The fourth best-selling car in America just got better. Carlos Ghosn himself unveiled the new mid-size family sedan, and we can assure you the new version retains the sporty design characteristics that made the last generation so popular. The clear-lens tail lights are also retained, although they’re shaped differently and a little smaller. The front end is more chiseled, giving an Infiniti-esque look, although the buck-toohed grille is more reminiscent of the new Accord. Interior dimensions remain the same, although the wheelbase has been stretched an inch.
The new Altima remains a front-wheel-drive car, although the chassis is al new, as is the front suspension. Chassis rigidity is increased, and torque steer is said to be virtually eliminated.
The new Altima’s revised twin-induction 3.5-liter V6 puts out an impressive 265 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. A four-banger is standard in budget models; that motor too is refined, now making 160 horses and 170 lb.-ft. A CVT automatic will be available with the V6, for increased performance and fuel economy.
For the first time, the Altima will offer an intelligent key system, like Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. A rear-view monitor andd a touch-screen nav system wil also have slots on the option sheet.
