Autoblog

Quick Spin: 2010 Nissan Altima a well-mannered sedan without surprises

Michael Harley — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

2010 Nissan Altima - Click above for high-res image gallery

As the company's number-one global volume vehicle, the Altima is instrumental in keeping the lights on at Nissan HQ. Now in its fourth-generation (last redesigned for the 2007 model year), the made-in-the-USA model is sold in both sedan and coupe variants with a choice of two gasoline engines or one hybrid powerplant. Nissan offers four sedans for the 2010 model year, with the Altima slotting in directly under the flagship Maxima in the lineup (with both sharing Nissan's D-platform architecture).

After spending time with the 2010 Nissan Altima, we understand why it's the brand's best selling model and while it's not a tire shredding sport sedan, this competent family hauler deserves all the kudos and sales volume it's earned.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2010 Nissan Altima

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 Nissan Altima a well-mannered sedan without surprises

Quick Spin: 2010 Nissan Altima a well-mannered sedan without surprises originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revamped for 2010 Nissan Altima says hello, gets priced from $19,900

Chris Paukert — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Nissan

2010 Nissan Altima - Click either image for high-res gallery

Remember that small, grainy photo of the refreshed-for-2010 Nissan Altima that was making the rounds earlier this month? Forget it - because the official pics, pricing, and details are all here.

For 2010, Nissan's pivotal midsizer receives a modest but effective new bit of front clippery, including a new grille, bumper, and hood. Additional exterior changes are mainly limited to things like alloy wheel patterns and paint choice.

Inside, expect alterations that include reworked option package groupings,new interior fabrics and trim, and so on. On the infotech front, a new nine-speaker Bose stereo will be available incorporating things like iPod connectivity, Bluetooth telephony, XM, and a rearview camera visible from its 4.3-inch display. Those wishing to spend a few more sheckels can opt for a next-gen navi with a 6.5-inch touchscreen setup, and it includes everything from the usual XM add-ons (NavTraffic, NavWeather) to speed limit advisories and a built-in Zagat's guide for stranded foodies. On the entertainment front, it also includes a 9.3-gig drive for ripping tunes, Bluetooth streaming audio and DVD player functionality.

Underneath, all 2010 Altima models get standard stability control whether they have two or four doors, and the 3.5 SE trim designation has rather curiously been ditched in favor of 3.5 SR.

Pricing for the sedan starts at $19,900 for the 170 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder S when paired with a CVT gearbox and climbs to $24,520 for the 270 hp, 3.5-liter V6 SR model, also with CVT. Want a third pedal? Prepare to lose a couple of doors - the 2.5 S coupe with a six-speed manual starts at $22,440, and the SR coupe with the 3.5-liter manual runs $29,600 - curiously, that's $2,330 more than the CVT model even though the same transmission is cheaper than the shift-it-yourself gearbox in four-cylinder guise. Last, but not least, if you're in the market for an Altima hybrid, expect to pony up $26,780 before options.

Will these changes be enough to keep the Altima in the thick of the family sedan hunt against perennial adversaries like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, and Mazda6? Let us know what you think after checking out the high-res galleries below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Altima Sedan

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Revamped for 2010 Nissan Altima says hello, gets priced from $19,900

Revamped for 2010 Nissan Altima says hello, gets priced from $19,900 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Nissan Altima leaked online, internet almost fails to notice

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Nissan

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]

2010 Nissan Altima leaked online, internet almost fails to notice originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan releases teaser of 2010 Altima, model changes leak out

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Nissan

With the 2010 Nissan Altima coupe getting an impromptu full frontal reveal during a recent marketing photoshoot, Nissan has released a single teaser of its redesigned mid-size sedan to keep interest on boil.

Although the awkwardly cropped image doesn't show the reworked grille found on the recently tweaked Versa and Sentra, we do get a clear view of the revised headlamps and more sculpted, organic creases running along the doors. However, the L-shaped headlamps fitted to the Maxima and 370Z are MIA, an odd omission considering Nissan's recent push for familial cohesion.

According to an internal document we've received from a tipster, the 2010 Altima Coupe will receive a few key feature upgrades, beginning with the 2.5 S M6 (six-speed manual) model which will include Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), a manually adjustable lumber support for the driver's seat and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in P215/55 all-season rubber.

