The Altima Hybrid, which joined the Nissan lineup in the 2007 model year, continues to offer the efficiency and fuel economy of a hybrid drivetrain with the quality, performance and excitement typical of any Altima.

The Altima Hybrid powertrain mates a specialized version of Nissan’s QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator. This combination increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions, earning Altima Hybrid a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) rating.

Altima Hybrid 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. These nine states are among the strongest markets for hybrid vehicles.

For the 2010 model year, the Altima Hybrid offers 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 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 Technology (FFV) 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.

Highlights of the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid include:

Engine, Motor and Driveline

• 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

Body

• 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

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• 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”

Interior Features

• 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

Safety

• 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)

Models and Manufacturing

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