2002 Altima

[2HD]

Since the Altima is going head on against Camry and Accord in 2002, Nissan has to hit a bulls eye. Does anyone have any pictures and specs? Any comments on what you would like to see in it post it here!


[This message has been edited by 2HD (edited 02-25-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Well everyone wants to see a V-6 right? I would like to see the Maxima's 3.0L V-6 in it. And hopefully it will retain a independent rear suspension but I doubt it. I think it's going to move over to that torsion beam axle...ooops...multilink beam.

Finally, I hope it will be available with a 5 spd in V-6 form.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Why has everyone forgotten about the vq25 motor? Pushing out over 200hp, it would be a perfect motor for the Altima, and even the new Z, which has so often been called the 250Z in recent articles. That will allow people to differentiate the altima and maxima.

[GTR]

the 25 forgotten? more like neglected by nissan usa. what bout the vq30det? that'd be a sweet ass motor in a maxima se-r. put the sr20de in the altima with the vq25de as an option. put a vq30de in the maxima with the option of the vq30det. put a vq30de with the option of a vq35de in the i30. *drool* put a lil more distance between the maxima and i30, and raise the bar on the altima a bit.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

SR20 in a Altima, NO U don't want that, its designed for a high reving car, witness the G20, its lackluster cause of weight. U need to rev the SR to get it going- I own one, albeit 2 but the 2nd one is turbo http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif Altimas 2.4L is smooth and strong on the bottom end, where most of the peeps spend their time, not at the 7500RPM redline like on the REAL SE-Rs. The engine Altima will get will be a VQ30DE while the Max will get the VQ35DE.

[Nismo]

Post deleted by Nismo

[2HD]

Does anyone have a clue on what the 2002 Altima will look like? Also will there be an increase in camry and accords horsepower?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2HD:
Does anyone have a clue on what the 2002 Altima will look like? Also will there be an increase in camry and accords horsepower? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

One thing for sure is that the new Altima will be a bit bigger to compete with the Camry and Accords. I think the Maxima will compete against the Avalon and 300M.

I don't think Toyota or Honda is going to go crazy and offer anything outrageous for sedans. They're too conservative to make a really high fwd performance sedan at least under $28,000.

[jochi]

I think it wouldn't be prudent to put a multi-link beam setup in the 2002 Altima. It's a step down, and Nissan cannot afford anything that will tarnish it's already fragile rep. All the new products boast class leading power, and it's about time that ride comfort and suspension sophistication be added to the power. But being based on the Maxima, I dunno how they can do it. Is that platform compatible with a ind. rear sus.?? BTW, if the engine is gonna be a VQ(anything) where will they build it?? Does the Tenn. plant build engines? At what capacity is the plant running at right now, considering Alts, Fronts, Xters are all made there, and considering that Nissan hopes to be a million car seller in the near future. Are there any plans to build a new plant in North America?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

from jochi: Are there any plans to build a new plant in North America?

now that the sentra is being built in Mexico, the smyrna plant has the capacity to build a whole lot more than they are now (i've read they're building something like 300,000 cars with the capability of a million). so nissan probably doesn't need any new plants in North America.

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jochi:
I think it wouldn't be prudent to put a multi-link beam setup in the 2002 Altima. It's a step down, and Nissan cannot afford anything that will tarnish it's already fragile rep<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

While I agree an independent rear suspension is an optimal set up, I don't think Multilink beam's cost and space saving advantages probably out weigh any technological superiority. There are some advantages to the multilink beam namely it's ability to allow the rear wheels to remain perpendicular to the group thereby increasing grip.

I think Nissan has done a good job of touting or should I say marketing the the multilink beam idea in their brochures.

Here's a very good article by Dave Coleman of Sports Compact Car on the Multilink beam mainly focused on the 1999+ G20 but covers some Maxima and Sentra issues.
http://www.sr20de.net/about/g20/scc/oct98/tb.html

[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 03-05-2000).]

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jochi:
Does the Tenn. plant build engines? At what capacity is the plant running at right now, considering Alts, Fronts, Xters are all made there, and considering that Nissan hopes to be a million car seller in the near future. Are there any plans to build a new plant in North America? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There are two plants in the United States. One is the Smyrna, Tenn factory that churns out Altimas, Frontiers, and Xterras. There's been a lot of talk about Xterra production going full steam with extra shifts being added to handle the demand.

