2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Press Kit

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Since introduction, the Altima Hybrid has stood out from other hybrids in its class with its balance of fuel efficiency and drivability. Now, for the 2010 model year, the Altima Hybrid adds a revised exterior, refined interior and upgraded audio and navigation system offerings.

The enhancements for the new model year, most of which are shared with the non-hybrid 2010 Altima Sedan, includes a revised front end appearance, new 16-inch wheel design, revised option package content, refined interior fabric and finishers and one new exterior color. Also offered is a new premium audio system that includes a 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), and RearView Monitor; and a next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color display and 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback.

The 2010 Altima Hybrid continues to offer the efficiency and fuel economy of a hybrid drivetrain with the performance and excitement typical of any Altima, combining true driving pleasure, distinctive and sporty design and a quality-crafted interior with excellent fuel mileage. It has been certified to meet California emissions requirements and is sold in states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The Altima Hybrid is part of Nissan’s ongoing efforts in the area of environmental protection and vehicle efficiency. The company’s aim is to provide the right technology to the right market at the right time and right value to the customer.

In addition to Altima Hybrid, Nissan offers a wide application of its advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) in its 2010 passenger cars and crossovers and Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology in the 2010 Titan pickup and Armada SUV. The all-new Nissan Leaf, a pure electric vehicle, is slated for launch in late 2010 in the U.S., Japan and Europe – ushering in a new era of mobility.

Altima Power Plus Hybrid Technology
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. 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 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.

Altima Hybrid is estimated to have a hybrid system net power rating of 198 horsepower (148 kW). EPA fuel economy is estimated at 35 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway. Combined with Altima’s standard 20-gallon fuel tank, the Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of over 600 miles between fill-ups.

The Altima Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking technology to recharge the hybrid system’s batteries, meaning Altima Hybrid doesn’t have to “plug in” to maintain a sufficient store of electric energy.

In order to recharge the battery, a generator places resistance on the driveshaft during braking. Altima Hybrid’s Regenerative Brake System calculates braking force generated by brake pedal operation and controls the regenerative brake force to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, optimizing energy regeneration. The system converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy to usable electric energy that is stored in the system’s 244.8V Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery for eventual use by the electric motor.

Nissan’s proven QR25 4-cylinder engine features continuously variable valve timing, modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum-coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttle.

Helping provide smooth acceleration and maximize powertrain efficiency is Altima Hybrid’s hybrid system-specific eCVT, which works in conjunction with the Hybrid Vehicle-Electric Control Unit (HV-ECU) to determine which power source or combination of power sources will turn the wheels.

Altima Hybrid’s electric motor produces high torque at low rpm, allowing it to utilize its Electric Vehicle (EV) mode to power the car from a standing idle and through initial acceleration without the assistance of the gasoline engine. While this stage of acceleration is a typical gasoline-only powered vehicle’s least fuel-efficient stage, Altima Hybrid offers much of its fuel-efficiency benefits here.

Altima Hybrid’s all-electric mode, called Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, powers the vehicle in this initial acceleration phase. After the electric motor provides initial acceleration, the gasoline engine quietly starts and assumes the load of powering the vehicle. The gasoline engine works independently through cruising speeds until the vehicle reaches speeds at which fuel efficiency declines. When loads require, the electric motor restarts again and aids the gasoline engine in powering the Altima Hybrid. This allows the gasoline engine to remain in its ideal rpm range while the axle torque simultaneously increases due to extra power contributed by the electric motor.

A digital display on the speedometer indicates when the Altima Hybrid is running solely on electric power. The Altima Hybrid’s available hard drive navigation system also features a real-time display showing how the hybrid system directs the flow of energy.

Serving as the foundation for Altima Hybrid is Nissan’s advanced “D” platform. The platform includes a subframe-mounted front suspension, shock absorbers with rebound springs and equal-length half-shafts that are nearly parallel to the ground – virtually eliminating traditional front-wheel drive torque steer.

Revised Exterior and Interior
The distinctive, signature Altima exterior styling features revised hood, grille, front bumper and rear license plate finisher designs, along with a new 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design. Another changes for 2010 is the addition of the power sliding moonroof in the optional Premium Package.

Altima’s exterior again offers an aggressive stance, a strong wedge character line, signature Altima-style taillights and Hybrid badging. One new exterior color is available – Ocean Gray – along with Mystic Jade, Radiant Silver, Dark Slate, Super Black, Winter Frost and Navy Blue.

