The Nissan Altima made the best new cars Consumer Report's list for Best Family Sedan category. The Altima's marks in fuel economy, ride comfortability, braking and transmission efficiency make this car a top pic for families that will be car shopping this year.
Consumer Reports gives credence to Altima's 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder styles in terms of gas mileage, which is extremely important for today's economically-conscious family. The 4-cylinder reportedly gets 26 miles per gallon. The 6-cylinder Nissan Altima gets 24 miles per gallon overall.
The Nissan Altima also has standard electronic stability control (ESC). "Electronic stability control is the single most important advance in auto safety since the development of the seatbelt," said David Champion, Senior Director of Automotive Testing for Consumer Reports, published by Consumers Union.
Electronic stability control can actually prevent an accident in an Altima. ESC specifically aids a car when it's turning by using a series of sensors connected to a computer. Wheel speed, steering angle, and sideways motion are automatically controlled when a car starts involuntarily veer off course.
Sedans have always been a popular choice among families, especially families interested in room and comfort in a car, but aren't interested in a giant Sports Utility Vehicle. Sedans are traditionally better on gas and have large trunks to fit strollers, groceries and other home goods.
Vehicle Profile: The 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan
The ideal blend of style, performance and value.
Vehicle Profile: The 2012 Nissan Altima
With a choice of two powerful, efficient engines, the Nissan Altima Sedan is perfectly positioned for today's driving environment ? maintaining its position as the best selling individual model in the Nissan lineup. Yet as Altima enters the sixth year of its refined fourth generation design, it may be its reputation for quality and value that has cemented its place among the leaders in mid-size sedan sales and segment share.
For 2012, Altima Sedan is again available in three well-equipped models designed to appeal to a broad range of buyer needs and budgets ? the 2.5 CVT and 2.5 S CVT featuring a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and the 3.5 SR CVT with a standard 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Enhancements for the new model year include a new Value Package and the continuation of last year's Special Edition Package. Both are offered with Altima Sedan 2.5 S. In addition, a Dark Slate exterior color replaces the previous Metallic Slate.
A Distinctive, Sporty Design
For 2012, the Altima Sedan exterior again stands out against a field of conservative mid-size sedans with its 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.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and front fog lights are optionally available with the Sport Package (3.5 SR), while Altima-style taillights and dual exhaust finishers are found on all models. An aerodynamic rear spoiler is offered as part of the Special Edition and Sport Packages, along with fog lights. A power sliding glass moonroof is offered with the Convenience Plus and Sport Packages.
Altima's 109.3-inch wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs (with an overall length of 190.7 inches) help provide its 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. Altima is available with 16-inch (optional on 2.5 S) or 17-inch (standard on 3.5 SR) aluminum-alloy wheels or 16-inch steel wheels with covers (2.5, 2.5 S).
Eight exterior colors are offered for 2012, including one new color ? Dark Slate, which replaces Metallic Slate. Other available colors include Saharan Stone, Brilliant Silver, Tuscan Sun, Navy Blue, Super Black, Ocean Gray and Winter Frost.
A Refined, Entertainment-Focused Interior
The 2012 Altima Sedan once again emphasizes refined workmanship, attractive appearance and occupant comfort. It utilizes soft materials, such as padded armrests, and stylish chrome accents ? with complementing fabrics and finishers for all interior colors (both cloth and leather-appointed). 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 cupholder design, 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. Even the volume of the glove compartment is substantial and accommodating, measuring 0.46 cubic feet.
Three interior colors are available ? Charcoal, Blond and Frost. The interior is offered in both high quality soft-touch suede-like fabric and with optional leather-appointed seating (2.5 SL Package, 3.5 SR Premium Package).
Along with the driver-oriented cockpit, Altima's interior is enhanced with an available Premium Audio Package that includes a Bose® AM/FM audio system with nine speakers, 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).
Also offered is an advanced Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color display (replaces the 4.3-inch display), advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat Survey® restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, DVD player and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.
Other available convenience features include an 8-way power driver's seat, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, automatic on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding glass moonroof, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, heated front driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control and rear-passenger air conditioning vents.
