2021 Nissan Altima Press Kit

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Totally redesigned just two years ago, the 2021 Altima continues as a standard for mid-size sedan design. As the annual top-seller in Nissan's dynamic, refreshed sedan lineup, the 2021 Altima offers the most extensive range of models and grade levels among them – with two engines, front-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and five well-equipped grade levels.

Like the all-new-for-2020 Versa and Sentra, as well as the flagship Maxima, Altima brings an exceptional level of advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology to its segment – including available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, ProPILOT Assist¹ and Nissan Safety Shield 360 technologies.

Enhancements for the 2021 model year include revised grade level content, with the SR grade now slotted above the SV grade, bringing the lineup order of S, SV, SR and Platinum in line with the other 2021 Nissan sedans. There is also the addition of a new SV Premium Package.

A revised model lineup now includes nine models: S FWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SR FWD, SR AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, Platinum AWD and SR VC-T FWD.

Sporty exterior, premium interior
The 2021 Altima features an athletic stance and low, wide proportions – thanks in part to the use of two low-profile engine designs. The result is a sleek, sophisticated look and a coefficient of drag of just 0.26.

Available exterior elements include the expressive V-motion grille with dark chrome finish, LED projector headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights, LED fog lights, floating roof with slim pillars and single panel moonroof.

A range of nine available exterior colors includes Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (premium color), Sunset Drift ChromaFlair® (premium color), Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Pearl White TriCoat (premium color), Glacier White, Deep Blue Pearl and Storm Blue Metallic.

Inside, the 2021 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, convenience and connectivity features – including available 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seat design with dual-density foam and added bolstering for improved holding and support, available perforated leather-appointed seat inserts, remote engine start² and available 8-way driver's seat with memory.

The Altima's selection of audio and infotainment choices include a Bose® Premium Audio system with nine speakers, including a digital amplifier with eight channels of custom equalization. Active Noise Cancellation is available on SR models equipped with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine.

In addition to available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and 8.0-inch multi-touch color display, every 2021 Altima comes equipped with standard, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, and Siri® Eyes Free voice recognition.

Available NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM® (Sirius/XM® subscription required, sold separately) provides compatible smartphone and smartwatch access to features, such as Remote Engine Start/Stop, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Valet Alert and more. Additionally, certain remote features are accessible through the NissanConnect Services Amazon Alexa Skill and Google Assistant Action.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility: ProPILOT Assist leads the way
When it comes to enhancing driving enjoyment, the 2021 Altima once again stands alone with Nissan's advanced ProPILOT Assist. Unique in the class, ProPILOT Assist¹ eases driver workload by reducing the amount of driver acceleration, steering and braking input under certain driving conditions, such as single-lane highway driving.

ProPILOT Assist utilizes a forward-facing camera, forward-facing radar, sensors and an electronic control module to help the driver stay in the center of the driving lane and to maintain vehicle speed (set by the driver) or help maintain a gap to the preceding vehicle if the vehicle speed drops below the driver-set speed. It also can slow the vehicle to a complete stop and hold the vehicle during traffic jam conditions. ProPILOT Assist is standard on Altima SL and Platinum grades and optionally available on SV.

Another key Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology is Safety Shield 360³, which helps provide front, side and rear safety monitoring and intervention technologies. Safety Shield 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist. It is standard on SV, SR, SL and Platinum grades and optional on S.

The range of Altima safety and convenience features also includes standard Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Driver Alertness⁴ on all grades.

Traffic Sign Recognition⁵, standard on SL and Platinum grades, provides drivers with the most recent speed limit information detected by a camera unit located on the windshield in front of the inside rearview mirror. In addition, Intelligent Around View® Monitor⁶, which utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle to provide a "bird's eye" virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, is standard on the Altima Platinum grade⁶.

Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
In response to the desires of buyers across all market regions, the 2021 Altima features available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive – the first AWD system offered on a Nissan sedan in the U.S.

The AWD system is available in four trim levels equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine – standard on Platinum and offered on SV, SR and SL grades. 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.⁷

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.

Advanced Variable Compression Turbo engine
For 2021, Altima again offers the choice of two powerplants, including the world's first production variable compression turbo inline 4-cylinder. The 2.0-liter VC-Turbo, which generates the performance of some V6 gasoline engines but with 4-cylinder level fuel economy, is available exclusively with the Altima SR front-wheel drive.