There's also a plant in Decherd, Tenn., 80 miles southeast of Nashville. This one makes engines and transaxles. I am not sure which engines this plant makes, but I would guess either the Sentra and/or Altima/Frontier KA24DE engines.

And of course there are three plants in Mexico, one which manufactures the Sentra.

[mcervantes]

I agree with Yak. The Altima most likely will be larger to attack the Camry/Accord while the Maxima will bump up to take on the Avalon, but the Max will have a sporty flair.

I also belive that the 2002 Altima will sport Nissan's new family grille. It might also have the circular fog-lights found on the Max, Sentra, and 2001 Frontier

Mike Cervantes

[**DONOTDELETE**]

nissan's new family grille? i'm guessing this is the grille on the new sentra and maxima. i don't know, in my opinion the maxima grille is too slanted but on the sentra, the grille looks pretty good (smaller size)

i agree that the front of the altima isn't so great. i don't really like that bar that goes across the grille, should be more like the new sentras for a cleaner look

[**DONOTDELETE**]

OT but why does Nissan in Europe has that kidney grill that looks like BMW ?

[mcervantes]

I should have said Nissan NA's new family grille. I believe Nissan Europe calls their design the "Flying Wing."
I agree, the Sentra's grille looks better IMO, than the Maxima. The Max's looks a little too big to me.

[This message has been edited by mcervantes (edited 03-07-2000).]

[GTR]

they shoulda pulled out the nose too look like an r34. hey, the new pathy uses that style grille, the max shoudl too =P

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i agree

i think it would've been cool if the max had those fender bulges like the R34 skyline along with the 4 circle taillights. it would've been cool if the Max also had the skyline's large rectangular airdam. maybe if they make the SE-R Max, they can give the front bumper a large airdam to let more air in http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I would like to see the restyled Altima to look more like the first generation, that was so good looking...the current one is just fugly!!!!!

[TitaniusMaximus]

I seriously do not think the Multi-link Beam setup is not a step down. The Multi-link Beam has so much more upside then the independent setup, like it's quieter, takes up less space, and it holds the road as good as (if not better than) a independent setup. Have you driven a Max with this setup? You'll agree that it loses to no independent setup. Anyways, I think this is what gives the Max character. But I truly wish that Nissan does something with that back end and the manual shifter, it doesn't feel right...

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jochi:
I think it wouldn't be prudent to put a multi-link beam setup in the 2002 Altima. It's a step down, and Nissan cannot afford anything that will tarnish it's already fragile rep.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[TitaniusMaximus]

I just heard that the new Altima will carry over the 2.4L KA24DE with power increase with an option for 3.0L VQ30DE with 222hp. So that Maxima will have VQ30DE as a standard engine and VQ35DE with 260hp as an option.

[2HD]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Doctor Tae:
I just heard that the new Altima will carry over the 2.4L KA24DE with power increase with an option for 3.0L VQ30DE with 222hp. So that Maxima will have VQ30DE as a standard engine and VQ35DE with 260hp as an option.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Where did you get this information!

[TitaniusMaximus]

I used to work for Nissan Motors USA, as a dealer operation dept. and I still have a few friends in that dept. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/grin.gif There are a lot of rumors just flying around the Nissan products lately... which is good... cuz Nissan was down and quiet for the better part of the 90s... http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/grin.gif

[JonCarson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mcervantes:
"I agree with Yak. The Altima most likely will be larger to attack the Camry/Accord while the Maxima will bump up to take on the Avalon, but the Max will have a sporty flair."
Mike Cervantes<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Max's measurements are already up there with the Avalon. If I remember correctly; slightly longer, a bit more narrow, tighter interior. More powerful 6, right? I don't know why they're not classed together right now...is the Avalon that much more refined?

[tbear]

Because they are targetting different markets. The Avalon targets older people who traditionally buy Buick, Mercury, etc. That's why the styling is very conservative. Maxima targets sporty family car buyers.