A Choice of Two Efficient Powerplants
Altima's exhilarating driving pleasure comes from a tuned combination of strong acceleration, responsive handling and dynamic sound ? provided by advanced engine designs and the proven Nissan front-wheel drive "D" platform. Two powerplants are once again available in 2012. The iconic VQ35 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.
Also available is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL), 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL) and estimated Highway fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon It features a silent chain drive and a center-mounted balancer 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 utilizes large tube diameters and includes dual chrome-tipped exhaust finishers.
Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT®, which is designed to create a true synergy between engine and transmission with smooth, responsive, fluid-feeling performance and efficient operation, is standard on all models. The CVT has 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 Control with adaptive logic for fast shifting in both automatic and manual modes.
Altima's independent front suspension, with advanced geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs, helps provide responsive handling and a comfortable ride. The subframe-mounted front suspension makes extensive use of lightweight aluminum parts, while an X-type upper cowl structure helps establish front body rigidity for suspension mounting. Altima also features a low engine-mounting position with 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.
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 SR offers larger diameter stabilizer bars and unique spring rates and strut damping, as well as 17-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels and P215/55R17 Bridgestone Turanza EL400 tires.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) is standard on all Altima models. 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 balanced, "on center" feel. Braking 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) and Brake Assist.
The 2012 Altima Sedan comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including the 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 side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
Other standard equipment includes front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Models and Manufacturing
The 2012 Nissan Altima is available in three well-equipped models: 2.5 CVT, 2.5 S CVT and 3.5 SR CVT.
The 2.5 CVT includes standard 175-hp 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, Xtronic CVT®, 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes (vented front), independent suspension, 16-inch wheels and tires, velour seat trim, power windows and door locks and more.
The Altima 2.5 S CVT includes features such as Nissan Intelligent Key®, push button ignition, AM/FM/AUX input 6-speaker audio system, driver and front-passenger seatback map pockets, driver's footrest finisher, power windows with driver side one-touch auto up/down and more.
The Altima 3.5 SR CVT model starts with the 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and then adds 8-way power driver's seat, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, P215/55R17 all-season radial tires, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, auto on/off headlights, manual folding heated sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, dual illuminated vanity mirrors with extensions, one-touch auto up/down front windows and wood-tone finishers (Blond interior).
A number of option packages are also offered, allowing buyers to fine-tune the Altima to their precise needs ? including the Special Edition Package with auto on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio and ASCD controls, aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler and "Special Edition" badge. Also available are a Convenience Package, Convenience Plus Package, 2.5 SL Package and 2.5 S Premium Audio Package (all offered with the 2.5 S CVT).
The Technology Package, offered with the 2.5 S and 3.5 SR, includes the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch color monitor. The 3.5 SR Premium Package includes leather-appointed seats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, power driver lumbar support, heated front seats, Bose? AM/FM/CD audio system with 9 speakers, 4.3-inch color display, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, USB port with iPod connectivity, XM Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback compatibility, Radio Data System (RDS), speed-sensitive auto volume, auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, compass, mood lighting, rear-passenger air conditioning vents and metallic-texture finishers (charcoal interior).
Finally, the Sport Package (3.5 SR) offers Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, power sliding tinted glass moonroof with tilt, sliding sunshade and one-touch open/close with auto-reverse feature, High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, fog lights and rear spoiler.
Altima is assembled at the Nissan North America Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi Manufacturing plants
New York's gas prices rank among the country's highest, and so does its growing affinity for hybrids.
In 2011, sales of alternative vehicles across the state increased 50 percent over 2010, ranking it third-highest in overall hybrid sales behind California and Florida.
The eco-friendly cars fared even better in the Capital Region, where the number of registrations in 2010 doubled compared with the previous year.
And as fuel prices continue to rise, the inclination toward smaller, more eco-friendly cars hasn't slowed. In the last three months, 50 of the 300 Altimas sold at Nemith Nissan in Latham were hybrid versions of the popular automobile.
"Around here, it's really a combination of gas mileage and ecology," said Mike Orcutt, Nemith Nissan's general manager.