The 2.5 Premium IS 2.5 CVT Plus (whew!) will receive a 4.3-inch color display, along with an iPod interface and USB input capability, while the 3.5 SR M6 IS and 2.5 S M6 with the Premium Package will be fitted with Xenon HID headlamps. Joining the Tech Package's 6.5-inch screen and HDD navigation system is a 9.3 gig "Music Server" system with DVD playback, Bluetooth streaming audio and a new audio/video jack that replaces the standard auxiliary audio input. Expect all the official information to be released in the coming weeks, with the 2010 Nissan Altima coupe and sedan going on sale before November. Thanks for the tip Mehdi.

Nissan releases teaser of 2010 Altima, model changes leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Chrysler's "Project D" be a Nissan?

Dan Roth — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan

Chrysler has been eerily silent about what, if anything, is in the works to replace the Avenger/Sebring twins, other than giving the replacement plan a cryptic "Project D" moniker. The pair are still relative newcomers to the scene, but the competition has delivered Chrysler's midsizers a sound drubbing both in the press and on the sales charts. The problem is that development costs money, something that's currently hard to come by. Thinking strategically, the unloved and outgunned Chryslers might seek solace by relocating to the Nissan Altima's platform. The Altima is one of the best - and best-selling - vehicles on the market. Put plainly, we would dive on an Altima's keys to avoid driving these Chryslers.

A relationship between Chrysler and Nissan already exists, with plans for Chrysler to port the Ram over for Nissan to rebadge as the next Titan, and a version of the Versa wearing Pentastar badging for the South American market is in the mix, so it's not like the two companies are strangers to each other. If Chrysler decides that it still wants its own platform, a partnership with another company to do the building might still be in the cards. Project D is about finding the most economic way to bring a competitive midsize sedan to market, including shrewd lash-ups.

According to Kicking Tires, Chrysler hopes to have a partner chosen by the end of the first half of 2009, with Nissan already being acknowledged as one of the possibilities.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Could Chrysler's "Project D" be a Nissan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalls 200,000 vehicles over passenger air bag issue

Chris Shunk — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Infiniti, Nissan

Nissan is recalling 200,000 vehicles due to a faulty sensor system that could affect the car's passenger sid airbag. The problem is described as an issue with an electrical component that could interfere with the sensor system, which could then prevent the side airbag from deploying in certain circumstances. We gather from the report on Recall.gov that the sensor telling the car whether or not someone's riding shotgun could malfunction, and in the event of a crash the car could assume no one's sitting there at not deploy the passenger airbag. Most of the vehicles affected are 2007 or 2008 Nissan Altimas, tallying over 140,000 units of that model in all. Other models affected include '07 and '08 examples of the Infiniti EX35, G35 Sedan, G37 coupe and the Nissan 350Z, Rogue and Murano. The Japanese automaker claims that there have been no injuries as a result of the defect, but apparently it was deemed significant enough to pay for a recall and be safe today rather than sorry tomorrow. Owners of an affected Nissan vehicle can call 1-800-647-7261 and Infiniti owners can dial 1-800-662-6200 for more information, as dealers are able to test the system and replace the passenger-side seat cushion where the offending hardware is located.

[Source: Detroit News, Recalls.gov]

Nissan recalls 200,000 vehicles over passenger air bag issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S

Dan Roth — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Nissan

2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Coldest day of the year. Single-digit, negative windchill cold. The rented Sony Digital Beta machine almost fits into the trunk of the newly minted Nissan Altima Coupe. The speakers for the Bose stereo hang down too low and block what could have been a glove-tight fit. Time for plan B. While the boffins at the video equipment rental house are watching from the window, I back the car into the middle of the parking lot to swing that big coupe door out as wide as it'll go. Okay, does the front seat lie flat? No... damn. The back seats do fold down and the front headrest is removable. Hmm. Front passenger seat slid all the way forward and reclined all the way back gives me *just* enough room to cram the big broadcast unit into the car where it has a cozy space to rest. That'll learn ya to buy a coupe. Expect scenes like this to be oft-repeated if you carry more than a messenger bag with your car.

Let's get this out of the way; the Altima Coupe is not a poor man's anything. Its looks certainly set expectations. There's plenty of Infiniti G37 in the lines of the Altima Coupe, but it can stand on its own considerable merits without basking in the halo of some other cousin with totally unrelated architecture. The 2.5S Coupe is more 912 than 911, more 318 than 335, which is not an entirely bad thing. It's shorter, lower and lighter than the sedan, and the happy vibes are served up in big portions.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S

Continue reading Review: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S

Review: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports names Nissan Altima top mid-size sedan

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Subaru

click above for more images of the 2008 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima narrowly beat out the Honda Accord for the coveted Consumer Reports Top-Ranked, Mid-priced Sedan, which is revealed in the February 2008 issue. The V6 Accord lost to the V6-powered Altima by a scant one-point, followed by the Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat.