I'm still confused as to which segment Maxima has to compete with when the Altima is upgraded. Should it compete against 300M, Lincoln LS, Acura TL? But there is I30 in that segment.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carsonjon:
The Max's measurements are already up there with the Avalon. If I remember correctly; slightly longer, a bit more narrow, tighter interior. More powerful 6, right? I don't know why they're not classed together right now...is the Avalon that much more refined?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[RainMeister]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tbear:
I'm still confused as to which segment Maxima has to compete with when the Altima is upgraded. Should it compete against 300M, Lincoln LS, Acura TL? But there is I30 in that segment.
[/b]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nissan needs to keep the Maxima in the sports sedan segment. I totally agree that using the Maxima moniker on a model that competes with the Avalon and Buicks would be an absolute blunder as it would send a confusing message to the marketplace. As for the I30, Infiniti should dump it in favor of a true rear wheel drive sports sedan. Next to the TL or BMW 5-series, the I is frumpy-looking and lacking in excitement.

[This message has been edited by RainMeister (edited 03-19-2000).]

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RainMeister:
Nissan needs to keep the Maxima in the sports sedan segment. I totally agree that using the Maxima moniker on a model that competes with the Avalon and Buicks would be an absolute blunder as it would send a confusing message to the marketplace. As for the I30, Infiniti should dump it in favor of a true rear wheel drive sports sedan. Next to the TL or BMW 5-series, the I is frumpy-looking and lacking in excitement.

[This message has been edited by RainMeister (edited 03-19-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think Nissan is smart enough to keep it in the sports sedan territory considering that has been the target market the past decade.

I think the I30 is best reserved to see duty in the near luxury $30,000+ segement.

As for a rear wheel drive I30, you may not get your wish entirely but as we noted in our Nissan News page, there's a chance that Infiniti will introduce a second V-8 rwd sedan in it's line up at a relative bargain price point. Also there's the XVL which may be one rung up the I30 price ladder.

[Max Ima]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tbear:
Because they are targetting different markets. The Avalon targets older people who traditionally buy Buick, Mercury, etc. That's why the styling is very conservative. Maxima targets sporty family car buyers.

I'm still confused as to which segment Maxima has to compete with when the Altima is upgraded. Should it compete against 300M, Lincoln LS, Acura TL? But there is I30 in that segment.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Interestingly enough, Road&Track compared the 2000 Maxima to the Acura TL when it was first launched last summer.

I think the competitors for the car vary with the trim levels. SE/GLE's fight the upper end (300M, Acura, ES 300) and the GXE firghts the Accords and Camrys of the world. I don't know if the Maxima fights the Avalon -- all I ever see are AARP members driving that thing.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

quoted by Max Ima :I don't know if the Maxima fights the Avalon -- all I ever see are AARP members driving that thing.

LOL!!!! My buddy bought his parents an Avalon last year after he graduated from college, and they sure are pretty old!!!! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/grin.gif

But the car is so smooth, quiet and comfortable, they don't call it Japan's Buick for nothing.

[Path&Max]

The max is only 1.5 inches less in length then an Avolon. As long as it retains its sporty image I don't think anyone will notice the difference.

When they drop a 6 in the Altima I am wondering if it will steal sales from the Max. Especially if the redesigned Altima is sporty and only 1.5 inches smaller then the new Maxima. Personally I find my 2000 to be the perfect size for a sports sedan, making it any larger might kill its image.

[TitaniusMaximus]

I wouldn't be surprised to find Sentra growing to the current Altima size and getting an all new small car from Nissan... Just my speculation...

[jochi]

I don't think Nissan wants to go down that road again. The 3 sedan strategy of the past has backfired bigtime. By making a new model under the Sentra, that would only mean shuffling images of each car up a notch, which would just confuse everyone. If the plan is to make the Maxima into a full sized sedan, my thinking is to come up with a new name for it. This would prevent sacrificing the Maxima's sports sedan image by turning it into an American boat-ima.
Although it might not be popular with some people to drop the Altima name and just use the Maxima name for the 2 cars , it might be the best decision, because the Maxima brand has more tradition and is known for its V6 prowess. Furthermore, the Maxima did have a 4 cyl. engine in the past, while the Altima has never been known for a V6. By consolidating 2 cars into 1 name, this can increase sales to put it near the Camcords of this world. Plus the Maxima has something the Camcords don't, which is the sports sedan image. Plus, I don't know how bad it is to drop the Altima name. Sure it was a beautiful 1st generation car, but it's never been popular to enthusiats the way the Maxima has been, and it's only been used since 1993. When you think Altima, you think sensible, value laiden transportation with a few extra frills. When you think Maxima, you think power, speed and comfort, and if you can market this car for a wider variety of buyers starting with a 4 cyl. XE, all the way to a SE-R (???), you'll have a winner.