State Department of Motor Vehicles registrations for hybrids in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties reached 2,756 in 2010, twice the 1,356 hybrids registered in 2009, DMV spokesman Nick Cantiello said.
A driving force behind the alternative vehicles is sticker shock at the pumps, experts say.
"The push is economy-related. It's fueled by gas prices," said Tom Libby, senior automotive analyst at Power Information Network, a unit of J.D. Power & Associates Inc. in Troy, Mich.
Hybrids cost more than their standard predecessors, but the tax credits add incentives, Orcutt said.
A standard Altima costs $22,000, while the hybrid runs $25,000. The $2,200 tax credit on the hybrid version can sweeten the deal, Orcutt said.
In spite of their higher initial investments, hybrids are faring well in the larger auto market, which declined by 7 percent last year, Libby said.
Hybrids made up 2.9 percent of the country's new car sales in 2009, up slightly from 2008's 2.5 percent. U.S. registrations for new hybrids rose 38 percent last year to 350,289 vehicles. The percentage is higher in New York, where the 17,385 new hybrids represent a 50 percent increase over the 11,634 in 2006.
Statewide, hybrid sales represented 5 percent of the state's combined new car sales, the study by R.L. Polk also reported.
"When something that's good for the environment meets up with $4 a gallon, the environment becomes very ripe," said Deborah Dorman, president of the Eastern New York Coalition of Automobile Retailers Inc., a 94-member trade group of new car dealers.
Manufacturers lose money on hybrid production, which is the reason consumers pay so much for the vehicles, said Libby of Power Information Network. The automotive industry is bracing itself for new federal regulations that require each of their fleets to average 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
Demand for hybrids will remain limited until prices come down, Libby said, and prices likely won't come down until the industry develops cheaper technologies
The ideal blend of style, performance and value.
The 2012 Nissan Altima, an enduring icon of the Nissan lineup, is now
entering its 20th year of production in the United States. This
stylish sedan continues to be an exceptional value that combines strong
performance and sporty design. With over 5,000 quality and durability tests
performed, the Altima is ready for whatever you throw at it.
The 2012 Altima Sedan (a stylish Coupe is also available) comes standard
with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 175 hp and 180 lb/ft
of torque and is EPA-estimated at up to 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Also
available is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that cranks out 270 hp and 258 lb/ft of
torque and is rated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The sedan utilizes an
Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode
for smooth driving. Dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers are standard on
all models as well.
The 2012 Altima (MSRP starting at $20,410) is available in 2.5, 2.5 S and
3.5 SR models. For the 2012 model year, a new 20th Anniversary
Package adds nearly $2,000 worth of equipment for only $950. Those items include
16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, Bluetooth Hands-free
Phone system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and automatic
on/off headlights.
All Altima models include standard Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button
Ignition, Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges and a multi-functional trip
computer with outside temperature display. Available features include the Nissan
Hard Drive Navigation System, leather seating and a power moonroof.
Built on the advanced Nissan "D" platform, the Altima features low "NVH,"
which refers to "noise," "vibration" and "harshness"; it describes how quietly
your car is going to ride. The Nissan emphasis on low NVH has the added benefit
of making the car's electronics work that much better because there is little if
any outside noise interference, especially important when dealing with
voice-operated equipment.
The front suspension is designed with advanced geometry and minimizes
torque steer, which is the sensation common in some vehicles that cannot handle
lots of power being sent to the front wheels. The Altima also features a rear
suspension design with an emphasis on nimbleness and comfort, plus standard
front and rear stabilizer bars.
The Altima is built with Zone Body construction and hood buckling creases
to keep occupants safe, and it features the Nissan Advanced Airbag system,
Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System and a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System on all models.
Al Castignetti, Nissan North America Vice President and General Manager,
said, "Altima still has nothing in common with the common sedan and stands out
as a cut above the ordinary for people who want more style, power, comfort and
value. It's innovation that lasts, innovation for all." Come and see for
yourself and take a test drive today
Vehicle Profile: The 2012 Nissan Altima
Midsize sedan continues to deliver comfort, performance and
handling.