Consumer Reports tested a number of family sedans for its February issue, ranging from the base four-cylinder models and up to the range-topping V6s. The selected vehicles, which also included the Ford Taurus, Dodge Avenger, Kia Amanti and Subaru Legacy, were broken down into three categories: "Affordable," "Mid-priced" and "Large" family sedans.

The four-cylinder Altima took the top spot in the "Affordable" category, leading by six points over the Accord, with the Kia Optima EX and Passat 2.0T coming in third and fourth, respectively.

Consumer Reports is quick to point out that the Accord, which has won the publications Top Pick for five years, outperformed the majority of the players, but in the end, the Altima proved to be the best value overall.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan

Continue reading Consumer Reports names Nissan Altima top mid-size sedan

Consumer Reports names Nissan Altima top mid-size sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: Nissan Altima Coupe Turbo

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Nissan

click image above for high-res gallery of the Altima Coupe Turbo

While we're just beginning to see a few Altima Coupes around town, once sales begin to head northward we're expecting the new coupe to become one of the darlings of the aftermarket. The Altima Coupe's sleek lines coupled with Nissan's 3.5 liters of V6 perfection are a solid foundation with which to begin, and Turbochargers.com has done exactly that. The VQ-series V6 gets a GTK650 turbo setup by Artisan Performance, supposedly good for over 450 HP. Fuel delivery comes courtesy of a new fuel rail and 650cc injectors, while charge temps are kept low through a custom intercooler. Although the 20x8.5-inch wheels are all show, the AP racing 13-inch, four-piston calipers are the business.

You can read through all the details in the press release after the jump and check the gallery below for a handful of high-res images.

Gallery: Nissan Altima Coupe Turbo

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Nissan Altima Coupe Turbo

SEMA 2007: Nissan Altima Coupe Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan adding fuel efficiency gauge to all new models

Chris Shunk — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, Nissan

Nissan plans on adding an instant fuel economy reader to every new Nissan and Infiniti it sells by 2010, and the meter is already available Stateside in the Altima and G35. The gauge is being added to show drivers how to drive with reduced fuel consumption in mind, and Nissan thinks owners can achieve 10% better fuel economy after using the gauge to adjust driving habits.

As an owner of a Volvo S40 with the same feature, I can personally tell you it works. My fuel economy went from 24.5 MPG to 27 MPG within a couple weeks of discovering the feature, and all it took was more coasting before stop lights, and less heavy acceleration from a stop.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Nissan adding fuel efficiency gauge to all new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3 Million screaming Nissan fans can't be wrong - Altima production hits milestone

Dan Roth — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan

Fifteen years and three generations on, the three-millionth Nissan Altima has been birthed at the Smyrna Tennessee plant. The Altima is Nissan's current sales champ, with diverse trim-level and power unit options, efficiency nuts and performance enthusiasts can both find something to love in the Altima. When it first debuted, we weren't all sure how exactly to pronounce its name - its predecessor was the easily articulated Stanza - but it was a tidy little compact with good manners and tasteful styling. My, how it's grown! The Altima has bulked up in size to Maxima-esque proportions, with edgy, stylish bodywork where there were once "bar of soap" cues, this ain't no mid-'90s compact anymore. The available 3.5-liter V6 has the motive force to outdo many comers, and the coupe version has even more speed baked into the style. On the flip side, the hybrid Altimas sip fuel more gently than the other powertrain options.

The Altima is produced in two locations, Smyrna being the first US Altima assembly plant in 1992, with Canton, Mississippi joining up in 2004. Smyrna pops out about 750 new Altimas per day, while Canton does nearly as many, at roughly 600. Altimas for export are also produced in Smyrna before they're shipped north to Canada, south to Mexico, or to Gulf Coast countries. So far this year, the export markets have consumed 20,000 of Smyrna's cars. Since its start as a Stanza stand-in, the Altima has gone on to become Nissan's bread and butter sedan - not too shabby.

The full press release is after the jump.

