Nissan's refined sedan line up for 2008 arrived in the Middle East with the cherry on top; the all new Nissan Altima 2008. The new vehicle further confirms its status as the alternative to ordinary cars, with an array of advanced features that set it straight ahead of all competitors in its class. Evolutionary in design, but revolutionary in its platform and hardware, the new Nissan Altima 2008 addresses target customers' desires for a more rewarding driving and ownership experience by offering new levels of built-in and perceived quality, enhanced comfort, sporty performance, and technological breakthrough features.
"Nissan has combined expressive design, thrilling performance and innovative technology in an ultimate class leading sedan, the 2008 Nissan Altima. After its large success in the region and its wide audience across several categories, we expect the new Altima to yet broaden its fan base with its unending strive to raise the bar of status distinction", said Hirotaka Mima, Sedan Brand Manager at Nissan Middle East.
The Altima is already running ahead of the competition winning awards and accolades along the way. It recently received the Highest Ranking in the Midsize Car Segment of the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 APEAL Study and was also awarded the AutoPacific 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Premium Mid-Size Cars in the US.
The new Altima is available with a long list of advanced technology - including Nissan's new generation Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), advanced all-new "D-platform", Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, built-in Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and 9-speaker BOSE audio system with iPOD connection.
Distinctive, Sporty StylingThe 2008 Nissan Altima exterior styling is an evolution of Altima's distinctive, iconic, sporty design. It offers a "dynamic simplicity" with an aggressive stance, a new Nissan "T-shaped" grille, powerful front fenders, strong wedge character line, forward A-pillars and Nissan family roofline, Altima-style taillights inspired by fighter jets and dual exhaust finishers on all models. High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights are available on V6-equipped models.
Upgraded Quality and AmenitiesThe 2008 Nissan Altima interior has an enhanced perceived quality and feel with refined workmanship and expanded use of soft materials and chrome accents. Interior noise levels have been reduced through use of the new rigid platform and increased sound insulation.
"This new Altima feels like a completely different and more luxurious vehicle in terms of design, use of quality materials and available amenities - it's quiet, comfortable and rewarding," added Mima.
The instrument panel features a new Fine Vision gauges with LCD information center for enhanced readability and the L-shaped flow of the instrument panel to the center console adds to the driver-oriented cockpit feel.
Among the innovative passenger amenities for the class are Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bose® audio system with 9 speakers including an auxiliary audio input for iPod, built-in Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, dual-zone automatic climate control and steering wheel-mounted controls (includes Bluetooth system, Audio system and Cruise control).
"Next Generation" Platform and Performance
The exhilarating driving pleasure of the all-new Nissan Altima 2008 comes from a tuned combination of strong acceleration, responsive handling and dynamic and refined sound - provided by the all-new "D-platform" and the enhanced engine designs.
The new Nissan Altima is the first global application of Nissan's advanced "D" platform, which offers much improved body rigidity and an all-new front suspension with new geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs. Engineers Set "Best Performing Large Front-Wheel Drive Sedan in the World" as Target for the Development of New D-Platform.
The new rear "Z-inspired multi-link suspension" separates the rear shocks and springs for reduced friction and the shocks are in line with the center of the rear wheels, providing better damping and less harshness. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard.
Two engines are available, a "next generation" version of 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 now rated at 285 horsepower* and 37.3 kg-m of torque* and offers stronger acceleration and refined sound quality. The V6 features new twin induction, reduced friction, improved cylinder head cooling and new twin knock sensors.
Also available is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder producing 188 horsepower* and 26.2 kg-m of torque*. The QR25 engine has been refined with a larger intake manifold, increased compression ratio and reduced friction characteristics. It features a silent chain drive and a balancer system that effectively negates vibrations without taking up much space - combining ideal packaging and smoothness.
Both engines feature advanced continuously variable valve timing control system (CVTCS), modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttles.
(*gross)
New dual exhaust system designs reduce exhaust backpressure by 35% on the 4-cylinder and 50% with the V6. Both systems utilize increased tube diameters and include dual chrome-tipped exhaust finishers.
A new twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system is standard, providing light steering effort at low speeds and a secure feeling at high speeds, along with improved "on center" feel.
Smooth Efficient Xtronic CVT
The 2008 Nissan Altima is offered with a choice of two transmissions with both the V6 and 4-cylinder engines. A new 6-speed, narrow-gate manual features reduced friction, a new guiding plate, shorter shift stroke, increased torque capacity and closer gear ratios covering a wider range. The advanced Nissan Xtronic CVT replaces the previous conventional automatic transmission.
The new generation 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 new Nissan Altima. Unit friction has been reduced by 30% for the 4-cylinder CVT and 20% for the V6 design.
The CVT has been enhanced with a high-speed central processing unit and Adaptive Shift Controller with adaptive logic for faster 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.
"The combination of the new adaptive logic CVT and the refined engines give the new Nissan Altima just an exceptionally responsive and fun-to-drive feel - sporty but not harsh, smooth but not rubbery," said Mima.
Nissan remains the industry leader in CVTs, with three separate CVT designs currently in production. Nissan began studying CVT technology in 1979 and offered its first production CVT in 1992 and world's first 3.5-liter V6 CVT application in 2002.
More than just the efficiency advantages of CVT over conventional automatic transmissions, CVTs offer owners, as studies of Murano drivers have shown, real benefits in terms of smooth, responsive, trouble-free performance. By 2008, Nissan expects to sell one million CVT-equipped vehicles worldwide annually.
Enhanced SafetyThe new Nissan Altima comes equipped with a number of standard safety features.
Braking for the 2008 Nissan Altima is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes and a 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS-equipped Nissan Altima features Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake force depending on load condition (passengers and cargo) and Brake Assist, which senses hard or panic pedal application and helps provide maximum braking capacity. Also available are Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
Zone Body construction incorporates a high-intensity cabin structure with front and rear crumple zones and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags). Also available 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 and tether system and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). The 2008 Nissan Altima will be available to the Middle East drivers in two well equipped models: 2.5S and 3.5SE.
-Ends-
For more information you can visit the Nissan Media Channel through www.nissan-me.com or contact: Saleh Jafar
Senior Manager
Corporate Communications Department
Nissan Middle East FZE
Tel: + 971 4 8817 500
Fax: + 971 4 8819 747
Vivian Hawat
TBWA/RAAD Middle East
Tel: + 971 4 222 6667 ext. 232
Fax: + 971 4 222 6566
E-mail: vivian.hawat@tbwaraad.com
© Press Release 2007