Inside, Altima Hybrid’s revised interior fabrics and finishers and revised Blonde interior color are joined by a new white illumination gauge appearance and a new automatic transmission finisher design. The new available Bose® Premium Audio System includes 9 speakers, a 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), and RearView Monitor.

The new, next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System features a 6.5-inch VGA color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with audio streaming, 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback, advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat® restaurant guide, XM® NavTraffic and XM NavWeather® (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.

As in previous years, the roomy yet sporty interior space offers innovative amenities, including Fine Vision gauge display instrument panel and comfortable, highly bolstered seats with available 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats. Leather-appointed seating is also offered, along with standard Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition and Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control.

The 2010 Altima Hybrid also comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Other standard equipment includes front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

One Well-Equipped Model
The 2010 Altima Hybrid is offered in one model, the Altima Hybrid, with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid electric components, eCVT transmission, 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), electric power rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel independent suspension and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Comfort and convenience features include standard Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition 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.

Three option packages are offered for 2010, including the Convenience Package, with 8-way power driver’s seat, automatic on/off headlights, dual sun visors w/ illuminated vanity mirrors & extenders, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power window w/ one-touch auto up/down & auto reverse, key fob-operated front windows up/down, front passenger key cylinder-operated front windows up/down, sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, manual folding sideview mirrors, wood trim finishers for Blonde interior, and rear spoiler w/integrated center high-mounted stoplight.

The Premium Package features leather-appointed seats, heated driver and front-passenger seats, driver’s power lumbar support, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, power sliding tinted glass moonroof with tilt, sliding sunshade and one-touch operation with auto reverse feature, Bose® AM/FM audio system with 9 speakers, 4.3-inch color display, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, USB port with iPod® connectivity, XM® Satellite Radio, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), speed-sensitive auto volume, heated sideview mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, compass, mood lighting, rear A/C ventilation and metallic-texture finishers (Charcoal interior).

Finally, the Technology Package adds Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color monitor, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback, hybrid energy flow and energy/fuel history display, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather®, DVD player, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, steering wheel navigation system controls and VTR jack.

The 2010 Altima is assembled at Nissan North America – Smyrna Manufacturing.

• 2.5-liter 4-cylinder QR25DE engine, producing 158 horsepower @ 5,200-6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800-4,800 rpm
• Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor (650V maximum) rated at 40 horsepower (assisted power) and 199 lb-ft of torque @ 0-1,500 rpm 
• Sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery rated at 244.8V 
• Hybrid-specific electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) designed to maximize fuel efficiency 
• Standard dual exhaust finishers
  

• Revised hood, grille, front bumper and rear license plate finisher designs
• New 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design
• Power sliding moonroof now included in Premium Package
• Body features the Altima Sedan’s distinctive, sporty design
• Aggressive stance, Nissan “T-shaped” grille
• Iconic Altima-style taillights, small wheel opening gaps
• One new exterior color – Ocean Gray
  

• Advanced “D” platform featuring improved body rigidity and reduced NVH (compared to previous Altima platform)
• Front suspension design with equal-angle half shafts almost parallel to the ground – virtually eliminating torque steer
• Flat cornering and excellent ride comfort 
• Shock absorbers with rebound springs for secure cornering feel
• Power-assisted vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system 
• Power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
• Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) 
• 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P215/60R16 tires 
• Regenerative braking, allowing Altima Hybrid to produce its own electric energy for storage in its battery – it never needs external recharging or “plugging in”
  

• Revised interior fabrics and finishers, revised Blonde interior color
• Gauge appearance changed to white illumination
• Revised automatic transmission finisher design
• New premium audio system that includes a 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), and RearView Monitor
• Next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with audio streaming, 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback, advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat® restaurant guide, XM® NavTraffic and XM NavWeather® (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity
• Roomy yet sporty interior space with innovative amenities, including Fine Vision gauge display instrument panel
• Comfortable, highly bolstered seats with available 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats
• Available leather-appointed seating
• Standard Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition 
• Convenient covered storage compartments and nine cup or bottle holders
• Available Bose®-developed audio system with 9 speakers
• Available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
• Available RearView Monitor
• Standard Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
  

• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors
• Front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags 
• Roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
• Zone Body construction
• Front seat Active Head Restraints
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) 
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  

• Available in one well-equipped model: Altima Hybrid
• Three available equipment packages: Convenience, Premium and Technology 
• Assembled by Nissan North America – Smyrna Manufacturing