SHIFT_first drive: 2007 Nissan Altima
by John Neff on Apr 19th 2006 at 2:24PM 
Once again the boys and girls over at Inside Line have sold their souls
to the devil in order to gain access to a preproduction version of the 2007 Nissan
Altima before the car even debuted at the New York Auto Show last week. Their initial impressions of Nissan’s
most significant sedan are very positive. The current model Altima made shockwaves when it debuted in 2001 ready to throw down with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It’s fared well in the marketplace since then but has been hampered by an unsatisfactory cabin experience and reflexes that weren’t quite as quick as its elite competition.
The 2007 Altima is based on a brand new platform and features a new version of the company’s superlative VQ 3.5L V6 producing an expected 265 hp. The author even had praise for Nissan’s improved Xtronic CVT, despite the inane inclusion of simulated shifts. Also improved are the interior’s touchpoints, which this time around are “supple” rather than “rock-hard.”
The 2007 Nissan Altima was one of our best picks for the ’06 NY auto show and we’re anxiously awaiting our turn behind the wheel.
[Source: Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MikeW 2:35PM (4/19/2006)
Well they have to follow the CVT leader, Audi.
Audi now has 7 fake gears in the multitronic with 6.5:1 ratio coverage.
The CVT in the murano JATCO has 5.4:1
I would prefer a graph for the driver that shows the end of the transmission, so that when the gear selector is moved the driver can visually see where the gear ratio is in relation to the extents.
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Micah 2:37PM (4/19/2006)
"Their initial impressions of Nissans most significant sedan are very positive. "
Wouldn't they have to be? I mean Nissan did a lot to give them a huge exclusive. Even if the car was a huge lemon the editors would still have to compliment the car's nice citrus smell.
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Michael Karesh 2:55PM (4/19/2006)
Both excellent points. The Audi transmission makes more intuitive sense; unlike conventional CVTs, the belt is pulled rather than pushed. A gauge would certainly be nice to have.
You don't have to use the artificial gears, but like the manual shift capability on many current automatics you have the option of doing so.
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Bob-o 3:25PM (4/19/2006)
What about giving the consumer an option? Flash the transmission ECU for the customers that request it.
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Kowell 3:52PM (4/19/2006)
So.... what again is the difference between the maxima and the altima these days?
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Fabulo 4:07PM (4/19/2006)
When you're used to gears and shifting and torque being a function of RPM, driving a CVT is a weird experience. I'm sure the decision to give it steps is to avoid freaking out consumers. I think they should have a switch though.
Stepped || Continuous.
It takes time to get used to it. It's not as rewarding to drive if you like to drive, but it is extremely smooth and comfortable.
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Cameron 4:13PM (4/19/2006)
The Maxima is huge with a superior interior. It will also receive a refresher. Hopefully it won't be too long before another Altima SE-R. IMO, CVTs are a waste of time and excess weight that isn't necessary. Leave em to hybrids.
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mp 4:31PM (4/19/2006)
To no#5, the Altima now puts out more horsepower, what a shame, Nissan should go ahead and cancel the Maxima, don't get me wrong, I have always loved the Maxima, but Nissan obviously likes the Altima more as it gets much more attention.
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iQuack 4:35PM (4/19/2006)
Looks like a significant styling improvement to me compared with the current Altima that looks ponderous from some angles. The new Altima is sleeker.
Also, nice to see that the car hasn't grown in size and is now slightly shorter and narrower than the current Honda Accord. I think mid-sized cars are big enough now, if not too big.
With the all-new Altima and Camry, the Accord will be under severe competitive pressure and deals on Accords should be REALLY favorable as the year progresses.
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Eric L. 4:52PM (4/19/2006)
I don't think Nissan should cancel the Maxima, but rather they should turn it back into what made it popular to begin with - the poor man's BMW 5 series. Drop it on the G35 FM platform with a wheelbase stretch, and keep it with the 3.5L V6 to avoid biting on M35/45 sales.
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Poe 4:54PM (4/19/2006)
I like it! The Altima gets more "attention" simply because it generates more sales and profits. It is Nissan's bread & butter (as are ALL company's mid-sized sedans). I do think that the optional 3.5L V6 in the Altima (especially with the new upgraded interior) pretty much makes the Maxima pointless - unfortunately. They can't really push the Maxima upmarket any further without entering Infinity G35 territory. Might as well kill it.
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Chris 5:16PM (4/19/2006)
#8,
60,628 Altimas sold : 16,590 Maximas sold this year.
Nissan's making a very good move improving their mainstream, best selling vehicle. Something that regular people can afford, and not having to wish they had enough money to get a better car!
The Maxima = ES350, G35 = IS350.
There's not that much difference between the Camry and ES350 either.
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t 5:20PM (4/19/2006)
I HATE circular vents! They are so Pontiac-ish. The interior of the new Altima reminds me of the Grand Am with the 3 circular center vents.
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t 5:22PM (4/19/2006)
"The Maxima = ES350, G35 = IS350"
Uhm, no. It's more like Maxima = Avalon = Grand Prix/Impala = Five Hundred
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XXL 6:38PM (4/19/2006)
Instead of killing the Maxima, they should lengthen the next Maxima to make it the size of the Avalon and Azera. It would then be considered a full size car by the EPA and be much roomier than the mid-size Altima. It works for Toyota, it would work for Nissan.
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WillDaThrill 7:01PM (4/19/2006)
Agreed XXL, I think people are giving up on the Maxima too early.
*looks in crystal ball*
I see Nissan making a whole new refreash of the Maxima for 2008. They'll make their money off of the new Altima and then release the a Maxima that's roomier and more powerful with lots of bells and whistles.
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Poe 7:10PM (4/19/2006)
" Instead of killing the Maxima, they should lengthen the next Maxima to make it the size of the Avalon and Azera."
I think that's a great idea, XXL.
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Tom Design 7:55PM (4/19/2006)
From a styling perspective this is disappointing, a total re-hash, and a clumsy job at that. The former car was much better balanced looking and clean design. The rear of this auto is a design mess, and the front got very plain and boring. Sad, but they're taking the Camry/Honda approach to good sales...design by committee and don't offend anyone. Too bad, because Infinity is doing such a good job. Nissan is just about out of designs at bat, and needs to rethink its line-up. Makes the Buick LaCrosse look like an elegant home run.
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Chris 9:19PM (4/19/2006)
This Altima is so good, it would be odd for anyone to order a fully loaded Versa or Sentra. I wonder about Nissan's inclusion of luxury features to those small cars.
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Alex 2005Altima SE-R 2:47AM (5/17/2006)
mmmmm 07 altima.....mmmm...i want it.....i gotta give back the SE-R =*( oh well =)
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