[TitaniusMaximus]

Dropping the Altima name would be the biggest single mistake Nissan can make now... since the Altima has been the sales volume leader in the Nissan line-up for the last 6 years... also to the general public the Altima is a better known name then the Maxima is... and Maxima has never had a 4-cyl engine... Maxima had a 2.0L inline-6 back in 1980 when first introduced, which was a Datsun 910 or something like that... right???

[jochi]

Da Doc. is right...... sorry...... the '81 Max did have a 2.4L 6 cyl. engine.....
Regardless, I still think the Maxima name should not be butchered. Maxima doesn't sound like a full sized car. Maybe the boat should be called the Ultima? Or the Grandma?
Sure the Altima has been the best seller for 6 years. It's also known that 4 cyl.'s outsell 6's among Camcords by a large margin, and I'm sure most Altima buyers would opt for a Maxima if given the money, just like a prospective Camry buyer would get the 6 if he/she could justify the price and maintenance (I think, or at least I would). Plus the Max & Alt both have sales in the low to mid 100000's, so the dif. isn't that much; therefore making the Maxima brand 'relatively' more popular. Also, because of the hurting 2nd gen. Altima, and cost cutting in that car up until the 2000 model (ie. no rear discs on most, no VLSD option, Sentra interior door handles) many people have lost favor with the Altima.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Very simple. Let Altima be what it can be, i.e. make it bigger on current Maxima platform and with both I-4 and V-6.

As for Maxima, make it a less expensive Nissan-badged version of the XVL with RWD and smaller size, but without some gimmicks. This way the sporty image will be preserved and the volume for XVL platform will be raised.

BTW, I have taken Y2K Max SE 5-spd for a test drive, and tokk my Z31 turbo the same route right after that. They felt about the same, even though Max is much longer, so I think that the rear suspension of Maxima is not bad at all.

[2HD]

Making the Maxima a little bigger wouldn't be such a bad Idea if they do it right. If they keep the sports sedan image it should do nicely. A very good example of what the next Maxima should look like (styling wise) would be the Dodge Intrepid, it's a big car too but with the young buyer in mind.

As a matter of fact I think the Dodge way is the way Nissan is trying to go at least with their sedans anyways.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

But I don't want a big sedan!
Most of BMW 3 and 5-series reviews notice the smallish rear seat. Right, who cares http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/wink.gif People love/buy BMW not only for that http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/wink.gif

I think that there will be enough people wishing to buy a smaller but sportier sedan. One of the reasons I don't want to buy Maxima is the size. I'm just used to the size of my Z (172 inches long) too much. Makes parking easy, you know http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

[TitaniusMaximus]

Sounds simple... but XVL is smaller than the Max... which would be taking a few steps backwards... I was told that XVL is about the same size as a Altima, but lower and a little wider... and let's not get so hyped over the XVL, it'll be a niche car and not for the masses and should do about 35-50,000 a year... I think the midsize sandwich sedan line-up has worked pretty well for Nissan over the years... considering how boring the 4th gen Max and current gen Altima looks, they both managed to sell around 150,000/yr which is around 300,000/yr... not bad... now that the Max is selling like crazy that number should rise a little more... http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/grin.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

What???? I for one don't like the idea of making the Maxima any larger. It's perfect in my opinion. There is no need for a full size vehicle in Nissan's lineup other than maybe the Q45. Full size is generally kept in the the luxury ends of the manufacturer, excluding the intrepids and whatnot.

All should conform to my ideas http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

Sentra: engine wise stays the same other than maybe a limited production turbo. The size will not exceed their current model. stays FWD.

Altima: ditch the ka and throw in a small VQ. 2.0 or a 2.5 liter. Don't make it any larger. stays FWD.

Maxima: Keep the current engine config with an optional sport model "not SE-R designation" with either a 3.5 VQ or the VQ30DET. DO NOT make it any larger. stays FWD.

There..!

Beholder

[This message has been edited by Beholder (edited 03-30-2000).]

[GTR]

all hail beholder! i totally agree with u. for the altima ditch the 4 cyl for two sizes of the vq motor.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

nissan should upsize the altima and offer a coupe model. maybe offer the 2.5 VQ engine standard and VQ30 as a step up.

the max should stay around the same size but get more aggressive styling and sportier suspension along with around 280 horses.

[JonCarson]

Just my $.02, but why even consider making the Altima sporty?

