Fourth generation of Nissan Altima (2007–present)

The fourth generation Nissan Altima was announced at the 2006 New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It is the first vehicle to use the smaller Nissan D platform, with a new front and upgraded rear suspension. The wheelbase is 1-inch (25 mm) shorter than the third generation Nissan Altima , but interior space is mostly unchanged. The Maxima and Murano also use this new platform starting with the 2009 models.
The 2007 Nissan Altima uses revised versions of the engines from the third generation model. The VQ35DE 3.5 L V6 engine produces 270 hp, and the QR25DE 2.5 L straight-4 produces 177 hp (132 kW).A 6-speed manual is standard, and a continuously variable transmission replaces the traditional automatic as the optional transmission. The Nissan Altima is the first product based on the new Nissan D platform, co-developed with Renault. The Nissan Altima SE-R, introduced in 2005 as a third generation Altima, did not appear at the launch of the fourth generation. The new 2007 Nissan Altima is promoted by the television commercial slogan, "Yup, it's that good!"
The 2007 Nissan Altima sports some more recent innovations in the market, including, but not limited to, standard "push-button start" (Called "Renault Card"), Bluetooth capability for cell phones and a parking camera. The dashboard has larger buttons for easy readability and a total of nine cupholders, three hidden under the center console, two in the rear armrest, and one 20-ounce cup holders in each door. Several hidden compartments have been added as well as doubling the glove compartment space to 0.46 cubic feet (13 L). For 2008, even the base model Altima 2.5S has special high-end standard features typical of more expensive luxury cars (Alcantara armrests, 6 speaker sound system, Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Variable Induction System, Nissan Direct Ignition System, Iridium-tipped spark plugs, Dual exhaust with chrome-tipped finishers, UV-reducing solar glass, Intelligent Key with push-button ignition (pressing buttons on door handles will not lock if car detects key inside the car, keyless button on the trunk too), Vehicle speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers, Map lights and rear reading lights, and optional Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode. Car and Driver tested the inline four cylinder Altima 2.5S w/ CVT to go from 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec; the 6 cylinder model w/ CVT goes 0-60 mph in 6.6 sec according to Edmunds Insideline.
There has been speculation[who?] that the Altima will soon replace the Primera as Nissan's European competitor in the large family car market that is dominated by models such as the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 407. Nissan has yet to confirm whether this will happen. The Primera is still made at the Sunderland plant in England, although UK sales ceased in late 2006 and an NMUK spokesman warned that its direct successor might not be sold in the UK due to the old model's fall in popularity during the final year or two of its life.Article Directory : en.wikipedia.org