastics, Nissan has upped the ante in the new Altima. The new Altima provides a somewhat decent interior with comfy seats, and the dash looks very appealing. Our 2.5S test vehicle had standard cloth seats which were surprisingly supportive when taking sharp turns. The rear 60/40 split fold-down seats provide ample room for three adults. It was not as noticeable to see where the hard plastics end and the lower padded portion began. Chrome accents are found throughout the interior adding a rich aesthetic to the over-all appeal of the new Altima. Such accents attempt to give you that luxury car feel.

The Nissan Altima was always noted for having more of a “sporty” feel than its competitors. Even when matched with the Toyota Camry 4-cyl, the Altima is able to hold its own and wear the Nissan badge proudly even if the sales come in third behind the Camry and Honda Accord.

The Nissan Altima remains to be a safe vehicle, or just as safe as any of its competitors. Although one gripe that I have about the new Altima 2.5S is that it’s missing ESC (Electronic Stability Control) as a standard feature. In past years Nissan has missed out on making some safety features standard. The out-going Altima did not even have standard ABS. This time it is ESC that is missing from the standard list while ABS, driver and passenger side mounted airbags, roof-mounted curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system are all standard now. Even the Korean rivals such as Hyundai and Kia have implemented ESC as a standard feature.

With my one major gripe aside, I truly enjoyed driving the new 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5S. It is a reliable, economical, and relatively inexpensive form of transportation that you can comfortably make long distance trips in without too many worries.

Specifications

Price: MSRP $21,540 / As Tested $25,800
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 189.8 in.
Width: 70.7 in.
Height: 57.9 in.
Wheel Base: 109.3 in.
Curb Weight: 3192 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4279 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.6 in.
Front Hip Room: 56.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 55.7 in.
Rear Head Room: 36.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.5 in.
Rear Hip Room: 52.5 in.
Front Leg Room: 44.1 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.8 in.
Luggage Capacity: 15.3 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2.5 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 175 hp
Max Horsepower: 5600 rpm
Torque: 180 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3900 rpm
Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 36.1 ft.
0-60mph: 7.5 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 23 mpg / 31 mpg / 26 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 460 mi. / 620 mi. / 520 mi.

The Tuner Perspective: Reviewed- 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S
-by Darryl Dowe, President Drivensport Performance

Supposedly “Z” inspired, the 2009 Altima is Nissan’s latest foray into the mid-sized sedan market. Offered in either the QR25DE  2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder or the venerable VQ35DE  3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6, the Altima boasts 175 hp and 270 hp respectively. A hybrid system based on the QR25DE powerplant is offered as well with a reported net power of 198 hp. The Front engine, front-wheel drive (FF) layout is standard fare for this category of fuel-sipping econo-box and the 6-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission round out the drivetrain options. 11.7″ Front vented disc/11.5″ rear disc brakes are standard, as well as independent front and rear suspension. Wheel and Tire options consist of 16″ x 7.0″ Steel /aluminum-alloy wheels or 17″ x 7.5″ aluminum-alloy wheels with P215/60/55TR16/17 All-season tires. Curb Weight ranges between 3,145 and 3,470 lbs in it’s heaviest  incarnation.

Stock, Mild or Wild?

In stock trim, the Altima neither seeks to exceed or excel, impress or offend but finds itself squarely seated in the realm of the average and the mediocre; average in this case is not necessarily bad (the Altima gets between 19-23 mpg city and 26-33 mpg hwy), in fact for most consumers the Altima is just what Dr. Pangloss ordered ” the best of all possible worlds”

MILD UPGRADES

Altima owners are not left totally out in the cold when it comes to performance mods. Basic bolt-ons abound as aestetics and performance go hand in hand.  Intakes, exhausts and body kits are already available for the newest addition to the Nissan stable of economy cars and some mods even claim to improve performance:

Takeda Short Ram Intake for the 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5L,  (Fits both Coupe and Sedan) boasts a +9HP / +11TQ increase over stock; a supposedly simple, quickly installed, bolt-on horsepower affair

MagnaFlow Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System. 2.5L, 2.25 inch. System, 4inch. Dual Polished Stainless Tips, Dual Rear Exit, Bolt on installation, no welding required, increase in horsepower & torque. Dual-exit Stainless Steel Axle-back System for the 2008-2009 Altima 2.5L I4 featuring 2.25″ tubing and 4″ double-wall polished stainless tips. Magnaflow’s Nissan Altima exhaust system features fast-flowing, mandrel-bent, stainless steel tubing, a Wide-Open, straight-through, stainless steel Magnaflow Performance muffler and a snappy-looking polished stainless steel tip.

