Who knew the OC had its own car show, especially one that doesn't just feature row after row of BMW 6-Series convertibles? (Oh, that would be the mall.) Orange County's car show in Anaheim, today was the venue where Nissan for the first time wiped the cosmoline off its Altima hybrid, a car it plans to sell in emissions-strict markets including (surprise) California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey. Mileage is compatable with Toyota's Camry Hybrid at 41 mpg city / 36 highway, highlghting its full-hybrid status (i.e., it can run at low speeds on its electric motor alone). Also like the Camry, the Altima sports a continuously variable transmission. Such similarities with the Camry are no accident, considering Nissan's sourcing much of its hybrid-drive system from ToMoCo.
[Hat tip to the Kicker of Tires]
Press Release:
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Debuts
First-ever Nissan Hybrid Blends Performance, Style and Fuel Economy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 4, 2006) - The all-new 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid, Nissan's first entry into the hybrid gasoline/electric vehicle segment, makes its North American debut at the 2007 Model Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim, California, October 4 - 8, 2006.
The new Altima Hybrid offers all the style, convenience, comfort, quality feel and performance technology features and highlights of the next-generation 2007 Altima - while offering the added benefits of enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions.
The Altima Hybrid's powertrain mates the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with an electric motor and generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. The Altima Hybrid's hybrid system is rated at a net power of 198 horsepower (148 kW), with fuel economy estimated at 41 mpg City/36 mpg Highway.
Classified as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), the new 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.
The 2007 Altima Hybrid will be available in early 2007, following the November 2006 introduction of the 2007 Altima 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 gasoline-powered models.
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 Xtronic CVT, 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 is also taking a leadership position in Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology. In 2006, Nissan was the only import brand in the United States to offer a FFV with the introduction of the E85 ethanol capable Nissan Titan pickup. For 2007, the full-size Nissan Armada SUV joins the Titan in offering FFV technology as a no-cost option.
Related:
There's No Business in Hybrid Business, No Business Ghosn Knows [internal]