I've seen people driving lowered ones here and there, but there's really nothing very sporty about it in the first place.
I don't really know in-depth details about the car, so someone tell me what's performance oriented on that car?
Chassis, suspension, engine, drivetrain? Even the potatoesque styling...

I believe the car does well at what it was made to do. It provides larger and more comfortable transportation than Sentras, Civics, and the like; while also remaining much more affordable than Accords, Camrys, etc.

Not everyone wants to own and drive a car that stands out and/or kicks ass. Some people just want solid, reliable, no-frills transportation (not me http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/wink.gif). These people buy Altimas and I thank them for bringing revenue to Nissan.

[TitaniusMaximus]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carsonjon:

I don't really know in-depth details about the car, so someone tell me what's performance oriented on that car?
Chassis, suspension, engine, drivetrain? Even the potatoesque styling...

I believe the car does well at what it was made to do. It provides larger and more comfortable transportation than Sentras, Civics, and the like; while also remaining much more affordable than Accords, Camrys, etc.

Not everyone wants to own and drive a car that stands out and/or kicks ass. Some people just want solid, reliable, no-frills transportation (not me http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/wink.gif).<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Altima was supposed to be a sporty family car. It has a passive type of 4 wheel steering called the Super Toe Control, where the outside rear wheel toes in during a turn. To me, I think this is better set up than the Super HICAS system, since it is passive there is practically no lag... Some of the autocross competitors remove the Super HICAS system entirely from their 300ZX because it is heavy and of its lag.
Although the Altima still retains the Super Toe Control, the Nissan boys decided to build a head on competitor of the CamCords (Camrys and Accords), that's why the car has no character at all... but if you modify the suspension a little bit, this is a sleeping HANDLING MONSTER... http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/grin.gif That's why I recommend people to buy a SE 5-spd, and then take a few dollars and invest in a wheel/tire/suspension upgrade (225/40/17 with 17" wheels and a Eibach lowering kit and anti-roll bar should do the trick) and if you get bored with that, strap the TURBO kit on... you will get close to 240hp with a 10 psi boost... http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/grin.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Actually I guess they race them pretty heavily in Europe. I'll find out more info.

Beholder

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Doctor Tae:
The Altima was supposed to be a sporty family car. It has a passive type of 4 wheel steering called the Super Toe Control, where the outside rear wheel toes in during a turn. To me, I think this is better set up than the Super HICAS system, since it is passive there is practically no lag...Although the Altima still retains the Super Toe Control, the Nissan boys decided to build a head on competitor of the CamCords (Camrys and Accords), that's why the car has no character at all... but if you modify the suspension a little bit, this is a sleeping HANDLING MONSTER http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/grin.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree. I had a 94 Altima GXE...not even an SE...all stock. And that car handled really well, the steering was accurate, the body motions were well controlled. I love my Maximas but nothing beats a well developed small(er) car for handling.


[This message has been edited by noelsaw (edited 04-01-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Beholder:
Actually I guess they race them pretty heavily in Europe. I'll find out more info.

Beholder<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


they race altimas? or were you talking about something else?

i've seen lots of primeras on BTCC on speedvision. i'd really like to see some skyline gt-r's racing on speedvision, hopefully that'll happen soon.


[This message has been edited by nsuguy (edited 04-01-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

the next altima should be a step ahead in styling. in my opinion, the mitsu Galant ES (and above models) kicks the altima's butt in terms of styling--optional V6 is another good advantage. but then again, mitsubishi usually is pretty good with making attractive vehicles

for some reason, i just can't stand the rear styling of the altima. i almost don't know what NDI was thinking, they should've got a second opinion before putting the design into production.

[2HD]

Dropping the Altima name would definitly be a big mistake. The 1st generation Altima did all to well in sales, I see so many on the road, even more than the 2nd gen.

The 1st generation Altima was the little luxury car for those who couldn't afford a luxury car. Those things that made the altima special like the trunk lock hidden underneath the Nissan logo and the chrome door handles, but most importantantly the design of the car which looked like a little J30 are gone in the 2ng genration Altima.

Where Nissan went wrong was taking all those special traits away when making the 2nd generation Altima. Nissan needs to look towards the 1st generation when designing the 3rd, of course it has to be as long and big as the camry and accord or more but most importantly give it a character and an image that it is the luxury car that even the poorest person can afford.


