Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Nissan
Nissan Altima Hybrid starts at $24,400 for the few who can buy it
The Altima Hybrid is a strange bird, a very strange bird indeed. Nissan signed a deal with Toyota back in 2002 to license its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology for use in the Altima Hybrid, but will be dropping the Toyota bits as soon as an in-house team can develop its own hybrid technology. Meanwhile, the Altima Hybrid will be sold with Toyota technology in only eight states, which include California and seven other northeastern states that have adopted California's strict emissions regulations. Nissan announced today that the car will carries a base price of $24,440.
We've got more to say on the Nissan Altima Hybrid after the jump, along with Nissan's official press release.
[Source: Nissan]
Of the hybrids available on the market today, the Altima Hybrid would be the one sitting in our green garage. It's bigger than a Prius, more stylish than a Camry Hybrid and not as expensive as a Lexus GS450h. We have proof of that last point now since Nissan announced today that it's MSRP will be $24,440. We learned earlier that the Altima Hybrid met the requirements for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit and therefore qualifies for a $2,350 tax credit. Nevertheless, the car will only be offered in these states, which is unfortunate for anyone seeking stylish, economical and reasonably priced green transportation.
AutoblogGreen has Nissan officials on the record saying that it wants to test the hybrid market in regions that will be most receptive, but off the record everyone understands that the Altima Hybrid will help the automaker comply with these states' partial zero emissions vehicle mandate. The problem is that Nissan will be losing money on every Altima Hybrid sold, so those who do live in states where the car is offered should appreciate the deal on which the rest of us are missing out.
PRESS RELEASE:
Nissan Announces Pricing on 2007 Altima Hybrid
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 30, 2007) – Nissan today announced a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,400 for the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid, Nissan's first entry in the hybrid electric vehicle market.
The new hybrid sedan is on sale now at Nissan retailers in the eight states that have adopted California emissions regulations – California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Altima Hybrid has been certified by the Internal Revenue Service as meeting the requirements for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, thereby qualifying for a tax credit of $2,350.
Altima Hybrid's EPA fuel economy is estimated at 42 mpg City and 36 mpg Highway. It is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no evaporative emissions.
"The Altima Hybrid offers all the style, convenience, comfort, quality feel and performance technology features and highlights of the next-generation 2007 Altima sedan, while offering the added benefits of improved fuel economy and reduced emissions," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Combined with Altima's standard 20-gallon fuel tank, Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of up to 700 miles between fill-ups. More importantly, it drives just like any other Nissan – with smooth acceleration, responsive handling and a seamless delivery of power under almost all driving conditions."
The Altima Hybrid features a high level of standard equipment, including 16-inch alloy wheels, Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, power windows/door locks, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary audio input jack, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS) and dual-zone automatic temperature control that includes an Altima Hybrid-specific electrically powered A/C that continues to provide cooling when the gasoline engine is stopped.
It also offers an extensive list of standard safety features, including the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection and front seat Active Head Restraints.
Altima Hybrid is offered in one model and with three available option packages – Convenience Package, Connection Package (with either SiriusÔ or XMÒ satellite radio) and Technology Package.
The 2007 Nissan Altima is also available in five other models: Altima 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package and two 3.5-liter V6-powered models, the Altima 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL. The all-new 2008 Altima Coupe is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2007.
"The new Altima has been a tremendous success since it was launched in November, helping fuel record Altima sales of nearly 25,000 units in December 2006, marking an increase of nearly 40 percent over the previous year," said Bosley. "The new Altima Hybrid expands the choices available for our buyers, keeping Altima at the forefront of the segment in terms of value, performance, quality, technology and selection."
About the 2007 Altima Hybrid
The Altima Hybrid powertrain mates a refined version of Nissan's QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions.
The advanced energy drive system shares duties between the gasoline-powered 4-cylinder and the emissions-free electric motor – allowing the Altima Hybrid to run solely on electric power if appropriate, especially during stop-and-go driving. If extra performance is needed, the gasoline engine starts instantly and smoothly adds power as required. The Altima Hybrid has a hybrid system net power rating of 198 horsepower (148 kW). Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is estimated at about 0.5 seconds quicker than a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder equipped Altima.
The Altima Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking technology to recharge the hybrid system's batteries. The Regenerative Cooperative Brake System calculates braking force generated by brake pedal operation and controls the regenerative brake force to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, optimizing energy regeneration.
In order to power the electric motor, a generator places resistance on the driveshaft during braking. The system converts this friction to usable energy that is stored in the system's 244.8V Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery for eventual use by the electric motor.
Helping provide smooth acceleration and maximize powertrain efficiency is the Altima Hybrid's hybrid system-specific eCVT, which works in conjunction with the Hybrid Vehicle-Electric Control Unit (HV-ECU) to determine which power source or combination of power sources will turn the wheels.
Altima Hybrid's electric motor produces high torque at low rpm, allowing it to utilize its Electric Vehicle (EV) mode to power the car from a standing idle and through initial acceleration without the assistance of the gasoline engine. Standing-start acceleration is typically a gasoline-only powered vehicle's least fuel-efficient stage and Altima Hybrid offers much of its fuel-efficiency benefits here.
Altima Hybrid's all-electric mode, called Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, occurs in the initial acceleration phase. After the electric motor provides initial acceleration, the gasoline engine quietly starts and assumes the load of powering the vehicle.
The gasoline engine works independently through cruising speeds until the vehicle reaches speeds at which fuel efficiency declines. When loads require, the electric motor starts again and aids the gasoline engine in powering the Altima Hybrid. This allows the gasoline engine to remain in its ideal rpm range while the axle rpm simultaneously increases due to the extra power being contributed by the electric motor.
A digital display on the speedometer indicates when the Altima Hybrid is running solely on electric power. The Altima Hybrid's available DVD navigation system also features a real-time display showing how the hybrid system directs the flow of energy.
Serving as the foundation for all fourth generation 2007 Altimas – including Hybrid – is Nissan's all-new "D" platform with improved body rigidity and a redesigned suspension. The new platform includes a subframe-mounted front suspension with new geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs. The half-shafts now have equal angles and are more parallel to the ground – virtually eliminating traditional front-wheel drive torque steer.
Altima's new body design is a continuation of its distinctive, iconic, sporty design. The exterior features an aggressive stance, a strong wedge character line and signature Altima-style taillights. Inside, the new Altima utilizes refined workmanship, high-quality materials and a long list of available amenities. The Altima Hybrid shares exterior and interior designs with the other 2007 Altima models – with the exception of unique Hybrid badging, roof-mounted antenna and hybrid power/charge display in the driver information display.
The Altima Hybrid also joins other Altima models with an impressive list of available convenience features, including leather-appointed seating, Bluetoothâ hands-free phone system, RearViewä Monitor, satellite radio and Nissan's Advanced Navigation System with real-time Energy Flow Display.
The new Altima is assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna, Tennessee plant.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
whofan 4:01PM (1/30/2007)
Nissans are ugly.
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Alain 4:15PM (1/30/2007)
Useless. Waiting for Jeremy Clarkson and Billy Bob to take up target-practice again.
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Eric L. 4:53PM (1/30/2007)
Enlighten me, but what is useless about a technology that gives a vehicle 30-40% better fuel economy and maintains transparent operation?
And, name a midsize family sedan that is more stylish than the new Altima.
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JarryHames 5:05PM (1/30/2007)
Nissan is quite aggressive in pushing this restyled Altima!
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hondacura 5:23PM (1/30/2007)
Restyled? It's the same damn design from 2003!
Design is already outdated. It's like a Ford Focus.... been the same since 1999. A tweak here, a tweak there.
I guess Nissan had not enough funds for a complete since they moved to Nashville.
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Nick 5:34PM (1/30/2007)
Yeah, I'd feel confident buying a car with tech about to be abandoned....
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Sleeper 5:49PM (1/30/2007)
Why would anyone spend the differance on a Maxima that has less HP and looks like its twin? If I am buying a import It sure won't be from Datsun with a Toyota electric motor that will soon be a Nissan motor that can only be woked on in six states.. Sorry I am to confused..
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Joe 5:54PM (1/30/2007)
Whofan thanks for your valuable input. For those of us chomping on the bit at buying this piece over machinary but needed your advice on its visual aesthetics, our wait is over.
In the mean time, Anybody else see this as an eBay queen.
-Joe
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hondacura 6:04PM (1/30/2007)
Things to make you go hmmm....
Can I get this Nissan fixed at a Toyota dealership when Nissan recalls the hybrid system because they didn't puts some nuts and bolts on correctly???
Will Toyota advertise at their hybrid system in this car when Altimas starting showing up on their used car lots???