The VC-Turbo's 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. Compared with the previous generation Altima's 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo requires less space in the engine bay. The engine delivers 236 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque (regular unleaded fuel).

The VC-Turbo engine utilizes both multi-point injection and Nissan's Direct Injection Gasoline system to balance efficiency and power in all conditions. When equipped with the VC-Turbo, a meter in the standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display lets the driver see, as well as feel, the control state of this world-first technology while driving.

Fuel economy⁸ for the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine is rated at 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined – a 15% increase over the previous Altima 3.5-liter V6 (combined fuel economy).

Also available is an advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine, which is rated at 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque FWD (182 hp/178 lb-ft AWD). The engine, introduced in the 2019 Altima, features 80% new or redesigned parts (versus the previous generation 2.5-liter design).

More than just the gains in horsepower and torque, the engine offers improvements in noise, vibration and harshness, along with enhanced fuel economy and cleaner emissions. It also has a lower profile through adoption of a "reverse" cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold and low engine mounting into the platform's engine bay for quieter operation. The 2.5-liter engine is assembled in Decherd, Tennessee.

Fuel economy⁸ for the 2.5-liter engine is rated at 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined for front-wheel drive S, SV and SL models and 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined for front-wheel drive SR model.

Fuel economy⁸ for Altima 2.5-liter AWD models is rated at 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined for all-wheel drive SV and SL models and 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for all-wheel drive SR and Platinum models.

All 2021 Altima models, including both engine configurations, come equipped with a standard Xtronic transmission. Paddle shifters are available with the Altima SR grade.

Dynamic performance and chassis control
Along with the all-weather traction offered by the all-wheel drive system, all 2021 Altima vehicles benefit from a range of enhanced suspension, steering and chassis control systems (versus the previous generation). Key suspension changes include monotube rear shocks, added suspension reinforcements to improve vehicle response without impacting harshness, and suspension geometry adjustments to improve steering feedback.

The steering system features a dual-pinion electric power steering design, which reduces steering effort at low speeds for ease of driving. Effort is increased at higher speeds for improved feedback and control. Altima includes an available advanced Integrated Dynamics Module. It includes two unique systems – Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control – similar to those found on the flagship Nissan Maxima sedan.

Three wheel and tire size combinations are available – 16-inch, 17-inch and 19-inch. The Altima SR grade features unique suspension and chassis tuning for a sportier ride and handling.

A range of advanced models
The 2021 Altima is offered in five trim levels – S, SV, SR, SL and Platinum. All five come equipped with the standard 2.5-liter engine. All grades except S are available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. In addition, Altima SR is available with the advanced 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine (front-wheel drive only).

Altima S includes standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rear View Monitor, 7-inch color touch-screen audio display, Remote Engine Start, 6-way power driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Rear Door Alert, Hill Start Assist and more.

Altima SV features 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, 8.0-inch color display with multi-touch control, SiriusXM Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), 8-way power driver's seat LED projector headlights with signature LED Daylight Running Lights, 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, rear sonar system and more.

Altima SR grade models add 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, unique rear diffuser color, sport suspension (FWD only), sport interior with sport seat, paddle shifters, leather-appointed steering wheel, dark chrome V-motion grille, exhaust finishers, black side mirror caps and body colored door handles.

The Altima SR 2.0-liter VC Turbo also includes heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, heated front seats and 2-way driver power lumbar support.

Additional features found on the Altima SL grade include ProPILOT Assist, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, Bose® Premium Sound System with nine speakers, moonroof, acoustic front door glass, NissanConnect with Nissan Door to Door Navigation, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Traffic Sign Recognition, LED fog lights, 4-way power passenger seat, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, power front windows with one-touch auto-up/down and auto reverse feature, 2-way power lumbar, Remote Engine Start with Intelligent Climate Control, rear console HVAC vents ,Dual Zone Auto Climate Control and more.

Finally, the fully equipped Altima Platinum includes 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Intelligent Around View® Monitor, interior accent lighting, driver memory seat and mirrors function, auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

Three option packages are available. The Driver Assistance Package (S grade) features Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking and Rear Sonar System.

The SV Premium Package includes single panel moonroof, outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, heated front seats, 2-way driver power lumbar, leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, ProPILOT Assist with steering assist and Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range and Hold, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, Intelligent Lane Intervention and exhaust finishers

Finally, the SR Premium Package includes single panel moonroof, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, heated front seats and 2-way driver power lumbar.

