Summer 2012 TOC

Summer 2012 Cover

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ON THE COVER

The 2013 Altima provides an advanced Around View Monitor system utilizing four cameras that detects four views. Utilizing the Rearview Monitor system the Altima is also available with Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD). The Moving Object Detection system functions to help warn the driver with audible and visual cues, if it detects moving objects within the displayed image of the front view, top view or rear view display.

The new 2013 Altima Sedan is lighter, thanks to greater application of ultrahigh-strength steel and aluminum. The well-equipped, four-cylinder Altima Sedan's 2.5-liter, inline 4-cylnder engine is lighter, stronger, quicker and more fuel-efficient. It gains a variable-flow intake manifold. Both the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines are equipped with a smart-charging alternator programmed to reduce engine drag. Premium Altimas will continue to offer a 3.5-liter V-6 with 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, rated at 22/30 mpg. The new Altimas are equipped with the next-generation Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTTM), which was designed with 40 percent less friction than previous versions. They provide an extended shift-ratio spread that allow better standing-start acceleration and quieter highway cruising. An electric-hydraulic power steering system is standard on the new Altimas which helps contribute to the fuel economy.

All versions of the Altima, which will continue to ride on an independent suspension, have been upgraded to Sachs shocks for better ride control. The 2013 Altima's rear multilink suspension was re-engineered for more responsive lateral handling. The Altima also has Active Understeer Control, which is designed to apply braking to inside front wheels during cornering when needed to increase yaw-moment before the car understeers.

In This Issue

The 2013 Nissan Altima