Autoblog

If you have a 2007 Nissan Altima or a 2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan, you might want to keep your mobile phone in a different pocket than your car's fancy I-Key fob. The fobs, as you're probably well aware by now, enable and disable the cars' keyless ignition systems. According to Nissan, the problem is that if the fob is touched by a cellphone while a call is in progress, the software that controls the I-Key's automagic goodness could be altered or erased, rendering it useless. Furthermore, the damage is not reversible, and the I-Key simply becomes landfill fodder.

Nissan's modifying the key to correct the issue, and will provide new ones to owners once it's straightened it all out. According to the AP, this'll happen sometime in the fall. In the meantime, some dealers are stocking up on spares just in case, and you'd be advised to follow Nissan's advice and keep a little distance between the key and your phone. After all, you don't want the simple act of pressing the Start button to turn into an exercise in futility -- especially over something as mundane as checking your voice mail.

[Source: AP]

Monday, Nissan began production of its 2007 Altima at its Canton, Mississippi plant. The new sedan's base price will be $17,950 for a 2.5 liter engine and 6-speed manual. Upgrade to a 3.5-liter V6 SE for $24,000. The new Altima is available in four other models: Altima 2.5 S with 6-speed manual transmission at $19,800; 2.5 S with CVT at $20,300; 3.5 SE with CVT priced at $24,500; and the Altima 3.5 SL with CVT at $28,400. Nissan says pricing for the Altima Hybrid will be announced later.

Press release with full details after the jump.

[Sources: Nissan, Clarion Ledger]

Autoblog tipster Arnold K. sent us this picture of the all-new 2007 Nissan Altima, which will debut Wednesday in New York. (I wonder if Arnold K. is a pseudonym for Carlos G?)

The new Altima rides on Nissan's new "D" platform and a redesigned suspension. It is rumored to be available with an optional CVT transmission.

Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn will be orchestrating the official world premieres of the 2007 Nissan Maxima and the all-new 2007 Nissan Altima at the New York International Auto Show Wednesday, but to whet your appetite, here are pictures of the new Maxima. No tech info yet, but we'll have the complete story tomorrow from our show team. Lots of pictures after the jump - enjoy!

[Source: Nissan] Hot tip from Arnold K!