More info on Altima Hybrid: only sold in 8 states
04-21-06, 08:30 AM
#1
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
More info on Altima Hybrid: only sold in 8 states
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Blends Great Performance, Style and Fuel Economy [April 20, 06]
http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/new...20121506.shtml
GARDENA, Calif. (April 20, 2006) – With its distinctive exterior design, powerful 4-cylinder engine, sport-oriented suspension and spacious interior, Altima would seem to have it all. Now, Nissan has found one more attribute that completes the Altima's line-up – superb fuel economy from a state-of-the-art hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain.
The Altima Hybrid continues Nissan's best-selling car's performance tradition in a new variation – a hybrid powertrain mates the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and Xtronic™ CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with an electric motor and generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions.
The Altima Hybrid will be available in eight states. The vehicle has been certified to meet California emissions requirements and will be sold beginning in early 2007 in those states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey. These states are among the strongest markets for hybrid vehicles.
Passionate Driving That Takes Care of the Environment
Nissan's commitment to the environment takes a different form than might be found at other automakers.
While Nissan strives to offer the most advanced fuel-saving technology available, the company also believes that drivers should not have to sacrifice any of the style or performance attributes that remain at the top of the reasons for buying a new Nissan.
For that reason, the Altima Hybrid is marked with the same expressive styling as its non-hybrid brethren – inside and out. The engine and suspension in the Altima Hybrid deliver the same spirited performance as its more conventional siblings.
The combination of passionate driving and passion for the environment is what makes the Altima Hybrid the standout in its segment.
Altima Hybrid Follows Nissan Tradition
The Altima Hybrid is the latest in a long line of Nissan environmental automotive initiatives.
· Nissan was the first automaker to introduce a partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) with its Sentra CA in 2000. In many areas of California the air leaving the Sentra's tailpipe is cleaner than the air going into the engine.
· Nissan expanded its PZEV offerings to include Altima's 2.5-liter engine in 2005.
· Nissan's CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), introduced originally in March 1992 in Japan, is now available to increase fuel efficiency in small, medium and large passenger vehicles. Nissan expects to produce 1 million CVTs annually by the end of fiscal year 2007.
· Nissan introduced the Tino hybrid in Japan in 2000.
· Nissan brought the Altra EV and Hypermini EV to the U.S. with advanced lithium-ion batteries years before that battery technology caught on with EV experts and enthusiasts.
· Nissan offers several flex fuel vehicles (FFV) around the world including the Nissan Titan.
· Nissan continues to be among the leaders in the development of fuel cell vehicles, recently introducing an X-TRAIL model with a Nissan-designed fuel cell stack. Nissan has been an active partner in the California Fuel Cell Partnership since its early days.
[IMG]Manufacturing[/IMG]
The new Altima HEV will be assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna, Tennessee plant.
The Altima Hybrid continues Nissan's best-selling car's performance tradition in a new variation – a hybrid powertrain mates the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and Xtronic™ CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with an electric motor and generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions.
The Altima Hybrid will be available in eight states. The vehicle has been certified to meet California emissions requirements and will be sold beginning in early 2007 in those states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey. These states are among the strongest markets for hybrid vehicles.
Passionate Driving That Takes Care of the Environment
Nissan's commitment to the environment takes a different form than might be found at other automakers.
While Nissan strives to offer the most advanced fuel-saving technology available, the company also believes that drivers should not have to sacrifice any of the style or performance attributes that remain at the top of the reasons for buying a new Nissan.
For that reason, the Altima Hybrid is marked with the same expressive styling as its non-hybrid brethren – inside and out. The engine and suspension in the Altima Hybrid deliver the same spirited performance as its more conventional siblings.
The combination of passionate driving and passion for the environment is what makes the Altima Hybrid the standout in its segment.
Altima Hybrid Follows Nissan Tradition
The Altima Hybrid is the latest in a long line of Nissan environmental automotive initiatives.
