LA 2007: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe

[Variance]

LA 2007: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe

The Nissan Altima is a car on the move. With its next generation design for the 2007 model year, Nissan’s best-selling vehicle in the United States is poised for even greater success as it establishes segment leadership in style, design, performance and innovation. The next-generation Altima is also expanding its model offerings with a new Altima Hybrid, set to go on sale in select markets in January 2007, and a dramatically styled new Altima Coupe, which will go on sale as a 2008 model in summer 2007.

The Altima Coupe, which made its debut in the shadows of Hollywood at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, fills a desire among target customers for a more personal expression of style, individuality and fashionable appearance. The Altima Coupe’s unique exterior design is intended to stand out in a crowd of sedan-based two-door models with magnetic, perfectly proportioned styling with a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan.

The smaller size and lighter overall weight also contribute to the Coupe’s sportier driving feel – other desired attributes of the typically younger, more performance-oriented coupe buyers.

“Rather than just eliminating two doors from the Altima Sedan, we gave the Altima Coupe its own style, its own dimensions and its own interpretation of Nissan’s exhilarating driving pleasure,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.

Though the new Altima Coupe shares much with the latest edition of the Altima Sedan, which went on sale in early November 2006, the Coupe’s smaller dimensions, driver-oriented cockpit and unique styling give it an extensive amount of separation from the Altima Sedan.

Dimensionally, the Altima Coupe rides on a 105.3-inch wheelbase, a full 4.0 inches shorter than the Sedan. Overall length is 182.5 inches – 7.1 inches less than the Sedan. The Coupe also has a lower profile – at 55.3 inches it is 2.5 inches shorter than the Sedan. In terms of major body panels, the two cars share only a common hood, with all other panels, grille, headlights and rear combination lights unique to the Altima Coupe.

Under the new Altima Coupe’s sophisticated exterior design, this latest addition to the Altima family shares the platform, powertrain and user-friendly features and innovations of the new fourth-generation Altima.

“A strong sedan starting point, such as the new Altima, also gives you a tremendous advantage – if you get the basics right, you can focus your efforts on the unique desires of coupe buyers, including wanting a purely personal space,” said Bosley.

The Altima Coupe, as part of the fourth-generation Altima design, utilizes Nissan’s all-new, highly acclaimed “D” platform with increased body rigidity and a redesigned suspension. This new platform was developed with the objective of making Altima one of the best performing large front-wheel drive vehicles available globally.

New suspension geometry, shock absorbers with rebound springs, engine placement that is lower in the subframe and equal-length half-shafts that have equal angles and are more parallel to the ground all help to virtually eliminate torque steer.

The rear multi-link independent suspension design separates the rear shocks and springs for reduced friction and the shocks are in line with the center of the rear wheels, providing better damping and less harshness. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard. The Altima suspension has been specially tuned for use with the Altima Coupe.

The new Altima Coupe is offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 is the “next generation” version of the 12-time Ward’s “10 Best Engines” award-winning VQ-series V6. For use in the Altima Coupe, it is rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and offers strong acceleration and refined sound quality. The V6 features reduced friction, improved cylinder head cooling and new twin knock sensors.

Also available with the new Altima Coupe is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve QR25 inline 4-cylinder, producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL) and 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL). This engine has been refined from the previous version, with a larger, equal-length intake manifold, increased compression ratio and reduced friction characteristics. It features a silent chain drive and a balancer system (with balancer changed to a center-mounted location for better NVH) that effectively negates vibrations without taking up much space – combining ideal packaging and smoothness.

Both engines feature continuously variable valve timing, modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttles.

Both the 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder models are available with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmissions.

The V6 CVT features a “Sport” mode controller with a high-speed central processing unit and Adaptive Shift Controller with adaptive logic for faster shifting in both normal and manual modes. The adaptive logic feature delivers the best shift pattern based on the driving environment and driver’s perceived intentions.

“The driving performance of the Altima Coupe is biased toward sporty feel, especially when equipped with our award-winning V6,” said Bosley. “Handling is also a strong point of the new Coupe, as is the responsiveness feeling provided by the Xtronic CVT transmission.”

