A few months ago I tested the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima powered by the newly refined 270hp 3.5 liter V6 engine mated to a new Xtronic CVT. I was very impressed by the new powertrain, sleek styling, the redesigned suspension, 18 inch wheels and tires, the special steering system, Zero-Gravity bucket seats, armrest, the instrument panel and cluster, Nissan’s navigation system, music connections and the unique windshield wipers.
I just finished testing the Altima with the redesigned 2.5 liter engine that sheds about 11 pounds while adding 7hp to 182. The new design adds variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts, and the new intake system opens the valves at a higher rpm to help keep the 180lb.ft. of torque flat throughout the torque band.
Other revisions include an aluminum exhaust manifold cover and a more efficient starter motor and thinner cylinder head walls. Just like the 3.5 liter V6 engine, the 2.5 liter in-line four cylinder engine is mated to the advanced Xtronic CVTY design that raises the standard in class again with limited noise and vibration while providing a premium driving experience and rewarding acceleration that gave me a feeling of driving a higher class sedan. Acceleration to 60mph from a standstill comes in just 7.2 seconds. That’s not a bad number for a midsize sedan with a four-banger. What really impressed me was that after driving the 2.5 liter equipped Altima more than 400 miles, the trip computer registered a combined 31.8 mpg driving on the city streets and highways.
Besides the smaller displacement engine, the all-new 2013 Altima SL that I tested came with slightly smaller front/rear stabilizer bars and 17X7 inch aluminum wheels wrapped with 215/55R17 inch Continental ContiPro Contact high-performance tires. Everything else found in the 3.5 liter SL was the same-outside, inside and under the skin.
If you are looking for a true high mileage top-of-the-line midsize entry-level luxury sport sedan then check out the all-new 2013 Altima 2.5 SL.
Be sure to check out our 2013 Nissan Altima Reviews here!
COPYRIGHT: 2013: HARVEY SCHWARTZ