· Nissan was the first automaker to introduce a partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) with its Sentra CA in 2000. In many areas of California the air leaving the Sentra's tailpipe is cleaner than the air going into the engine.
· Nissan expanded its PZEV offerings to include Altima's 2.5-liter engine in 2005.
· Nissan's CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), introduced originally in March 1992 in Japan, is now available to increase fuel efficiency in small, medium and large passenger vehicles. Nissan expects to produce 1 million CVTs annually by the end of fiscal year 2007.
· Nissan introduced the Tino hybrid in Japan in 2000.
· Nissan brought the Altra EV and Hypermini EV to the U.S. with advanced lithium-ion batteries years before that battery technology caught on with EV experts and enthusiasts.
· Nissan offers several flex fuel vehicles (FFV) around the world including the Nissan Titan.
· Nissan continues to be among the leaders in the development of fuel cell vehicles, recently introducing an X-TRAIL model with a Nissan-designed fuel cell stack. Nissan has been an active partner in the California Fuel Cell Partnership since its early days.
[IMG]Manufacturing[/IMG]
The new Altima HEV will be assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna, Tennessee plant.
Last edited by magneto112; 04-21-06 at 08:38 AM.
04-22-06, 10:45 PM
#2
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
I wonder if they ever plan to do a national rollout later. Seems kinda wierd.
So basically only the states where Hybrids are hot sellers will get the model.
So basically only the states where Hybrids are hot sellers will get the model.
04-22-06, 10:47 PM
#3
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Posts: n/a
First Drive: 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
They'll get hy with a little help from their friends
By Matt Stone
Photography by the Manufacturer
Motor Trend, August 2004
Get a FREE Price QuoteFind a Local Car Dealer
There'll soon be gas/electric hybrid-powered Camrys and Accords, following in the footsteps of their well-timed and oh-so-successful little bros, Prius and Civic. Nissan's midsize Altima competes well with the volume sedan players from Toyota and Honda and will need a hybrid model to stay in the game. The Altima Hybrid is on its way, coming to market some time in 2006 as a 2007 model.
We've driven it in early engineering prototype form and can tell you right now: It has the makings of a worthy product. The goals are near-V-6 levels of performance out of a four-cylinder engine, along with miserly fuel consumption and a Sierra Club-friendly emissions rating. Nissan starts with its own 2.5-liter gas-powered I-4; the assisting electric motor gives it more oomph and also serves as the starter. Rather than spend gazillions to develop its own hybrid drive system, Nissan has licensed the technology and will purchase some of the components from Toyota. Even though these two industrial giants are archrivals, the move makes sense: Nissan comes to market quicker and with a proven system, while Toyota recaptures some of its considerable hybrid-tech investment.
Energy Monitor readout in upcoming Altima Hybrid should resemble the one in Prius, as Nissan is sourcing much of its system from Toyota.
Like the Prius, the Altima will be a "full hybrid," meaning the car can be driven by the electric motor or the gas engine or a combination of both, depending upon load and conditions. It uses a continuously variable transmission plus regenerative braking to help recharge the battery pack. Horsepower and torque output, emissions ratings, and EPA numbers have yet to be finalized.
The Altima we drove was the first hybrid-powered prototype built and has been undergoing development engineering only since the first of the year. Even though final production models are some two years away, we were impressed by how refined the car performed. It has plenty of zip, thanks to the combo of the already-strong 2.5-liter engine, the electric-motor assist, and the CVT, which adjusts to keep revs in the heart of the powerband. The engine was revving somewhat higher than we felt necessary during passing maneuvers, but there was no lack of punch, even with three aboard. It also made an odd clunk or two, but these sorts of issues are usually polished out during final calibrations. As with the Prius, the powertrain is generally quiet, emitting a trolley-carlike whir when coasting.
We're guessing Nissan will charge a 15- to 20-percent price premium for this technology, but there appears to be minimal related downside. We'll continue to track the Altima Hybrid's progress to market and give you a more detailed driving impression when the real thing comes along. So far, so good.