Also contributing to the Altima Coupe’s sporty performance feel are a standard twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system and 4-wheel disc brakes with standard 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

Altima Coupe models with the 4-cylinder engine are equipped with 16-inch wheels and tires, while V6-equipped Altima Coupes come with unique-design 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 215/55R17 tires.

The Altima Coupe’s performance feeling is also enhanced by a driver-centered interior. Though sharing much of the design and features with the new Altima Sedan, the Coupe includes unique sport-style front seats with more side support, in-board release lever and front kangaroo pouches. All Altima Coupes also utilize a parking brake hand lever (versus foot release for Altima Sedans with CVT). The Coupe also includes a 60/40 split and flat fold-down rear seat.

Like the Altima Sedan, the Altima Coupe’s instrument panel features a Fine Vision gauge display for enhanced readability and the L-shaped flow of the instrument panel to the center console adds to the driver-oriented cockpit feel.

The center console includes a double front cup holder, among the many convenient cup and bottle areas and storage compartments.

The list of impressive passenger amenities includes standard Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and available Bose®-developed audio system with nine speakers, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

The new Altima Coupe also comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags. Also standard are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

Other standard equipment includes front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The 2008 Altima Coupe will be available in four well-equipped models: 2.5 S 6MT, 2.5 S CVT, 3.5 SE 6MT, 3.5 SE CVT.

Available technology features include a RearView Monitor, which utilizes a small camera to help show the view behind the vehicle when in reverse gear, and Nissan Navigation System with a 6.5-inch color monitor.

“Along with the Altima Coupe’s extensive list of available features and amenities, it offers one more thing to discerning coupe buyers – the reassurance of Nissan durability, quality and reliability,” said Bosley.

The new Altima Coupe will be assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee plants.

Altima Coupe becomes the seventh Nissan Altima model, joining the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL and Altima Hybrid (Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

“The Altima name and outstanding reputation adds great credibility to the new Altima Coupe – and the Coupe makes the Altima brand stronger by appealing to a new segment of buyers,” said Bosley. “And like the Altima Sedan, the new Coupe will be a tremendous value when it goes on sale next summer. If you’re looking for style, performance and affordability, the new Altima Coupe delivers.”

[source: Nissan Sport Magazine via Nissan North America]

[Flybrian]

:rotflmao:

[FAPTurbo]

Uh.

Makes me wish they just took a previous gen 350Z and repackaged it...

[PurdueGuy]

doesn't look too bad, but doesn't stand out enough, IMO. Looks like a current gen eclipse & G6 blended together.

[Cory Wolfe]

Oh my... that is more dorky looking than I imagined it would be. Maybe better pictures will help...

[CSpec]

I think it will look better from different angles, but that sure looks dumpy.

[pow]

Ewwww... looks like a Nissan Monte Carlo.

[Northstar]

Wow, I thought it would look pretty good, but this looks terrible.

[bobo]

These camera angles are not flattering at all. I imagine it would look better in person.

[titan]

I like it. Both front and (especiall) the back. I love that they have the 6sp mated to both engines, along with the I4. The V6 6Spd version should be alot of fun to fling around.

[Variance]

These camera angles are not flattering at all.  I imagine it would look better in person.

221432[/snapback]

I wish Nissan wouldn't use stupid camera angles and effects like in the second picture. It distorts how the cars actually look.

[VenSeattle]

Ewwww... looks like a Nissan Monte Carlo.

221426[/snapback]

That's EXACTLY what I thought!

[Croc]

Wow, I thought it would look pretty good, but this looks terrible.

221428[/snapback]

Same, the spy photos were very promising-looking...but no it looks like a clay model. Very unfinished and lacking any surface detail.

[Intrepidation]

Red tail lights...that's unexpected....however based one what I can see...I'm disappointed. The rear is meh...it would have been better if they had just taken the rear doors off and left it as is.

[VenSeattle]

Sorry, but at this point, the G6 coupe exterior looks great compared to the Altima. Those who despise excessive-looking overhangs would probably agree:

The 3.6l & 6sp in the 2007 G6 GTP will also help it out.