For 2012, the Nissan Altima sedan continues to be the linchpin of the
Nissan lineup with its spacious interior, fuel efficient, yet powerful engines,
quiet ride and a design that sets it apart from the other midsize sedans on the
road.
The 2012 Altima sedan is available in three well-equipped models that
appeal to a broad range of buyer needs and budgets: 2.5 CVT (MSRP starting at
$20,410); 2.5 S CVT, featuring a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that produces
175 hp and 3.5 SR CVT with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out a powerful 270
hp. The 3.5-liter V6 packs a lot of punch under the hood with its 258 lb/ft of
torque, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) features an advanced,
performance-tuned controller and adaptive logic that reacts to how you drive for
almost seamless shifting. The EPA estimates that the four-cylinder Altima can
deliver up to 32 mpg on the highway.
The unsung hero of the Altima would be its suspension. Nissan engineers
have developed the D platform, which holds the engine lower to the ground for
reduced noise, vibration and harshness while you're cruising down the road.
Standard front and rear stabilizer bars, and shock absorbers with rebound
springs combine to deliver nimbleness in the corners and comfort on the
straightaways.
Safety features abound on the Altima, starting with a Nissan advanced
airbag system that includes dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seatbelt
sensors and an occupant sensor. All work together to deliver the protection you
need for you and your family. Also standard are driver and front passenger
side-impact airbags, as well as curtain side-impact airbags to enhance head
protection for passengers. Two other important safety features that come
standard are Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System, which
work to keep the Altima on the straight and narrow when road conditions turn
slick or dramatic.
Interior volume for the Altima is among the best in its class at 116.0
cubic feet. It's a comfortable space for both driver and passengers with
extensive use of soft materials (such as padded armrests), and well-bolstered
seats that embrace you in comfort on both long highway trips and quick runs to
the grocery store.
Your interior experience is enhanced with an available premium audio system
that includes a 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod connectivity,
Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA/CD-ROM playback, XM
Satellite Radio capability and a Rearview monitor.
On the road a lot? You'll really appreciate the available Nissan Hard Drive
Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color display that offers, among other
features, advanced map data ? that includes speed limit advisories and
Zagat® Survey restaurant guide ? and, with subscription, XM
NavTraffic and XM NavWeather, so you're never caught unawares or
malnourished.
Buyers looking for economical options will appreciate the new Value Package
being offered in the 2012 Altima. For just $490, consumers receive a
leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth
Hands-free Phone System, automatic headlights and an auto-dimming rearview
mirror with HomeLink Universal Transceiver.
The 2012 Nissan Altima is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to step
away from the common midsize sedan. Contact us today to set up a test
drive.2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Pairs Power and Efficiency, Quality and Value to Maintain Strong Sales Momentum
The 2012 Altima sedan is available in three well-equipped models that
appeal to a broad range of buyer needs and budgets: 2.5 CVT (MSRP starting at
$20,410); 2.5 S CVT, featuring a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that produces
175 hp and 3.5 SR CVT with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out a powerful 270
hp. The 3.5-liter V6 packs a lot of punch under the hood with its 258 lb/ft of
torque, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) features an advanced,
performance-tuned controller and adaptive logic that reacts to how you drive for
almost seamless shifting. The EPA estimates that the four-cylinder Altima can
deliver up to 32 mpg on the highway. With a choice of two powerful, efficient engines, the Nissan Altima Sedan is perfectly positioned for today's driving environment ? maintaining its position as the best selling individual model in the Nissan lineup. Yet as Altima enters the sixth year of its refined fourth generation design, it may be its reputation for quality and value that has cemented its place among the leaders in mid-size sedan sales and segment share.
For 2012, Altima Sedan is again available in three well-equipped models designed to appeal to a broad range of buyer needs and budgets ? the 2.5 CVT and 2.5 S CVT featuring a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and the 3.5 SR CVT with a standard 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Enhancements for the new model year include a new Value Package and the continuation of last year's Special Edition Package. Both are offered with Altima Sedan 2.5 S. In addition, a Dark Slate exterior color replaces the previous Metallic Slate.