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Price $25,000 (base, MT est)
Vehicle layout Front engine, FWD, 4-door, 5-pass sedan
Engine 2.5L I-4, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl plus electric-motor assist, 200 hp (MT est)
0-60 mph, sec 8.0 (MT est)
On sale in U.S. Fall 2006 (MT est)
They'll get hy with a little help from their friends
By Matt Stone
Photography by the Manufacturer
Motor Trend, August 2004
Get a FREE Price QuoteFind a Local Car Dealer
There'll soon be gas/electric hybrid-powered Camrys and Accords, following in the footsteps of their well-timed and oh-so-successful little bros, Prius and Civic. Nissan's midsize Altima competes well with the volume sedan players from Toyota and Honda and will need a hybrid model to stay in the game. The Altima Hybrid is on its way, coming to market some time in 2006 as a 2007 model.
We've driven it in early engineering prototype form and can tell you right now: It has the makings of a worthy product. The goals are near-V-6 levels of performance out of a four-cylinder engine, along with miserly fuel consumption and a Sierra Club-friendly emissions rating. Nissan starts with its own 2.5-liter gas-powered I-4; the assisting electric motor gives it more oomph and also serves as the starter. Rather than spend gazillions to develop its own hybrid drive system, Nissan has licensed the technology and will purchase some of the components from Toyota. Even though these two industrial giants are archrivals, the move makes sense: Nissan comes to market quicker and with a proven system, while Toyota recaptures some of its considerable hybrid-tech investment.
Energy Monitor readout in upcoming Altima Hybrid should resemble the one in Prius, as Nissan is sourcing much of its system from Toyota.
Like the Prius, the Altima will be a "full hybrid," meaning the car can be driven by the electric motor or the gas engine or a combination of both, depending upon load and conditions. It uses a continuously variable transmission plus regenerative braking to help recharge the battery pack. Horsepower and torque output, emissions ratings, and EPA numbers have yet to be finalized.
The Altima we drove was the first hybrid-powered prototype built and has been undergoing development engineering only since the first of the year. Even though final production models are some two years away, we were impressed by how refined the car performed. It has plenty of zip, thanks to the combo of the already-strong 2.5-liter engine, the electric-motor assist, and the CVT, which adjusts to keep revs in the heart of the powerband. The engine was revving somewhat higher than we felt necessary during passing maneuvers, but there was no lack of punch, even with three aboard. It also made an odd clunk or two, but these sorts of issues are usually polished out during final calibrations. As with the Prius, the powertrain is generally quiet, emitting a trolley-carlike whir when coasting.
We're guessing Nissan will charge a 15- to 20-percent price premium for this technology, but there appears to be minimal related downside. We'll continue to track the Altima Hybrid's progress to market and give you a more detailed driving impression when the real thing comes along. So far, so good.
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Price $25,000 (base, MT est)
Vehicle layout Front engine, FWD, 4-door, 5-pass sedan
Engine 2.5L I-4, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl plus electric-motor assist, 200 hp (MT est)
0-60 mph, sec 8.0 (MT est)
On sale in U.S. Fall 2006 (MT est)
04-23-06, 08:29 AM
#5
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Originally Posted by newr
why would Toyota sell the technology to Nissan who is its competitor? Even for a profit, I would not do it.
04-23-06, 10:42 AM
#6
Lexus Champion
Performance hybrid? I'm sorta feeling a repeat of the Accord Hybrid... especially in such a limited market.
They should sell it in IL... every 3rd car is a Hybrid here I swear to it
They should sell it in IL... every 3rd car is a Hybrid here I swear to it
04-23-06, 10:18 PM
#7
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Do not forget, this will be using older tech than what is on the Camry Hybrid, so very likely it won't be achieving the fuel economy of a Camry hybrid.
And the limited release only in certain States? You can probably thank Ghosn and his dismissal and denial of hybrids.
And the limited release only in certain States? You can probably thank Ghosn and his dismissal and denial of hybrids.
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