Nissan is one of the big names among the car & automobile manufacturers. The Japanese manufacturer is known for making outstanding vehicles with Nissan characteristic. That is why; people think that the company’s brand-new line of 2013 Nissan Altima will also be as superb as its past series. The original Altima is redesigned for two times: first for 2007 model and second for 2013 model. In 2011, the Altima was the 2nd best-selling car in United States. 2013 Altima was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show. It will be the 1st car of the company to have the manufacturers’ first and in-house created front-wheel-drive hybrid system. The fifth generation Nissan Altima will be available in July at a base price, starting from $22,500.
2013 Altima has a new design, improved safety & infotainment features and refurbished powertrains. The styling changes of 2013 Altima can be spotted easily. The design of the new model is inspired from the Nissan Maxima. It comes with improved aerodynamics, wider front and rear track, new grille design, deeper fenders, projector-type headlights, a dual exhaust system, seamless bumper, unique taillights and the same wheelbase. Compared to its predecessor, the all new Altima has more curves, less weight and heavyweight performance & fuel economy. The car measures almost same like its predecessor (an inch lower, longer and wider). There are dual chrome-tipped tailpipes on each and every trim.
The interior of the car has been also improved drastically. The front seats were designed according to “zero gravity” specifications of NASA. All models sport the new Advanced Drive-AssistTM Display as standard feature. It includes 4.0-inch color display; three-spoke steering wheel; AM/FM/CD design with MP3, RDS, aux-in and six speakers; heated steering wheel; ZF Sachs shock absorbers; NissanConnectSM; wood trim and metallic accents. It is the first vehicle of the company that has Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, integrated with hands-free text messaging, Pandora integration, streaming audio and USB connection for iPod interface.
2013 Nissan Altima is available in six trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL. There are two engine options such as 2.5L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine and 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 engine. The 2.5L engine churns out power of 182 hp and a peak torque of 180 lb-ft while 3.5L engine generates 270 hp power and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are combined with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The car has impressive highway and city mileage. On 2.5L engine, highway and city mileage are 38 mpg and 27 mpg respectively while on 3.5L engine the mileage are 30 mpg and 22 mpg respectively.
The key features of 2.5 S model are Nissan Intelligent Key, Bluetooth Phone System and Streaming Audio, Cruise control and 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Along with all the features of 2.5 S model, 2.5 SV has Remote Engine Start System, 17″ Aluminum-alloy wheels, Dual Zone Auto-temperature Control and NissanConnect with 5″ color display. The 2.5 SL model sports all the features of 2.5 SV, in addition to Heated Steering Wheel, Leather-appointed seats, power sliding glass moonroof and Bose Premium Audio System. In addition to all the key features of 2.5 SL, 3.5 S includes 18″ Aluminum-alloy wheels and paddle shifters with manual mode whereas 3.5 SV model has all the features of 3.5 S with dual-zone climate control, Remote Engine Start System, power sliding glass moonroof and NissanConnect with 5″ color display. The 3.5 SL mdoel comes with 3.5 SV model features and Xenon headlights, Heated Steering Wheel, Bose Premium Audio System and Leather-appointed seats.
The pre-order of the car has been started. People who will pre-order the car will receive a complimentary 3-year/45,000-mile Security +PLUS Gold Prepaid maintenance plan worth $700. The car will be a great competitor of the Honda Accord, the Hyundai Sonata and the Toyota Camry. On the whole, this car is equipped with lots of features and ride quality at a reasonable price.
Video of 2013 Nissan Altima from youtube:
