2010 Nissan Altima leaked online, internet almost fails to notice
The image you see above is the updated 2010 Nissan Altima. No, really... it may look eerily similar to the mid-size sedan currently on dealer lots across the country wearing window stickers that say 2009, but the 2010 model is in fact slightly restyled.
Especially noticeable is the reworked front fascia, which now features a slightly more prominent upper grille and a lower intake that's molded in body color plastic instead of black. Flanking that lower opening are new foglights that sit inside boomerang-shaped recesses. We can't make out much of the car's hind quarters, but it seems the tail lamps have grown a in size.
The story of how this image was leaked is also at least mildly interesting. As we reported earlier today, all Altimas and Maximas from the 2009 and 2010 model years were recalled due to faulty upper front strut insulators, despite the fact that a total of zero 2010 Altimas have so far been sold. Automotive News used the image above of the 2010 Altima for its story, but nearly everyone – save the eagle-eyed chaps at Motor Trend – failed to notice the snafu since the new car looks so similar to the previous model. Thanks for the tip, Mehdi!
[Source: Motor Trend via Altima Forums]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
coolremo 6:59PM (9/22/2009)
lame
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Tyler 9:02PM (9/22/2009)
What a let down I was all excited until I found out it looks exactly the same other than a different grill. What is it with Japanese companies lately making the same or fugly designs lately?
Jei 9:05AM (9/23/2009)
It looks much like the last-gen Maxima. It would be easy to miss it on the street.
Frank 9:07AM (9/23/2009)
Well if things had gone differently this might have been the basis for a new mid size from Chrysler. We might get the 200c instead.
1atomic 5:19PM (9/24/2009)
I actually think the 2010 Altima looks far better than the 2009. It is highly sporty, luxurious and not at all boring and cookie cutter shaped like most other vehicles in this crowded class. Kudos Nissan!
Senseiwalex 7:05PM (9/22/2009)
the internet tends to gloss over things that hold our interest for less than 2 seconds
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Taglane 7:09PM (9/22/2009)
Really? I've seen plenty of things on the internet that hold my interest for less than *one* second...
Senseiwalex 7:11PM (9/22/2009)
lol
HotRodzNKustoms 7:05PM (9/22/2009)
I find not caring so much that I just thought I would let everyone know I just don't care.
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John 7:06PM (9/22/2009)
I think the taillights are the same size as what it has now, just colored red instead of the clear with rocket jets look of the current model.
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Chris 7:06PM (9/22/2009)
Talk about a plain looking car. Go buy a used, decent looking car instead of this no-frills looking nightmare! Everything visual on this car is so played out and generic.
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Tony 7:23PM (9/22/2009)
The Altima is one of the most stylised saloons on the market right now in its price range other than the new Passat or VW CC. The swoop of the back glass suggests a fast back and the curvature of the side from the tail light to the front fender gives the rear a sense of heaviness which suggests stability and sportiness. The rear tail lights are very stylised, George Jetson would be proud to have one in his driveway as am I. If you want generic buy an Impala, or anything GM or Chrysler. The Altima is anything but generic, as anything French is.
Parlay84 7:32PM (9/22/2009)
Tony if you're gonna call the Impala generic don't forget the Camry and Accord
Tony 7:50PM (9/22/2009)
Sorry I forgot. The Accord and Camry are included.
Daniel Lopez 8:56PM (9/22/2009)
i dont know about nissan style these past 20 years ... take me back to 1990 pathfinder and the 300 Z
too many altimas on chrome 20's and limo tints ... ghetto supreme
akboss302 8:52AM (9/23/2009)
I don't think automakers want to make any waves in this segment, they just roll out minor changes and fiddle with the looks a bit, and it's a shame. The midsize segment could do with some character. Admittedly though, and even with the half-assed refresh from HQ, the Altima is still a good looking car...but I'm still pissed that it got so fat.
PiCASSO 10:37AM (9/23/2009)
Tony: I disagree with you. Of the mainstream mid-size sedans, the Altima ranks at the bottom for styling, especially at the rear where the clear taillights really made things worse in the sedan's styling.
LimeDaiquiri 7:10PM (9/22/2009)
This is a hot-ass mess.
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Thekaidis 7:10PM (9/22/2009)
As far as I can tell, the hood lines are gone, the headlights are different (turn signals moved from inside to outside), and the aforementioned grille/bumper change. Also, if those wheels are standard I may throw up every time I pass a nissan dealership.
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Jeff 7:15PM (9/22/2009)
looks like a midsized sentra
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