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Doctor Tae:
Dropping the Altima name would be the biggest single mistake Nissan can make now... since the Altima has been the sales volume leader in the Nissan line-up for the last 6 years... also to the general public the Altima is a better known name then the Maxima is... and Maxima has never had a 4-cyl engine... Maxima had a 2.0L inline-6 back in 1980 when first introduced, which was a Datsun 910 or something like that... right???<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[2HD]

Dropping the Altima name would definitly be a big mistake. The 1st generation Altima did all to well in sales, I see so many on the road, even more than the 2nd gen.

The 1st generation Altima was the little luxury car for those who couldn't afford a luxury car. Those things that made the altima special like the trunk lock hidden underneath the Nissan logo and the chrome door handles, but most importantantly the design of the car which looked like a little J30 are gone in the 2ng genration Altima.

Where Nissan went wrong was taking all those special traits away when making the 2nd generation Altima. Nissan needs to look towards the 1st generation when designing the 3rd, of course it has to be as long and big as the camry and accord or more but most importantly give it a character and an image that it is the luxury car that even the poorest person can afford.


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Doctor Tae:
Dropping the Altima name would be the biggest single mistake Nissan can make now... since the Altima has been the sales volume leader in the Nissan line-up for the last 6 years... also to the general public the Altima is a better known name then the Maxima is... and Maxima has never had a 4-cyl engine... Maxima had a 2.0L inline-6 back in 1980 when first introduced, which was a Datsun 910 or something like that... right???<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Since the Altima will be going directly up against the Camry and Accord, it should also offer as many models. Both the Camry and Accord offer 2-door and 4-door models as well as a choice of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder models. The Camry and Accord will also be offering convertible models and supercharged engines. I hope Nissan takes these factors into consideration. Finally, rear suspensions don't sell cars. The cars need to look exciting and need to be powerful. That's what sell cars in today's market.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The new Altima will be released in the fall of 2001. The car be bigger than the current car and will have a design theme similar to Audi and XVL concept. It seems that Nissan is intent on making the car more sporty. This is according to Nissan's Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn. An automotive journalist was shown the side view of new Altima. The article also talks about how the product cycle for the car has been cut to four years since the new management doesn't feel the car is very competitive with the Camry and Accord. They confirmed that the Maxima will get the new 3.5L V6. I love what the new management is doing to bring this company out of the dark. If you want to see the whole article, go to Autonews.com.

[tbear]

Thanks for posting the news, kashif35!
here's the full link: http://www.autonews.com/html/main/stories/nissan24.htm

extroid CVT is not coming to the US!
Some quotes from the article:

"We want to be courageous, to take risks,'' said Patrick Pelata, Nissan's global product development chief. "We do not want to be in "We want to be courageous, to take risks,'' said Patrick Pelata, Nissan's global product development chief. "We do not want to be in Toyota's shadow. We want to have our own sunlight."

A side-view picture of the Altima, which was shown to a reporter, depicted a dramatic, angular departure from the current, lozenge-shaped design. An Audi-like nose leads to a flatter roof line and a high, flat rear deck lid. There is some resemblance to the Infiniti XVL show car, although an upward-sloping side panel crease is reminiscent of modern-era Alfa Romeo sedans. The overall flavor of the Altima is distinctly European.
"We want to have class-leading power," Pelata said.

On the engineering side, Nissan will be more conservative in what it brings to market. No longer will there be engineering for engineering's sake, but engineering to address concerns of customers. Hence the Extroid continuously variable transmission will not come to America unless there is demand for it first.

"We still have a lot of work to do in terms of perceived value," Pelata said. "There is no reason that with Nissan's manufacturing quality, we can't have a better image than German cars.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

an XVL inspired altima sounds good to me. overall, i liked the XVL. the front not too aggressive, but in a midsize car i think that would be forgivable. i think the XVL itself deserves a more aggressive front fascia.

anyhow, nissan's doing a lot of good things, hope they return to profitability soon http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/grin.gif

[2HD]

I agree http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif An Altima that looks like the XVL (especially from the side) would make a nice looking car far better than what Honda and toyota will probably bring out, just hope the interior is just as nice. It should take some passat sales too, maybe it will even make best family sedan on edmunds http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif I'm glad that Nissan decided to push the model year down to fall 2001 as a 2002 model which means altima will go against camry and accord directly. May the best car win (but I'm root'n for Altima http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif )

[noelsaw]

Guys, based on some new info - we'll be closing this topic and starting a new one...

2002 Altima (Part 2)