GENUINE NISSAN ACCESSORIES

Want to make a statement without voiding your factory  warranty?  Try these Nissan blessed, NISMO genuine parts to add a little flair and style to your 2.5L Altima!

Rear Spoiler- Make your Altima extra sporty with an aeroydynamic Rear Spoiler. Custom designed to help enhance rear down-force,  Prepainted in factory-matched colors

Fog Lights- They look great but, more important, they increase your visibility in foggy conditions. White lens adds wide-angle view, increasing visibility, Lens design creates low, wide projection for foggy conditions, Integrate into front bumper for a factory-installed look

Nismo Cat Back Exhaust System- 7.5 HP and 5.2 lb-ft increase at the front wheels, Complete mandrel bent cat-back exhaust system, 303 stainless steel construction,  Weight: 54 lbs (24.5kg), Precise bolt-on installation,  4.0″ (101.6mm) double-walled tips with laser-etched NISMO logo, Provides a more aggressive, sporty sound and is 50-state emissions legal,  Covered by Nissan’s 12 Month/12,000 Mile Parts and Accessories Warranty, (US Customers Only), Available for the 2009 Nissan Altima

READY TO WALK ON THE WILD SIDE?

Given enough time, money and effort, any car can be modifed and fitted with a plethora of custom parts and accessories, a truly unique one-off  car.  Turbochargers, Nitrous, Alcohol injection and engine management upgrades are some of the most common ways to boost performance and add style and flavor to your ride.

Jet Chips ECU Upgrade Kit – QR25DE- the ECU will be programmed according to the information you provide for optimized performance and mileage to match your specific modifications; Jet’s exclusive Dynamic Spectrum Tuning provides optimal performance across the entire power band and not just at full throttle; The programming includes extensive modification to air/fuel ratios, ignition advance and boost pressures for turbo applications

Ultimately,  the 2009 Altima Nissan 2.5L S is a great econonmy car, with no delusions of grandure when it comes to its appeal as a readily modified tuner platform.  A very basic car at an affordable price, look to the 3.5L V6 or the Altima Coupe for more options when it comes to support from the tuning community.

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid Test Drive – “A Better Alternative”

After seven days behind the wheel of the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid I enjoyed the ride and handling even more than when I tested the gasoline version of the Altima Sedan.
Combining true driving pleasure, its unique and sporty design, and a driver-oriented interior with excellent 35mpg/city and 33mpg/highway fuel mileage, the 2009 Nissan Altima hybrid is like no other hybrid that I have tested so far.

Even though fuel prices has dropped in recent months, they are on the rise again, and more consumers are focusing their purchases on high mileage, fuel efficient hybrid models to save money and help save the environment.

First introduced in model year 2007, Nissan engineers had the requirement to make it a Nissan-style hybrid, not just a fuel efficient car. This is a key reason why when compared to the competition from Toyota, Chevy and Honda, several automotive magazines have called the Altima Hybrid ‘the best’ among the hybrids tested.

The Altima hybrid powertrain mates a refined version of Nissan’s QR25 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT (continuously variable transmission) with 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 and emits almost no evaporative emissions.

Altima hybrid’s drive system creates a synergy between its electric motor and its gasoline engine, offering both efficiency and excitement in the same attractive package. It is fun to drive and looks great, just like the gasoline version.

The advanced energy drive system shares duties between the gasoline-powered 4-cylinder and the emissions-free electric motor-allowing the Altima hybrid to run solely on electric power, especially during stop-and-go driving, and up to 35mph with light throttle on flat roads, or when driving down hill. When extra power 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 198hp, but I think it is more like 220hp at peak throttle. With its 20 gallon fuel tank, the Altima hybrid can drive up to 700 miles between fill-ups.

The Altima hybrid uses regenerative braking technology to recharge the hybrid system’s batteries and also when coasting with you foot off the throttle, so you don’t have to plug in the batteries 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, stored behind the trunk wall, for eventual use by the electric motor.