A Distinctive, Sporty Design
For 2012, the Altima Sedan exterior again stands out against a field of conservative mid-size sedans with its 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.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and front fog lights are optionally available with the Sport Package (3.5 SR), while Altima-style taillights and dual exhaust finishers are found on all models. An aerodynamic rear spoiler is offered as part of the Special Edition and Sport Packages, along with fog lights. A power sliding glass moonroof is offered with the Convenience Plus and Sport Packages.
Altima's 109.3-inch wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs (with an overall length of 190.7 inches) help provide its 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. Altima is available with 16-inch (optional on 2.5 S) or 17-inch (standard on 3.5 SR) aluminum-alloy wheels or 16-inch steel wheels with covers (2.5, 2.5 S).
Eight exterior colors are offered for 2012, including one new color ? Dark Slate, which replaces Metallic Slate. Other available colors include Saharan Stone, Brilliant Silver, Tuscan Sun, Navy Blue, Super Black, Ocean Gray and Winter Frost.
A Refined, Entertainment-Focused Interior
The 2012 Altima Sedan once again emphasizes refined workmanship, attractive appearance and occupant comfort. It utilizes soft materials, such as padded armrests, and stylish chrome accents ? with complementing fabrics and finishers for all interior colors (both cloth and leather-appointed). 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 cupholder design, 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. Even the volume of the glove compartment is substantial and accommodating, measuring 0.46 cubic feet.
Three interior colors are available ? Charcoal, Blond and Frost. The interior is offered in both high quality soft-touch suede-like fabric and with optional leather-appointed seating (2.5 SL Package, 3.5 SR Premium Package).
Along with the driver-oriented cockpit, Altima's interior is enhanced with an available Premium Audio Package that includes a Bose® AM/FM audio system with nine speakers, 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).
Also offered is an advanced Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color display (replaces the 4.3-inch display), advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat Survey® restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, DVD player and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.
Other available convenience features include an 8-way power driver's seat, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, automatic on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding glass moonroof, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, heated front driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control and rear-passenger air conditioning vents.
A Choice of Two Efficient Powerplants
Altima's exhilarating driving pleasure comes from a tuned combination of strong acceleration, responsive handling and dynamic sound ? provided by advanced engine designs and the proven Nissan front-wheel drive "D" platform. Two powerplants are once again available in 2012. The iconic VQ35 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.
Also available is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL), 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL) and estimated Highway fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon It features a silent chain drive and a center-mounted balancer 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 utilizes large tube diameters and includes dual chrome-tipped exhaust finishers.
Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT®, which is designed to create a true synergy between engine and transmission with smooth, responsive, fluid-feeling performance and efficient operation, is standard on all models. The CVT has 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 Control with adaptive logic for fast shifting in both automatic and manual modes.
Altima's independent front suspension, with advanced geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs, helps provide responsive handling and a comfortable ride. The subframe-mounted front suspension makes extensive use of lightweight aluminum parts, while an X-type upper cowl structure helps establish front body rigidity for suspension mounting. Altima also features a low engine-mounting position with 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.
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 SR offers larger diameter stabilizer bars and unique spring rates and strut damping, as well as 17-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels and P215/55R17 Bridgestone Turanza EL400 tires.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) is standard on all Altima models. 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 balanced, "on center" feel. Braking 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) and Brake Assist.
The 2012 Altima Sedan comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including the 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 side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
Other standard equipment includes front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Models and Manufacturing
The 2012 Nissan Altima is available in three well-equipped models: 2.5 CVT, 2.5 S CVT and 3.5 SR CVT.
The 2.5 CVT includes standard 175-hp 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, Xtronic CVT®, 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes (vented front), independent suspension, 16-inch wheels and tires, velour seat trim, power windows and door locks and more.
The Altima 2.5 S CVT includes features such as Nissan Intelligent Key®, push button ignition, AM/FM/AUX input 6-speaker audio system, driver and front-passenger seatback map pockets, driver's footrest finisher, power windows with driver side one-touch auto up/down and more.