[Intrepidation]

Sorry, but at this point, the G6 coupe exterior looks great compared to the Altima. Those who despise excessive-looking overhangs would probably agree:

The 3.6l & 6sp in the 2007 G6 GTP will also help it out.

221489[/snapback]

Nope, they both suck...just the Altima not so much so. Plus the Altima has a nice sedan alternative...the G6 doesn't.

[Flybrian]

Photography doesn't add disjointed cutlines and bulbous taillamps. The rear is trash, pure and simple.

[Satty]

[aaaantoine]

Admittedly, I kinda like the overall shape.

However, the grille is very silly looking. The rear quarter window doesn't flow well with the rest of the design. And finally, if you're going to cut the decklid into the bumper, you may as well go the entire length across rather than just enough to fit the license plate.

[enzl]

Awful. The worst of the Altima, Solara and G6 cues all rolled into one. Nissan is treading on thin ice with their designs lately, which have either been too conservative (G35, Altima) or ugly (Versa, Altima Coupe, Sentra).

[Variance]

Photography doesn't add disjointed cutlines and bulbous taillamps.

221528[/snapback]

No but from a bad angle, it can make the rear look longer and flatter than it actually is.

I added more pics above and Autoblog has some real-world images:

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto...-poor-mans-g35/

[sciguy_0504]

I don't have a problem with it. It looks nice and will help Altima sales. Then again, I like the Solara, too, haha. I think the G6 coupe looks better, though.

[FAPTurbo]

I can't wait until some rich rice boy gets his meathooks on this and decks it out with ground effec- I mean GroundFX!!!!211!!, LED's and a spoiler.

[bowtie_dude]

Awful. The worst of the Altima, Solara and G6 cues all rolled into one. Nissan is treading on thin ice with their designs lately, which have either been too conservative (G35, Altima) or ugly (Versa, Altima Coupe, Sentra).

221535[/snapback]

Thats what I was thinking. Its like a melting pot of all the WORST qualities of the other coupes in its class and none of the good.

[ocnblu]

Can we return to the old days, when shadowy, grainy photographs led me to believe this thing would look decent? I do not like this atall, at least in photos. The Pontiac is much sweeter.

[Croc]

I like the front, though the headlights are too Infiniti, and I love the rear. My biggest problem is the bulbous and pregnant-looking profile. It just lacks definition. The side sculpting should be more muscular and defined. It just looks out of shape...NOT good.

[Robert Hall]

Interesting...a Monte Carlo-esque quarter window and C-pillar with a Bangled (think Z4) decklid. It's definitely different..will give the G6, Accord and Solara coupes some competition..hasn't it been rumoured Ford may do a Fusion coupe?

[AM6_Cutlass]

I was actually excited about this one when I clicked on the link. Always glad to see more coupes, but I'm starting to doubt anybody knows how to design one anymore. Looks like they ripped off thier own Infiniti G35 coupe, and the Scion TC to come up with this. Too bad.

[AM6_Cutlass]

..hasn't it been rumoured Ford may do a Fusion coupe?

221761[/snapback]

Oooh, now that's something I'd like to see. Hopefully if they do that one, there will be a Milan coupe too.

[ocnblu]

If they do a Fusion coupe, will it be upright and buttoned down, tailored like the sedan, or will it have a sporty greenhouse?

This would be cool... Pontiac G6, Nissan Altima, Fusion, Milan... and Malibu coupes!

[4gm]

Yuck. I like the rearend but everything else needs to go.

And I actually like the new Sentra. I saw one on the freeway the other day. It looks good. The Versa is ugly. No question. Ghosn might be needing the heave-ho from Nissan shortly.

[sciguy_0504]

I think the Versa is good looking, along with the Sentra (in non-SE-R guise).

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Call me crazy, but I actually sort of like it. The headlamps are a little too rounded and the grille insert is weak compared to the sedan's, but, still, it's not too bad. I wouldn't be really be that ashamed to be seen in it.

I was expecting more, though, so I am, in a few ways, disappointed. It's nothing a MCE can't fix, though.