The Altima hybrid utilizes the proven technology and components from Toyota Motor Corporation that are mated t Nissan’s refined 2.5 liter engine.

Helping to provide smooth acceleration and maximize powertrain efficiency is Altima hybrid’s hybrid system-specific eCVT, which works in conjunction with the Hybrid Vehicle-Electric Control Unit (HV-ECU) to determine which power source or combination of power sources will turn the wheels. Nissan’s CVT is one of the quietest and smoothest units that I have ever tested, gasoline model or hybrid model, and really makes the Nissan Altima hybrid one of the best to drive.

Altima hybrid’s electric motor produces high torque at low rpm’s, allowing it to utilize its Electric Vehicle (EV) mode to power the car from a standing idle, after sufficient warm-up, 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’s hybrid’s all-electric mode, call 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 and aids the gasoline engine in powering the car. 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. It almost feels that you have a turbocharger under the hood with little lag for the power boost.

A digital display on the speedometer indicates when the Altima hybrid is running solely on electric power. The car’s optional DVD navigation system also features a ‘real-time’ display showing how the hybrid system directs the flow of energy.

The car is remarkably smooth, most will never know of the transitions between electric and gasoline power sources. What I felt was highly responsive acceleration and a seamless delivery of power under most driving conditions.

A smooth, quiet ride with excellent responsiveness is assured because the foundation of all Nissan Altima’s is Nissan’s advanced ‘D’ platform. The platform includes a subframe-mounted front suspension, shocks absorbers with rebound springs and equal-length half-shafts that are nearly parallel to the ground-virtually eliminating the dreaded front-wheel-drive torque steer.

Altima’s exterior styling features an aggressive stance, strong wedge character line and signature Altima-style taillamps with dual exhaust tips down below.

Inside, Altima utilizes refined workmanship, high-quality materials and a long list of standard equipment. The Altima hybrid shares exterior and interior designs with the regular Altima sedan-with the exception of unique Hybrid badging on the fenders and rear trunk-lid cover.

Standard equipment includes comfortable and supportive front buckets seats, front console with sliding armrest and dual-level storage, push button start/stop, dual-zone electronic climate control, power windows/door locks, AM-FM/CD audio system with 6-speakers and an auxiliary input jack, cruise-control, variable-speed intermittent wipers, tilt/telescope steering column, dual map lamps, grab handles above each passenger door, dual 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders in center console, rear center armrest with dual cupholders, dual visor vanity mirrors, map pockets behind each front seat, and thick-cut pile carpeting. Options include a rear spoiler, 8-way power driver’s seat, automatic on/off headlamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls/cruise-control buttons, wood-tone trim, leather seats/shift knob, front heated seats, Bose AM-FM-CD changer with 9-speakers, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback capability Radio Data System, speed sensitive volume control, XM satellite radio, heated/power remote, manual folding side mirrors, Homelink Universal transceiver, Bluetooth hands free phone system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear AC vents, power moonroof, Nissan Navigation System with TV parking assist, and floor mats.

Standard safety systems include front and side airbags, roof-mounted curtain airbags,
3-point safety belts for all five seating positions including front pretensioners/load limiters, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, child safety locks on rear doors,
front/rear crush zones, steel beams in each door, LATCH system for child seats, tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle security system and emergency inside trunk release.
When you are thinking about purchasing a hybrid sedan you must check out the Altima hybrid. When you drive one you’ll notice that you haven’t sacrificed any power, performance or interior comfort while enjoying a smooth comfortable ride, just like in an Altima gasoline sedan. Prices start at just $26,650.00.

COPYRIGHT: 2009:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $26,650
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: United States
EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 189.8 in.
Width: 70.7 in.
Height: 57.9 in.
Wheel Base: 109.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.6 in.
Curb Weight: 3471 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4537 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.6 in.
Front Hip Room: 56.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 55.7 in.
Rear Head Room: 36.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.5 in.
Rear Hip Room: 52.5 in.
Front Leg Room: 44.1 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.8 in.
Luggage Capacity: 10.1 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2.5 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 198 hp
Max Horsepower: 5200 rpm
Torque: 162 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 2800 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs.
Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 36.1 ft.
0-60mph: 7 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 35 mpg / 33 mpg / 34 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 700 mi. / 660 mi. / 680 mi.