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Bob Not 6:40PM (1/30/2007)
Will morons come out of the woodwork every time the word "hybrid" is mentioned...? WAIT AND SEE!
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Alain 6:44PM (1/30/2007)
When will Toyota settle for stealing the hybrid technology in the first place?
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PJ 7:08PM (1/30/2007)
If Toyota "stole" it, then where's the manufacturer with the equally-developed lineup of hybrid cars, since they've had the technology all along?
Surely you don't mean GM. As if they'd simply sit on the technology all this time, and never market it, if they had developed it to an equal extent.
Aura and VUE hybrids don't represent the state of the art in this department. Drive one and see the difference (weaker electric motors, no electric-only acceleration, four-speed automatics rather than CVT, significantly reduced gas savings).
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Greg A. 7:13PM (1/30/2007)
"The new hybrid sedan is on sale now at Nissan retailers in the eight states that have adopted California emissions regulations – California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont."
There used to be just four non-California states that used California emissions regs. It appears that New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island are the newcomers. Odd, because this is the first I've heard of it.
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far jr 7:30PM (1/30/2007)
And, name a midsize family sedan that is more stylish than the new Altima.
Posted at 4:53PM on Jan 30th 2007 by Eric L
Of course styling is subjective... but I like the Aura, Fusion, Mazda 6, and G6(exterior only) all better. And the Camry is bland but more of an updated look than the Altima.
As for the price tag for the Altima hybrid... looks like a great deal!
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Lithous 7:58PM (1/30/2007)
PJ, that isn't how it works all the time. There are many subsystems to a completed product. Any one could infringe... http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/02/prius_patent.html
Reading the article I didn't realize Toyota met with the company at one time (though supposedly never talking about the patent - probably just scouting people that would talk about it eventually). Interesting.
If Toyota was smart, they started redesigning the one subsystem the day of the law suit filing.
My guess is that it will be settled quitely and with the small company getting a *tiny* part of Toyota's billions. So no problems there.
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Michael Karesh 9:12PM (1/30/2007)
I agree, with such a complicated system something was bound to infringe. I do find it hard to believe that Toyota would not be paying royalties if they had actually gotten the ideas from this company.
Still, even if they developed the same technology on their own they can still infringe. In these situations, the parties often have trouble seeing eye to eye.
On the Altima, it's actually an all-new platform. Doesn't look like one, but it does drive like one.
I'll get these prices into my database soon, probably tonight.
http://www.truedelta.com/prices.php
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rrr 9:58PM (1/30/2007)
Funniest post of the day...........I'll get these prices into my database soon, probably tonight......by that Karesh dude.
Listen here, do you acctualy think that anyone cares about your shameless self promotion?
How about this, with every post that i will write here from now on i will promote this cool baseball website.
Vistit www.baseballamerica.com
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rrr 10:03PM (1/30/2007)
Folks i read on The Truth About Cars that this Altima is completely based on Prius.
"If the aforementioned families do pick the Altima Hybrid over its Honda and Toyota rivals, their teens won’t harbor any great relish for borrowing Dad’s wheels on Saturday night. Fact is, if you’ve driven a Prius, you’ve already experienced the burning excitement that awaits behind the wheel of the Altima Hybrid.
Surprised? Don’t be. After all, most of the elements that suck the fun right out of Toyota’s hybrids are present here, too, from the “slipping-clutch” feel of the CVT’s operation to the limp, twitchy guidance afforded by the hectic-assist steering. Nissan says the Hybrid’s suspension is slightly stiffer than other four-cylinder Altimas’, but there’s little incentive to exercise it, partly because slowing back down involves awkward negotiations with the touchy, feel-free regenerative brakes."
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=2961
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Lithous 10:03PM (1/30/2007)
"Still, even if they developed the same technology on their own they can still infringe. In these situations, the parties often have trouble seeing eye to eye."
Isn't that the supposed reason Ford is using Toyota's hybrid system in the Escape? Supposedly Ford's effort to produce a hybrid on their own seemed to duplicate what Toyota had starting doing so they just starting using their system.
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Barney 10:10PM (1/30/2007)
I wonder if Solomon Technologies Inc was at the same car show that I was at in the early eighties. Volkswagon had a hybrid on display in what was called the Rabbit. Perhaps Solomon differed their patent by using a gas engine instead of a diesel.
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