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1. ProPILOT Assist cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle at all times. Always monitor traffic conditions and keep both hands on the steering wheel. System operates only when lane markings are detected. Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions. System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety. See Owner's Manual for safety information.
2. State laws may apply; review local laws before using.
3. Nissan Safety Shield technologies can't prevent all collisions or warn in all situations.  See Owner's Manual for important safety information.
4. It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. Intelligent Driver Alertness is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. See Owner's Manual for details.
5. Traffic Sign Recognition may not detect and read all traffic signs in all conditions. Driver should monitor all traffic signs and obey all traffic laws. See Owner's Manual for details.
6. Intelligent Around View Monitor cannot eliminate blind spots and may not detect every object. Driver should always turn and check surroundings before driving. See Owner's Manual for safety information.
7. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.
8. CITY, HIGHWAY and COMBINED: 2021 EPA Fuel Economy based on regular fuel: Altima 2.5-liter S, SV, SL: 28/39/32 mpg FWD; 26/36/30 mpg AWD; Altima 2.5-liter SR, Platinum: 27/37/31 mpg FWD; 25/35/29mpg AWD; Altima 2.0-liter FWD 25/34/29 mpg. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.

QUICK TAKE:

• Expressive design and uplifting interior, two powertrains – including the company's world-first variable compression turbo engine
• Nissan Safety Shield 360 available for all five grade levels
• Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive offers all-weather handling and driving confidence¹
• Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology includes available ProPILOT Assist, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• New Driver Assist Package available for 2021 Altima S grade

Now in its third year since its total redesign, the 2021 Nissan Altima is offered in a choice of five well-equipped grade levels, front-wheel and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a choice of two advanced engines – including the innovative 2.0-liter VC-Turbo inline 4-cylinder.

As one of the most exciting, advanced vehicles in its class with its lean, architectural styling and confidence-inspiring driving performance, Altima features range of available safety and convenience features, including standard Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Driver Alertness² on all grades.

Altima again features available Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies such as ProPILOT Assist³, a single-lane "hands-on" highway driving assistance technology that eases driver workload by reducing the amount of driver acceleration, steering and braking input under certain driving conditions. Safety Shield 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist. Nissan's Intelligent Around View® Monitor is standard on Altima Platinum.

The 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine, which is standard on all grade levels, is rated at 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque (FWD). The 2.0-liter VC-Turbo inline 4-cylinder, rated at 236 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, delivers near V6-level performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy. The engine is available on Altima SR VC-Turbo front-wheel drive grade. Both engines are matched with a next-generation Xtronic transmission.

In addition to its standard front-wheel drive, the 2021 Altima also offers Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, which is standard on Altima Platinum and available on SV, SR and SL grade levels equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The system uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (from 0:100 front up to 50:50 front-to-rear) according to road and driving conditions¹.

Key interior features range from standard power driver's seat to a selection of audio and infotainment choices, including a Bose® Premium Audio system with nine speakers.

For the 2021 model year, the Altima SV grade is repositioned under the SR grade, bringing the lineup order of S, SV, SR and Platinum in line with the other 2021 Nissan sedans. Also new for 2021 is an optional SV Premium Package.

Highlights of the 2021 Nissan Altima include:

Body

• Aggressive, athletic exterior design
• Floating roof design that accentuates the spacious, airy cabin
• Aggressive V-motion grille, boomerang headlights and taillights
• Available LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, standard Intelligent Auto Headlights, available LED fog lights
• Available heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals
• 0.26 coefficient of drag
• Nine available exterior colors, including Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (premium color), Sunset Drift ChromaFlair® (premium color), Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Pearl White TriCoat (premium color), Glacier White, Deep Blue Pearl and Storm Blue Metallic

Engines and Driveline

• Standard front-wheel drive
• Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (2.5-liter engine-equipped models only)
• World-first production VC-Turbo engine
  • 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
  • Rated at 236 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 267 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
  • Variable compression ratio – 8.0:1 – 14.0:1
  • Bore and stroke 84.0 x 90.1 @ 8.0:1 CR; 84.0 x 88.9 @ 14.0:1 CR
  • 6,000 rpm redline
  • Direct injection + port injection
  • Fuel economy4: 25/34/29 mpg city/highway/combined (TBC)
  • Available on SR FWD model
• 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine
  • Rated at 188 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm – FWD; 182 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm - AWD
  • Direct Injection Gasoline
  • Fuel economy⁴:
    FWD: S, SV, SL: 28/39/32 mpg city/highway/combined; SR: 27/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined (TBC)
    AWD: SV, SL: 26/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined; SR, Platinum: 25/35/29 mpg city/highway/combined (TBC)
  • Standard on all Altima grades
• Standard Xtronic transmission
• Available paddle shifters (SR)
• Standard remote engine start⁵

