Nissan's New Hybrid is a fuel-efficient hot rod
Nissan’s 2007 Altima Hybrid ($33,000) is generating a good bit of buzz both among the automotive community and consumers in general. It features a refined version of Nissan’s QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine matched with an advanced electric drive motor/generator. Together they give the Altima Hybrid a net power rating of 198 horsepower (148 kW).
With its standard electronically controlled CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the Altima Hybrid achieves an estimated EPA fuel economy of 42 mpg City and 36 mpg Highway and is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV).
The Altima Hybrid also offers an impressive list of available convenience features, including Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, leather-appointed seating, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, RearView™ Monitor, satellite radio, Nissan’s Advanced Navigation System with real-time Energy Flow Display and a dual-zone automatic temperature control that includes an Altima Hybrid-specific electrically powered A/C that continues to provide cooling when the gasoline engine is stopped.
In addition, while some hybrids, like the Toyota Camry Hybrid, are no longer eligible for income-tax rebates, the Altima Hybrid, being so new, still qualifies owners for a $2,350 deduction.
The Altima is a sportier performer than the Camry, more agile in corners and with a firmer ride and more immediate throttle response thanks to an 11-horsepower advantage over the Camry. However, the Camry has a more luxurious interior and a more luxurious-feeling driveline. The Altima’s gasoline engine produces more vibration when it stops and starts, due to the sportier chassis tuning.
Driving the Altima is a bit odd in that you’ll often start without the gasoline engine running, just motoring along on electric power until you get up to about 25 mph. As a result, even with the sporty performance, you tend to get around 32 mpg in real-world driving. So while the Altima Hybrid may not be quite as smooth and luxurious as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, enthusiast drivers will find the Altima more to their taste.
Altima Hybrid Details
The 2007 Altima Hybrid is part of Nissan’s ongoing efforts in the area of environmental protection and vehicle efficiency and features Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
The Altima Hybrid has been certified to meet California emissions requirements and will be sold in states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. These eight states are among the strongest markets for hybrid vehicles.
Hybrid Powertrain Operation
The Altima Hybrid powertrain mates a refined version of Nissan’s QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. The Altima Hybrid is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no evaporative emissions.
The advanced energy drive system shares duties between the gasoline-powered 4-cylinder and the emissions-free electric motor – allowing the Altima Hybrid to run solely on electric power if appropriate, especially during stop-and-go driving. If extra performance is needed, the gasoline engine starts instantly and smoothly adds power as required.
