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Not prepared to settle for second, Nissan’s Camry killer arrives
By the end of this year, Nissan will have introduced five new models for 2013 including re-engineered versions of stalwarts like the Pathfinder and Sentra, plus a hatchback, a crossover and the always successful Altima.
As always the all-new Altima is targeted to compete with some of the major players in the mid-size segment such as the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Sonata. Altima buyers will receive more than they expect this time around with no increase in price plus great added value. And the key component, 38 mpg.
With over 20 years of success, the Altima has improved with sleeker styling, more horsepower, an updated rear suspension, weight reduction, "zero gravity" seating, plenty of warning detection systems, an innovative tire pressure monitor and more, making it a serious contender for best in its class. Nissan claims that while the upscale full-size Maxima is about performance, this mid-size machine is about fuel efficiency. But after our first drive this week in Nashville, Tennessee, it’s obvious the 2013 Altima is about far more than just that one number.
BEST IN CLASS FUEL ECONOMY
Starting at $21,500 and recognized as the best-selling Nissan in the line-up, the Altima continues to be offered with 2.5-liter engine with 182 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 hp and 258 lb-ft. While changes to the engine aren’t dramatic, updates to the transmission come with 70 percent of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) components being redesigned with an expanded gear ratio, while friction has been cut by 40 percent to help free-up horsepower.
As mentioned, there’s an impressive 38 mpg highway number on the 4-cylinder; better than any other non-hybrid mid-size sedan. City mileage is also impressive with a 27 mpg rating. As for the V6, you’ll get an estimated 22/30 city/highway mpg.
Helping both the fuel economy and performance of the car is a lighter body that’s more rigid too. The use of high-strength aluminum steel helps cut a total of 79 lbs from the new Altima.
LOOKING GOOD AND FEELING COZY
The new Altima’s interior is spacious though cozy and definitely the better-looking trim compared to many of the competitor’s interiors, including the current Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion and all but the most pricey VW Passat versions. The standard interior trim comes with cloth seating and a 6-way driver’s seat, a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40 split folding rear bench seat with armrest and black dash with chrome finishings.
Also available are leather seats and trim, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and metallic or wood trim accents. Nissan has also decided to ditch woven leather seats in favor of perforated leather, which look better in tandem with the resigned seating shape.
The new NASA "zero gravity" inspired seating, increases blood flow and reduces lower back fatigue. According to NASA, the best seating position and the least discomforting is a "neutral posture", which the Altima’s new butt-holders are designed to replicate. Notable changes include wider back portions with smaller headrests and after our drive we can attest to the claims of superior comfort.
Earlier this week in Tennessee, the 2013 Nissan Altima rolled off the line to an executive reception, but nestled into the release accompanying the event was confirmation of a 2013 Nissan Rogue.
With little more than a name drop, the company’s release confirmed that next year’s model will, in fact, also come as the next generation. Reviewing the Nissan concept cars we’ve seen over the last few auto shows, the Hi-Cross concept seems as if it could be a likely candidate.
Though the concept debuted as replacement for the boxy X-Trail, the Hi-Cross could make a good update to the Rogue given that it uses the same inline four-cylinder engine, though it will also probably be offered with a hybrid powertrain as well.
While the seven-passenger concept would be a departure from the previous five-passenger vehicle, it would fit into Nissan’s promise for five new vehicles over the next 15 months (including the 2013 Altima). In the same release, the automaker also confirmed a new Leaf, Pathfinder, Xterra and Maxima.
Read all the details about the upcoming 2013 Nissan Rogue at AutoGuide.com
Over the past few years Lexus has been referred to as a Japanese Buick, with the number one reason being the ES front-drive luxury sedan a car that drew direct comparisons with the not-quite-Cadillac GM premium brand. To erase those comparos the new 2013 ES gets a more stylish exterior with a GS-themed front nose and a profile more like the flagship LS.
Swapping its Camry underpinnings for an Avalon platform it has, however, grown even more in size a notable Buick trait. Plus, to challenge the eAssist mild-hybrid LaCrosse, there's finally now an ES300h hybrid system getting 39 mpg average.
Ask anyone at Infiniti and they'll tell you the new JX35 three-row luxury crossover is poised to become the brand's second best seller overnight.
Sean McNamera, project manager for the JX, will tell you even more forcefully, commenting that until now the Acura MDX has sat as the segment leader by default, compared to vastly more expensive, truck-based German models like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7.
"We have ticked every box possible with this car," he says. "There is no reason anyone should go anywhere but JX at this point."
That's a lot of confidence, even at a PR-spin press intro, but Infiniti has good reason to be optimistic, especially with the MDX growing old in its product cycle.
It might not get the billing of the Detroit or LA shows, but the NY Auto Show is always host to numerous important world premieres. This year's event will showcase the all-new Viper, launched under the newly-founded SRT brand. Also look for the reveal of the all-new Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Acura RL and Mercedes SL63 AMG.
See our preview below with live coverage starting April 4th.
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