NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID FOR CARS

The Altima Hybrid is essentially a Toyota hybrid wrapped in Nissan’s attractive packaging. Nissan licensed Toyota’s hybrid technology, and except for a few key adjustments along the way, has simply transplanted the hybrid system and drivability into its own product.

The Altima carries a 2.5-liter engine versus the Camry’s 2.4-liter version, but the relative difference in performance between the vehicles is mostly a product of software. Nissan engineers inherited Toyota's computer control system, but didn't leave it entirely alone. Toyota opted for calm and comfort, the signature qualities of the Camry, while Nissan allowed a little more noise and rumble in exchange for more power in passing. The Altima Hybrid’s fuel tank, at 20 gallons, is almost three gallons larger than the Camry, boosting the driving range another 100 miles or so.

The Altima Hybrid’s retail price is competitive at $25,100—just about the same as the Camry. But then you need to take away the $2,350 federal tax credit offered to Altima buyers. Nissan hybrids will benefit from the full amount of the tax credit for several years, while the tax credit for Toyota hybrids have been sliced to zero—thanks to an odd provision in the 2005 Energy Bill.

Style                                    Midsize Sedan
Seating                                5
Mileage                               35/33
Tank Size                           20 gallons
Emission Rating                AT-PZEV
Passenger Volume           101 cu.ft.
Cargo Volume                    9.1 cu.ft.
0 - 60 Performance            9 seconds
Net Power                          198 horsepower
Gas Engine Torque          162 lb.-ft  2800 RPM
Electric Motor Torque       199 lb.-ft   0-1500 RPM
Displacement                     2.5 liter
Battery Output                    244.8 volts
Drag Coefficient                .30

In sum, I offer an amended version of Nissan’s pitch for this electrified— but not electrifying— Altima: “The first hybrid that looks like a Nissan.” Considering the target market’s priorities, that’s probably enough to put Nissan in the hunt.