quarta-feira, 28 de março de 2018

Altima: A brief history of Nissan’s popular sedan



NEW YORK Since the Altima was first introduced for the 1993 model year, it has consistently been one of Nissan's best-selling vehicles – with 5.6 million sold to date. As the all-new 2019 Altima gets ready for a fall 2018 launch in the U.S., following is a brief history of the generations that have come before.



First generation, 1993 to 1997: First produced in June 1992 as a 1993 model, the Altima replaced the Nissan Stanza in the U.S. (known as the Bluebird in Japan). As the middle sedan in the Nissan lineup, Altima was bracketed by the Sentra below and the Maxima above.

The first-generation Altima, created at Nissan Design International – Nissan's Southern California design studio – was noted for its contemporary design and sporty performance. All models came equipped with a 150-horsepower inline 2.4-liter 4-cylinder matched with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The first-generation Altima was assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Second generation, 1998 to 2001: The second-generation redesign also was headed by the U.S. design team, Nissan Design America, and offered a sportier appearance for both the exterior and interior. As with the first generation, the SE grade was differentiated by sporty body accents and a retuned suspension. Horsepower was increased to 160 hp for the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 15-inch wheels and tires were offered for the first time on the SE and GLE grades.

Third generation, 2002 to 2006: The third-generation Altima was an all-new design and the first Nissan vehicle built on a new FF-L platform (for Front engine, Front-wheel drive, Long) – with a 6.9 inches longer wheelbase than the previous design. Known as the most exciting Altima to date, it was an immediate hit with customers and is credited with helping revive the Nissan brand in the U.S. market.

The powertrain enhancements included a 175-horsepower 4-cylinder and the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 rated at 240 horsepower. Along with being the first Altima to offer a V6, it also was the first equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes and a rear multi-link suspension.

With its greatly enlarged interior and available V6 engine, the Altima also garnered extremely positive press reviews, including being named 2002 North American Car of the Year.

Fourth generation, 2007 to 2012: Among the many changes for the fourth-generation Altima were a more powerful 270-horsepower V6 and the first use of the Xtronic transmission. A new body style – an Altima Coupe – was added to the lineup for the 2008 model year. With a shorter wheelbase and overall length, the two-door Coupe was designed to attract younger buyers looking for sporty performance and styling.

Available powerplants included the 175-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and the 3.5-liter V6.

Fifth generation, 2013 – 2018: Launched in summer 2012 as a 2013 model, the fifth generation became the most innovative and premium Altima in the model's 20-year history. Key features – along with a restyled, lighter body – included a redesigned 179-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, next-generation Xtronic transmission, a refined suspension and innovative Zero Gravity front seats. It also introduced the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant and NissanConnect with Navigation. Advanced safety, security and driver assistance systems included Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control and Moving Object Detection.

A new Altima SR grade, featuring 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels and 18-inch tires and unique sporty content, was added in the 2016 model year. For 2017, the popular Midnight Edition package, originally introduced on the Maxima, was added to the Altima lineup. For 2018, the Altima added Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. The Altima remained Nissan's best-selling nameplate until it was passed by the redesigned Rogue crossover in late 2017.

Sixth generation, 2019: The all-new 2019 Altima makes its global debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. Among its significant enhancements are:

  • Advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety and driving aid technologies, including ProPILOT Assist
  • Enhanced driving performance, including the first available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive offered on the Altima
  • Two new engines, including the company's world's first production-ready Variable Compression Turbo (which launched on the INFINITI QX50 crossover)
  • Expressive design with lower, wider and more athletic proportions
  • New open, airy premium uplifting interior design

It is set to go on sale at U.S. dealerships nationwide in fall 2018.

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