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Photography by Sammy Chan
Text from Nissan Canada Press Release

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The all-new, third generation Nissan Altima represents a total revision and rethinking of Nissan's midsize sedan - it brings a level of style and performance that currently does not exist in its class.  

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With a choice of a 240-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 (the first time a V6 is available in Altima) or 180-horsepower 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission and an all-new 4-wheel independent suspension, Altima offers spirit with state-of-the-art technology.

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An aggressive new exterior design with increases in all major dimensions and a driver-oriented interior with myriad convenience and luxury features set Altima apart in the highly competitive sedan marketplace.  Highlights of the Altima include:

Body
* All-new body with dynamic and sporty forms and wheels pushed out to
the corners for an aggressive look
* All major dimensions increased for improved interior and trunk space
* All-steel unibody with a 170 percent increase in torsional rigidity

Engine and Driveline
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* 240-horsepower 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 with 246 lb-ft of torque
and dual exhaust in 3.5 SE models
* Standard 180-horsepower 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder producing 180 lb-ft of torque (an increase of 25 horsepower and 24 lb-ft of torque from the previous 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine)
* Both engines feature modular cylinder head design, lightweight
pistons, continuously variable valve timing, variable induction system
* Choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronically controlled
automatic transmission
* Traction control on V6 automatic transmission models

Suspension, Steering and Braking
* 4-wheel independent suspension with extensive use of aluminum
components; features new front suspension design and all-new multi-link rear suspension design
* 16-inch wheels with 205/65R16 tires on 4-cylinder models, 17-inch
wheels with 215/55R17 tires on V6
* 4-wheel disc brakes with available 4-wheel ABS, Brake Assist and
Electronic Brake Distribution

Interior Features
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* Contemporary, relaxed interior design with "cockpit" 3-gauge
instrument panel, driver-oriented controls
* Distinctive "environments" - complete interior looks with different
colours and textures for the seating areas and dashboard
* Optional 150-watt BoseŽ audio system with eight speakers, in-dash 6
CD changer
* Interior volume 263 litres (9.3 cubic feet) larger than 2001 model
* Front seat hip point raised 38 mm (1.5 inches) for increased outward
visibility

Safety
Dual front air bags with dual-stage inflators, available front seat
side-impact supplemental air bags and side curtain supplemental air bags for head protection

Models and Manufacturing
Offered in three well-equipped models:  2.5 S, 2.5 SL and 3.5 SE
Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plants

The Altima 2.5 S with a manual transmission starts at an MSRP of $23,498.  The Altima 3.5 SE with a manual transmission starts at an MSRP of $27,698.

Model Engine Transmission MSRP
2.5 S 2.5-litre DOHC I4 5-speed man. $23,498
2.5 S 2.5-litre DOHC I4 4-speed auto. $24,498
2.5 SL 2.5-litre DOHC I4 4-speed auto. $28,998
3.5 SE 3.5-litre DOHC V6 5-speed man. $27,698
3.5 SE 3.5-litre DOHC V6 4-speed auto. (with TCS) $28,998

Option Package Contents Models MSRP Convenience Package 16-inch alloy wheels/tires, 8-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjust, leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio controls, speed sensitive volume control, auto up/down passenger side window, key cylinder front windows up/down, key fob front windows down, trip computer & outside temperature gauge, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, sunvisor extensions, cargo net, anti-theft system 2.5 S
(standard on 2.5 SL model & 3.5 SE models) $1,500

Anti-Lock Braking System Includes Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution 2.5 S (standard on 2.5 SL & 3.5 SE models) $800
Leather Package Leather seating surfaces, simulated leather door trim, heated front seats, Bose audio system with 2 extra speakers (8 total), in dash 6-disc CD changer, radio Data System, Homelink system, auto dimming rear view mirror, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags 3.5 SE $2,800
Sunroof Package Power sliding glass sunroof with tilt 3.5 SE $1,000