We’re just days away from the reveal of the new 2019
Nissan Altima, as the Japanese carmaker has announced its debut for the New
York Auto Show. Given that the design of the sixth generation Altima was
previewed by the Vmotion 2.0 concept at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, we expect
to see a much sportier, and balanced, mid-size sedan from Nissan.
The front end of the new Altima will feature
Nissan’s latest take on the V-motion design language, with a pronounced
V-shaped grille backed by a pair of angry-looking LED headlamps. The body’s
shoulder lines will also form a V pointing towards the front, giving the new
Nissan some much needed road presence in a segment where most rivals are new,
including the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.
The
wheelbase will be longer, giving rear passengers more room to stretch while the
dashboard will also be influenced by the study, featuring a tablet-like display
for the infotainment system and a tall transmission tunnel.
There’s a more comprehensive redo of the cabin that
will see the introduction of a more modern, tablet-style infotainment screen
taking a prominent place on the dashboard. The interior will also feature
better, more premium materials, including metallic finishes, contrast stitching
and a three-spoke steering wheel similar to that found in the Rogue crossover.
The layout will be simple and easy to use, with less physical buttons than
before and a sportier atmosphere.
The new 2019 Nissan Altima is believed to ride on an
updated version of the front-drive D platform that underpins numerous Nissan,
Infiniti and even Renault models, including the current Maxima and Murano.
Apart from the longer wheelbase, the new Altima is rumored to get an optional
all-wheel drive system.
There’s little information on the powertrains Nissan
will use in the 2019 Altima. The Japanese carmaker will most probably update
the current 182 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 270 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine options
for more power and better economy, although there are some rumors about a new
turbocharged four-cylinder version.
A hybrid option is also reportedly on the cards,
which given Nissan’s future agenda and the current market trends will be the
least surprising element of the new Altima. All engines will be offered with a
CVT automatic transmission, just like before.
Expect to see a full range of driver assistance
systems covering all grounds, including a version of Nissan’s ProPilot
semiautonomous technology, complete with all kinds of sensors to allow the new
Altima to drive itself, under supervision from the driver of course.
Nissan will reveal the new 2019 Altima on March 28,
at the New York Auto Show. Sales are expected to begin this summer across the
country, with prices slightly increased over the outgoing model that starts
from just under US$ 24,000 in the States.
