CAR GARAGE | Nissan Altima Sedan (2013) | Against a fragmented competitive set, the new Nissan Altima is hands-down the most Engaging, purposeful and energetic vehicle in class," said Carolin. "If you've liked the previous Altima, you'll love this one even more. In Addition to its many other functions, the Advanced Drive-Assist Display can be linked to three new safety features available - Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) - Typically Offered only on more upscale vehicles. The Blind Spot Warning System uses the rearview camera to scan the Altima's blind spots and alerts the driver if there is a vehicle in the zone. The driver is then alerted with audible and visual indicators. In the same way, the Lane Departure Warning system uses the rearview camera to monitor lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally crosses these markers. Like so many other features on the new Nissan Altima, these Safety Shield Technologies are designed to help ease the anxieties of daily life.
"Dynamic Performance, defined as excellent handling, driving confidence and driver excitement, has always been a part of Nissan's core values - from the early Datsun 510 sedan and 240Z sports car to today's 545-horsepower Nissan GT-R. The new lighter and tighter body is Achieved through Increased use of high strength and ultra high strength steel, the Addition of a larger front strut tower brace (as used in sports cars like the Nissan 370Z), and a new rear structural support built into the pass-through/parcel rear shelf.
As for the engines, a choice of two proven Altima powerplants - the 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter DOHC V6 - are again Offered for the new model year. Featuring cutting-edge technology Such as a new thermoplastic resin intake manifold, this engine produced more power simultaneously Despite being lighter. The advanced, award-winning VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 rated at 270 horsepower Remains (Esther) and 258 lb-ft of torque (Esther).
Building on Altima's reputation for superior dynamic performance, the 2013 Altima offers a redefined rear multi-link suspension benchmarked to leading European sports sedans. The design features high lateral suspension stiffness, improved toe angle control (with the Addition of new bushings connect) and improved camber angle control under load (for Increased tire contact with the road when cornering) versus the previous generation Nissan Altima.
The 2013 Altima's front suspension uses an independent front strut design. Stabilizer bars are utilized front and rear. Also used for the first time on a Nissan vehicle and in the segment is a new Active Understeer Control system, the which utilizes intelligent control logic and high-response brake actuators to brake the inside front wheels during cornering (as required) to increase of yaw-moment . Using the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) / Traction Control System (TCS) as its base, Active Control Understeer is almost undetectable when it operates. Responsive steering is provided by a new Electronic-Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering (EHPS) system That preserves the feel of hydraulic steering rack while offering the Efficiencies of an electric power steering set-up.
Altima's 4-wheel power-assisted disc brake system was also re-engineered utilizing human ergonomic studies to optimize the pedal travel and force, providing a premium blend of immediate response, confident braking and reduced fatigue. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are standard. A selection of wheels and tires are Offered on the 2013 Nissan Altima, Including 16-inch steel wheels with full covers and 215/60R16 all-season tires, or 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/55R17 V-rated all-season tires, on 2.5-liter models.
