Building on previous generation Altima’s reputation, the all-new 2007 Nissan Altima is evolutionary in design, but revolutionary in its platform and hardware. Along with its distinctive styling, the new fourth generation Altima utilizes the all-new Nissan “D” platform with improved body rigidity and a redesigned suspension.The new Altima also offers Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), a choice of the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 or powerful 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engines, and a long list of technology features – including available Intelligent Key with Push Start Ignition, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, RearView Monitor and an advanced touch-screen navigation system.
Distinctive, Sporty Styling
The 2007 Altima’s exterior styling is a continuation of Altima’s design. The wheelbase is 0.9-inch shorter (109.3 inches) than the previous model and the overall length is 2.5 inches shorter (189.8 inches), but the interior retains the same ample roominess. The width is 0.3-inch wider (70.7 inches) and overall height is the same (57.9 inches). Trunk space remains the same as the previous generation Altima.
Attention to Quality and Detail
The 2007 Altima interior has an enhanced feel with refined workmanship and expanded use of soft materials and chrome accents. Interior noise levels have been reduced through use of the new rigid platform and increased sound insulation.
The instrument panel features a new 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 new triple front cup holder design (CVT-equipped models), among the many convenient cup and bottle areas (up to nine total, including 20-ounce bottle holders in the door panels) and storage compartments (many of which are covered). The volume of the glove compartment has also increased substantially, doubling in size to 0.46 cubic feet.
Interiors are available in three colors – charcoal, blonde and frost – as well as in both high quality soft-touch suede fabric and leather-appointed seating.
"Next Generation" Platform
The new Altima is the first global application of Nissan’s advanced “D” platform, which offers much improved body rigidity and an all-new front suspension with new geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs.
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.
In addition to 17-inch wheels and tires, the Altima 3.5 SE offers a sport-tuned suspension with larger diameter stabilizer bars and unique spring rates and strut damping.
Engines
Two engines are available, a "next generation" version of the 12-time Ward’s “10 Best Engines” award-winning VQ-series V6 and an inline 4-cylinder. The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 is now rated at 265-plus horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque while the 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder produces 165-plus horsepower and 170-plus lb-ft of torque.
New dual exhaust system designs reduce exhaust backpressure by 35% on the 4-cylinder and 50% with the V6. Both systems utilize increased tube diameters and include dual chrome-tipped exhaust finishers.
Smooth, Efficient Xtronic CVT
The 2007 Altima is offered with a choice of two transmissions with both the V6 and 4-cylinder engines. A new 6-speed manual gearbox and the advanced Nissan Xtronic CVT which replaces the previous conventional automatic transmission.
The Xtronic CVT is designed to create a true synergy between engine and transmission with smooth, responsive, fluid-feeling performance and efficient operation. The V6 CVT has been enhanced with an all-new "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.
Enhanced Structure, Steering and Braking
The new Altima’s improved body structure includes the expanded use of Ultra High Strength Steel. Use of this steel is also allows for a 30% weight reduction in the frontal body structure. Overall, the new Altima is only about 55 pounds heavier than the previous generation.
A new twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system is standard, providing light steering effort at low speeds and a secure feeling at high speeds, along with improved "on center" feel.
Braking for the 2007 Altima is provided by standard 4-wheel disc brakes. Standard on V6 models and optional on 4-cylinder models is a 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS-equipped Altimas feature Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake force and Brake Assist, which senses hard or panic pedal application and helps provide maximum braking capacity.
Safety, Security and Convenience
The new Altima comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including Zone Body construction and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (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.
Added convenience is provided by the available RearView Monitor, which utilizes a small camera to help show the view behind the vehicle when in reverse gear. Other available convenience features include an 8-way power driver’s seat, automatic on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding glass sunroof, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio with choice of XM or Sirius service, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, leather-appointed seating, heated front driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control and rear-passenger air conditioning vents.
Models and Manufacturing
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