Press Release
At a Glance: 2005 Nissan Altima
Originally launched in 2002, the third generation Altima was designed to provide an exciting alternative to the otherwise ordinary mid-size sedan segment. In 2005, Altima bolsters that concept with a dramatic overhaul to the one of the most popular Nissan vehicles. Refinements for the 2005 model year include several styling enhancements, two new exterior colors, a totally revamped interior for a higher quality look and feel and newly available features such as a DVD-based navigation system. Also, Altima's V6 engine has been refined to produce five more horsepower. The 2005 Altima brings to the segment a blend of performance, style and value that is unmatched. With its distinctive exterior design, choice of powerful 4-cylinder or V6 engines, performance-oriented suspension and fresh interior, Altima injects passion into the driver with a robust performance and offers an escape from the traditional four-door sedan. The new Altima is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in mid-February 2004. Highlights of the 2005 Altima include:Body
- New smoked headlamps and taillights
- Restyled smooth front fascia with a distinctive raised hood design
- New Nissan family grille
- Dramatically styled body with dynamic and sporty forms and wheels pushed out to the corners for an aggressive look
- All-steel unibody with high torsional rigidity
- Two new exterior colors - Majestic Blue and Coral Sand
Engine and Driveline
- 250-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 249 lb-ft of torque (increases of five horsepower and three lb-ft torque) and dual exhaust on V6 models
- Standard 175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder producing 180 lb-ft of torque (CAL/PZEV vehicles have 170 hp and 175 lb-ft torque)
- Both engines feature modular cylinder head design, lightweight pistons, continuously variable valve timing, variable induction system
- Choice of 5-speed manual, 4-speed electronically controlled automatic or 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmissions
- Available Traction Control on V6 automatic transmission models
- All 4-cylinder models meet the latest U.S. federal governments emissions standards (FED Tier2 Bin5) and those units sold in California (and other states with California-certified vehicles) meet PZEV standards
Suspension, Steering and Braking
- 4-wheel independent suspension with extensive use of aluminum components, featuring a rear multi-link suspension design
- New wheel design for 2005
- 16-inch wheels with 215/60R16 tires on 4-cylinder models, 17-inch wheels with 215/55R17 tires on V6 models
- 4-wheel disc brakes with available 4-wheel ABS, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
Interior Features
- New instrument panel design, center console, trim finishes, seat materials and headliner
- Contemporary, relaxed interior design with three-gauge "cockpit" instrument pod with chrome accents
- Gauges feature a fine vision meter illumination system for better visibility
- New chrome door handles
- New 3-spoke steering wheel design
- Optional Bose® Premium audio system with eight speakers, in-dash 6-disc CD autochanger
- Available DVD-based navigation system
Safety
- Dual-stage supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors, available front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags for front and rear occupants
- Seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system
Models and Manufacturing
- Offered in five well-equipped models: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package, 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL
- Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plants
