Capably Enhanced: 2019 Nissan Altima Sedan
Nissan is bringing excitement back to the mid-size sedan segment with the global launch of the 2019 Nissan Altima. The all-new, sixth-generation Altima features: expressive design with lower, wider and more athletic proportions; advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety and driving aid technologies, including ProPILOT Assist and introducing Safety Shield 360 with Rear Automatic Braking; enhanced driving performance, including available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive; and two new engines, including the company's world's first production-ready Variable Compression Turbo.
"Our goal with the all-new Altima is to re-energize the sedan segment – in terms of design, driving feel and in making advanced technologies available and affordable for everyone," said José Muñoz, chief performance officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "We want to energize drivers, helping make their lives safer, less stressful and more exciting."
The 2019 Altima will be offered in a range of trim levels – S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum. All five come equipped with the new standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine and are available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. In addition, Altima SR and Platinum grades are available with the advanced 2.0L VC-Turbo engine (front-wheel drive only). Torque for both engines is communicated to the street through a Xtronic automatic transmission. For 2019, the continuously variable Xtronic automatic receives an expanded lock-up area for improved efficiency. Paddle shifters are available with the Altima SR grade.
The VC-Turbo engine replaces the previous-generation 3.5L V6 engine and is the world's first production-ready variable compression turbo inline four-cylinder – which generates the performance of some V6 gasoline engines but with four-cylinder level fuel economy. The new technology continuously transforms the engine characteristics, providing both dynamic and efficient performance. It seamlessly changes its compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency) – with an advanced multi-link system continuously raising or lowering the pistons' reach to transform the compression ratio. A high compression ratio gives greater efficiency, but in certain applications poses the risk of premature combustion (knocking). A low compression ratio allows for greater power and torque and avoids knocking.
Altima’s first-ever AWD system is available in all trim levels equipped with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. The system uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100 front up to 50:50 front-to-rear) according to road and driving conditions. In addition, cooperative control between the AWD torque distribution, brake limited slip differential and Hill Start Assist optimizes performance on hills starts and rough roads – adding to the sense of confidence and driving pleasure under a range of driving scenarios.
Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist is the foundation for the autonomous vehicles of the future, helping drivers stay centered in the lane, navigate stop-and-go traffic, maintain a set vehicle speed and maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead. It’s all done with a simple two-button operation. To activate the system, the driver simply pushes the blue ProPILOT Assist ON button, then sets the Intelligent Cruise Control when the desired speed is reached, as with a normal advanced cruise control system.
ProPILOT Assist is designed to be more intuitive and user-friendly compared with other driver-assist technologies. It can potentially help lessen driver fatigue and create a more confident driving experience – especially for drivers who experience heavy highway traffic on a daily basis.
Inside the passenger cabin, there is a new open, airy premium uplifting interior design. Taking its inspiration from the award-winning Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept, the production Altima attracts immediate attention with its athletic stance and proportions – lower, wider and more dynamic than previous generations, thanks in part to new platform packaging and the use of two new low-profile engine designs.
The 2019 Altima interior offers a near-luxury feel in both design and materials – marked by the lightweight, layered and more horizontal "gliding wing" instrument panel and high-contrast colors and trim. The uplifting interior design also offers a high level of comfort and convenience amenities and connectivity features are offered – including standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, enhanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seat design with dual-density foam and added bolstering for improved holding and support, available perforated leather-appointed seat inserts, available remote engine start with Intelligent Climate Control and new available eight-way driver's seat with memory.