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Independent strut front suspension, stabilizer bar
• Independent rear multilink suspension design, monotube shocks, stabilizer bar
• Available Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control
• Sport-tuned suspension for Altima 2.5 SR FWD grade
• Dual-pinion electric powered steering system
• Power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist
• 16-inch steel wheels with full-wheel covers with 215/60R16 all-season tires (S)
• 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/55R17 all-season tires (SV, SL)
• 19-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 235/40R19 all-season tires (SR, Platinum)

Interior Features

• Upscale interior with premium materials and craftsmanship
• "Gliding wing" instrument panel design
• NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats
• Available 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Available 4-way power-adjustable front passenger's seats
• Standard 60/40 split folding rear bench seat with armrest
• Available heated front seats and heated steering wheel
• Available driver's memory seat and mirror function
• Standard cloth seating, available leather-appointed seats and trim
• Available Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display with 7.0-inch, high-resolution color display nestled in the instrument cluster
• Available Bose® Premium Audio System with nine speakers
• Available two front illuminated USB connection ports (one Type-A, one Type-C) with iPod® connectivity, two rear illuminated USB charge ports (one Type-A, one Type-C)
• Available SiriusXM® Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Available NissanConnect® featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Available 8-inch color display with multi-touch control
• Available Nissan Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic
• Available NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Standard Siri Eyes Free® / Google Assistant™ Voice Recognition
• Standard Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant
• Standard RearView Monitor
• Available Intelligent Around View® Monitor
• Available Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
• Standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with Voice Recognition and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®
• Standard Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition
• Power windows with driver's side auto up/down and auto reverse feature, available front passenger-side auto up/down and auto reverse feature
• Power door locks with auto-locking feature
• Available single-panel power sliding glass moonroof
• Available HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
• Available Piano Black interior trim finishers
• Three available interior colors: Charcoal, Light Gray and Sport (Charcoal with discrete orange accents)

Safety, Security and Driving Aids

• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor
• Driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags
• Roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
• Driver and front passenger supplemental knee air bags
• Seat-mounted rear passenger side-impact supplemental air bags
• Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• LATCH System
• Zone Body construction
• Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Easy-Fill Tire Alert
• Available radar-based Blind Spot Warning
• Standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
• Standard Automatic Emergency Braking, available Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Available Intelligent Cruise Control
• Available Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Available ProPILOT Assist³ with steering assist and Intelligent Cruise Control (with Full Speed Range and Hold)
• Available Rear Automatic Braking
• Available Traffic Sign Recognition system
• Available Lane Departure Warning and Intelligent Lane Intervention
• Standard Intelligent Driver Alertness²

Models and options

• Available in nine models: S FWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SR FWD, SR AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, Platinum AWD and SR VC-T FWD
• Three available options: SR Premium Package, SV Premium Package and Driver Assist Package (S grade)

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1. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive cannot prevent collisions of provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.
2. It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. Intelligent Driver Alertness is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. See Owner's Manual for details.
3. ProPILOT Assist cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle at all times. Always monitor traffic conditions and keep both hands on the steering wheel. System operates only when lane markings are detected. Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions. System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety. See Owner's Manual for safety information.
4. CITY, HIGHWAY and COMBINED: 2021 EPA Fuel Economy based on regular fuel: Altima 2.5-liter S, SV, SL: 28/39/32 mpg FWD; 26/36/30 mpg AWD; Altima 2.5-liter SR: 27/37/31 mpg FWD; 25/35/29mpg AWD; Altima 2.0-liter FWD 25/34/29 mpg. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.
5. State laws may apply; review local laws before using.

(1) Manufacturer's Suggested List Price: Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Excludes tax, title, license, and destination charges. Destination and handling $975.

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2021 Nissan Altima 2.5L Specifications

Mechanical

Exterior

Interior

Safety and Security

Options

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2021 Nissan Altima 2.0L VC-Turbo Specifications

Mechanical

Exterior

Interior

Safety and Security

Options

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