[Source: Nissan via TAC]

Continue reading 3 Million screaming Nissan fans can't be wrong - Altima production hits milestone

3 Million screaming Nissan fans can't be wrong - Altima production hits milestone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan ups MSRP on 2008 Altima Sedan

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Nissan

Nissan just sent out pricing information on its 2008 Altima Sedan, which is already at Nissan dealers across the country. The best-selling car in Nissan's stable, the Altima was completely redesigned last year and receives only modest changes for '08. But that hasn't stopped the inevitable price hikes. But before you protest, understand that the price increases are quite modest ($280 on 4-cylinder models, $80 on the V6) and include some additional equipment. On SLs, the price actually dropped $120. The now-standard Anti-lock ABS alone used to be a $300 option. Pricing for the Coupe and Hybrid, however, weren't included in this release.

Altima Sedan MSRP
2007 2.5 $17,950
2008 2.5 $18,230
$280

2007 2.5 S M/T $19,800
2008 2.5 S M/T $20,080
$280

2007 2.5 S CVT $20,300
2008 2.5 S CVT $20,580
$280

2007 3.5 SE M/T $24,000
2008 3.5 SE M/T $24,080
$80

2007 3.5 SE CVT $24,500
2008 3.5 SE CVT $24,580
$80

2007 3.5 SL CVT $28,400
2008 3.5 SL CVT $28,280
$120

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan

Continue reading Nissan ups MSRP on 2008 Altima Sedan

Nissan ups MSRP on 2008 Altima Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru developing CVT for all models

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:37:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Subaru, First Drive

CVT transmissions definitely aren't new, but high gas prices have thrust the once unreliable continuously variable trannies back into the powertrain equation. Chrysler uses the CVT in a few of its products, Mitsubishi added the tranny to the new Lancer, and Nissan has begun using the CVT in the Altima and Sentra, among others. According to a Japanese business rag, Subaru is planning to add the gearless transmission into every model they make by 2010. The first Subie to mate a boxer engine to the CVT is rumored to be the updated 2009 Legacy, and a 2.0L diesel with a CVT may follow shortly there after. While the CVT will be available with every model, we're assuming (and hoping) that manual transmissions will be offered as well.

CVTs are usually a bit quicker off the line than automatics, but in our experience fuel economy savings are a mix bag. While the Sentra's MPG improved with the CVT, in the 2006 Ford Five Hundred, the FWD CVT version got two less MPG on the highway than the auto-equipped SEL model. As far as the driving experience goes, CVTs take a little getting used to since the transmissions keep the engine in the optimal rev range at all times and the transmission feels like it's slipping, but most drivers may never notice the difference.

[Source: Winding Road]

Subaru developing CVT for all models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalls over 140,000 Altima sedans

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Nissan

Another big recall to report. This time it's Nissan and its bread-and-butter Altima sedan. Apparently, cars with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder have an air filter that can cause some serious problems. It seems that if something hot is sucked into the filter, like ashes from a cigarette, it can catch on fire. Four incidents have already been reported to Nissan. Notices started going out to some of the 140,000 2007 Altima owners last week. Besides replacing the air filter with a presumably less flammable one, Nissan will also add an air deflector to help prevent a potential accumulation of debris in the filter.

In all, 140,582 Altimas have been sold so far this year, making it Nissan's best-selling vehicle, and the ninth-best seller overall in the States. The recall affects Smyrna, Tennessee cars made between Sept. 25 and May 11, as well as those built from Oct. 30 through May 11 at its Canton, Mississippi, factory.

[Source: Chicago Tribune via KickingTires]

Nissan recalls over 140,000 Altima sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hmm... Altima Convertible in the works?

Dan Roth — Tue, 29 May 2007 03:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Nissan

Nissan's studying the Altima's segment hard, looking for nooks and crannies to poke Altima variants into. The first volley is the coupe, which rides on a shortened platform and shares only the hood with the longer Altima sedan. The lines of the coupe would lend themselves quite well to having a roofectomy, and it would offer another choice in the affordable four-passenger convertible market. Up until recently, droptop motoring at reasonable prices were the domain of such snoozefests as the Sebring convertible and the Solara. The Altima has a decidedly sporty bent, and though body stiffening would add weight, we'd still expect to see it post solid midpack acceleration numbers while being surefooted (for a puller) and rewarding to drive.

