|
Note: The Altima Hybrid will be offered only in California, New York,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New
Jersey. These states have their own standards for emissions, in
addition to the federal standards. You can buy an Altima Hybrid in
one of these states, and states possibly from some Nissan dealers
in states that border these "green state" (like Pennsylvania).
You'd want to be sure to notify your local Nissan dealer. They
will make sure that one of their mechanics is trained on servicing
the Altima Hybrid, so your can can be serviced at your area
dealer. |
Nissan
is introducing a hybrid version of the Altima. It's
based on the Nissan 175 HP 2.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine,
coupled to a hybrid system supplied under license from Toyota. Toyota
will supply the transaxle, inverter, battery, and control unit.
Testing by the press indicates that the power from the electric motor
is substantially more than most hybrids, in the range of 100 HP. The
transmission is a Xtronic™ CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
While
the initial hybrids (Honda Insight and Civic hybrid and Toyota Prius)
focused more on economy, the Altima will be a little more performance
oriented, while still getting better economy than other vehicles in
it's size class. The goal appears to be a phrase you're starting to
hear a lot with hybrids: "V6 performance with four cylinder economy".
The
Altima hybrid should compete directly with the Honda Accord Hybrid.
But because the Altima uses a four cylinder engine, instead of a V6
like the Accord, the Altima has the potential to have noticeably
better fuel economy than the Honda.
The Nissan
plant in Smyrna, Tennessee has been chosen to produce the
Altima hybrid.
|