The Altima 3.5 SR CVT model starts with the 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and then adds 8-way power driver's seat, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, P215/55R17 all-season radial tires, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, auto on/off headlights, manual folding heated sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, dual illuminated vanity mirrors with extensions, one-touch auto up/down front windows and wood-tone finishers (Blond interior).
A number of option packages are also offered, allowing buyers to fine-tune the Altima to their precise needs ? including the Special Edition Package with auto on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio and ASCD controls, aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, rear spoiler and "Special Edition" badge. Also available are a Convenience Package, Convenience Plus Package, 2.5 SL Package and 2.5 S Premium Audio Package (all offered with the 2.5 S CVT).
The Technology Package, offered with the 2.5 S and 3.5 SR, includes the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch color monitor. The 3.5 SR Premium Package includes leather-appointed seats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, power driver lumbar support, heated front seats, Bose? AM/FM/CD audio system with 9 speakers, 4.3-inch color display, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, USB port with iPod connectivity, XM Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback compatibility, Radio Data System (RDS), speed-sensitive auto volume, auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, compass, mood lighting, rear-passenger air conditioning vents and metallic-texture finishers (charcoal interior).
Finally, the Sport Package (3.5 SR) offers Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, power sliding tinted glass moonroof with tilt, sliding sunshade and one-touch open/close with auto-reverse feature, High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, fog lights and rear spoiler.
Altima is assembled at the Nissan North America Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi Manufacturing plants
 mike orcutt gm nemith nissan |
NY loves hybrids;
Capital Region drivers love them twice as much |
The Business Review (Albany) - by Pam Allen
Mike Orcutt, general manager of Nemith Nissan, says 50 of the 300 Altimas sold in the last three months were hybrids.New York's gas prices rank among the country's highest, and so does its growing affinity for hybrids.
In 2011, sales of alternative vehicles across the state increased 50 percent over 2010, ranking it third-highest in overall hybrid sales behind California and Florida.
The eco-friendly cars fared even better in the Capital Region, where the number of registrations in 2010 doubled compared with the previous year.
And as fuel prices continue to rise, the inclination toward smaller, more eco-friendly cars hasn't slowed. In the last three months, 50 of the 300 Altimas sold at Nemith Nissan in Latham were hybrid versions of the popular automobile.
"Around here, it's really a combination of gas mileage and ecology," said Mike Orcutt, Nemith Nissan's general manager.
State Department of Motor Vehicles registrations for hybrids in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties reached 2,756 in 2010, twice the 1,356 hybrids registered in 2009, DMV spokesman Nick Cantiello said.
A driving force behind the alternative vehicles is sticker shock at the pumps, experts say.
"The push is economy-related. It's fueled by gas prices," said Tom Libby, senior automotive analyst at Power Information Network, a unit of J.D. Power & Associates Inc. in Troy, Mich.
Hybrids cost more than their standard predecessors, but the tax credits add incentives, Orcutt said.
A standard Altima costs $22,000, while the hybrid runs $25,000. The $2,200 tax credit on the hybrid version can sweeten the deal, Orcutt said.
In spite of their higher initial investments, hybrids are faring well in the larger auto market, which declined by 7 percent last year, Libby said.
Hybrids made up 2.9 percent of the country's new car sales in 2009, up slightly from 2008's 2.5 percent. U.S. registrations for new hybrids rose 38 percent last year to 350,289 vehicles. The percentage is higher in New York, where the 17,385 new hybrids represent a 50 percent increase over the 11,634 in 2006.
Statewide, hybrid sales represented 5 percent of the state's combined new car sales, the study by R.L. Polk also reported.
"When something that's good for the environment meets up with $4 a gallon, the environment becomes very ripe," said Deborah Dorman, president of the Eastern New York Coalition of Automobile Retailers Inc., a 94-member trade group of new car dealers.
Manufacturers lose money on hybrid production, which is the reason consumers pay so much for the vehicles, said Libby of Power Information Network. The automotive industry is bracing itself for new federal regulations that require each of their fleets to average 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
Demand for hybrids will remain limited until prices come down, Libby said, and prices likely won't come down until the industry develops cheaper technologies