Autoblog

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]