[Rymanrph]

This is worse than the new sentra. Wow, this thing is ugly. Very disappointing.

[Cory Wolfe]

The new pics certainly help, but its still pretty sad looking. It looks chunky. The decently sized wheels look small beneath the body. The front looks like a bloated 350Z. The rear, a bloated G6. And is that an oval-ish rear window? Hilarious.

I was hoping this would be the sexy alternative to the sedan with improvements to its problems. It still is, but the problems are still there and well, it doesnt look right.

[SableStyle]

I dunno...it's not an eyesore to look at...

and it's way better than the Solara, Monte Carlo, and the new Sebring (albeit different types of car). Better than the G6? Nah, but this does look nice.

[ToniCipriani]

It'll probably look better if they didn't use the all red taillamps. Otherwise it just looks as if they Bangled the G6 (and no, that's not a compliment).

[Croc]

This is a vehicle you HAVE to see in person. I don't know what is wrong with Nissan's photography, but when beholding this work of art in person it is GORGEOUS and SEXY.

There were enough people crowded around it at the show yesterday to know it wasn't just me...especially since I thought it looked pregnant and out-of-shape going into it based on the press pictures. It looks neither in person. Simply awesome.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

The G6 coupe should be compared favorably to this, but I'm sure it won't be.

I for one think the G6 is sexy as hell in GTP form. This, however is too 'unfinished' or 'weighty' The proportions look horrible and it almost looks too 'thick'

It's hard to pinpoint.

I agree with enzl about Nissan as of late... "The thrill is gone"

Shift_the Altima with down syndrome

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

And the begins....

Like the G35 coupe, the Altima coupe offers gorgeous, striking styling. The new looks, combined with the available V6 and six-speed manual transmission, offer some genuine attitude in a segment filled with vanilla mediocrity. Just don't call it Nissan's Monte Carlo. — Josh Jacquot

Straight from Edmunds... It even includes the Monte Carlo reference as if he KNEW this design sucked, yet had to compensate for it.

Talk about spreading it on thick.... "gorgeous, striking styling' I bet the G6 (Or any other domestic) will never get accolades like that. In fact that's the best "Edmunds take" I've read about the whole show.

AND from Car & Driver:

But one of the car business’ best-kept secrets was that the new four-door Altima will be joined next summer by a striking coupe version. The 2008 Altima Coupe represents the first time that the Altima will be offered as anything but a four-door, and Nissan deserves some credit for styling a car that doesn’t look like exactly like the sedan on which it’s based. The proportions are much different, thanks to a four-inch-shorter wheelbase and 7.1-inch shorter overall length compared to its more domestically inclined sibling. Its sloping roofline and tapering greenhouse also look terrific, though both exact a measurable penalty in terms of overall rear seat space.

[Croc]

Read my post above...in person it is stunning. These photos make it look like ass. It also IMO doesn't look just like a G35...it is just very nice-looking.

[regfootball]

I love this car.

and I like the G6 coupe and even the monte....but this altima coupe is the whole package. I wish I were driving this to work tomorrow.

just wish I didn't need 4 doors.

Edited December 4, 2006 by regfootball

[Intrepidation]

Meh, I'd rather have the sedan. it looks better IMO.

[Dragon]

for the most part, I likey.

The grill and headligths could be better. But they match the overall styling Nissan is trying for.

[Turbojett]

no.

[LosAngeles]

Ewwww... looks like a Nissan Monte Carlo.

Those undertones stodd out to me also in many angles.

That being said, it will fly off the lots, watch. Being Japanese alone means a great portion of those in the market for new cars are already on board.

[CMG]

Awkward shape and the wheel openings are terrible, tough to look past just THAT for me... reminds me of a Tiburon crossed with a Monte Carlo.

No thanks!

Edited September 2, 2007 by CMG

[Snate]

It's truly an eyesore...actually all the recent coupes (G6, Solara) are eyesores. It seems like the collective forgot how to design a coupe

Edited September 3, 2007 by Snate

[MyerShift]

At any rate, I like the Altima coupe.

It's better looking than the Monte, Solara, Accord, or whatever else is out there in the FWD midsize/large coupe market.