The knock on coupes lately has been claims of waning public interest. Nissan seems to think that it was more a case of public ennui with aged, dispassionate product. With the recent introduction of the Volkswagen Eos, Volvo's new C70, Pontiac G6, and the new Chrysler Sebring convertible, there's now a plethora of choice in the four-seat top down tourer end of the spectrum. The Altima, specifically its athletic demeanor, would help further wake up the segment, and much of the work is already done. We just hope that the sporty lines of the Altima coupe are retained, regardless if the top is cloth or metal. We also hope that once Nissan gets done with the convertible, it turns its attention to the Altima wagon that also gets mentioned. Now that would be sweet.

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe

Hmm... Altima Convertible in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2007 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Keep 'em separated: Cellphones could erase Nissan I-Keys

Alex Nunez — Thu, 24 May 2007 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Infiniti, Nissan

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]

Keep 'em separated: Cellphones could erase Nissan I-Keys originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First review of Nissan Altima Coupe calls it "best" of FWD two-doors

Dan Roth — Wed, 23 May 2007 11:34:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Nissan

At first blush, the Altima coupe sounds like a Japanese Monte Carlo -- firmly midsized, front drive, fast roofline -- but that's where the similarities end. Inside Line put an Altima coupe with the lusty 270 HP V6 under the microscope and proclaimed it the best of the field. While the performance figures and spec sheet may reflect solid numbers that don't necessarily best the competition, there are some cars that have a je ne sais quoi that defies measurement. The Inside Line folks laid down the clipboard on the passenger seat and discovered that the Altima Coupe experience is more about how the whole of the machine works. It sounds to us like the Altima is channelling the G37, and thusly, it outclasses its peers.

Thanks for the tip, Mehdi!

[Source: Inside Line]

First review of Nissan Altima Coupe calls it "best" of FWD two-doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anyone seen my keys? Check with Nissan

Dan Roth — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Nissan

At least they're not mocking men or making light of depressed robots. Nissan's latest marketing effort for the Altima has the auto company messing with patrons of entertainment venues. 200,000 sets of faux keys will be planted in clubs, bars, concert venues, and other congregation locations. The way the ruse works is that someone picks up the keys, and takes in a tidy little marketing message about the Altima's keyless ignition as they read the keychain. It's a great example of thinking outside of the box by agency True. It was also reportedly cheap, ringing in at a cool 100 grand. That sounds like a lot of money, but the cheapest TV commercial costs more to produce and air at an effective frequency. Hopefully the general public delights in being fooled; the prizes you can register for at Altimakeys.com or by texting "keys" to the number on the tag will likely help goodwill. It'll be interesting to see what kind of uproar it will inevitably cause - People For The Ethical Treatment of Keys? Perhaps a Boston-style overreaction will ensue? We just wish that they were keys to real Altimas. Giving away free cars, now there's a campaign we can get behind.

[Source: Winding Road]

Anyone seen my keys? Check with Nissan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Altima Hybrid starts at $24,400 for the few who can buy it

John Neff — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Nissan

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]

Continue reading Nissan Altima Hybrid starts at $24,400 for the few who can buy it

Nissan Altima Hybrid starts at $24,400 for the few who can buy it originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan quietly drops new VQ in 350Z

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Nissan

Click image to enlarge

While everyone was lining up in orderly rows to watch the official unveiling of the Sentra SE-R and Altima coupe at Nissan's LA press conference, we snapped a few pics of a pre-production model of the 2007 350Z.

Although the exterior has gotten a few subtle tweaks that only those of us in the Z-car enthusiast camp would notice, they deserve a brief mention. While the headlamps and taillights have been revised with new housings, the most striking change was the addition of a power dome that eschews the two creases that formerly flanked both sides hood.

So what could possibly justify such a change? Why, more power, naturally. Nissan's venerable VQ35, 3.5-liter V6 is now producing 306 HP, which doesn't seem like a substantial increase over the last model's 300 HP, until you take into account that new output calculations have recently been adopted. As it turns out the same engine that's fitted to the new G35 and the 350Z is making between 15 and 20 HP more than the outgoing 2006 models, which should easily be felt by even the numbest backside.

The increase in power is mainly due to revisions made to the variable valve timing on the exhaust side of the valvetrain, allowing the new engine to rev past the 7k redline of former models, all the way up to a newly set 7,500 RPM.

This new engine will also find a home in the new Altima and ~~Maxima~~, as well as the Altima coupe, which should make Nissan's new entry-level two-door one of the great performance bargains of 2007.

More pics of the 350Z's new exterior bits and interior are posted after the jump.

[Source: Nissan and Kicking Tires]

Continue reading Nissan quietly drops new VQ in 350Z

Nissan quietly drops new VQ in 350Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Dec 2006 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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