Nissan Reveals Redesigned 2013 Altima in New York

All-New Midsize Sedan Makes Strides in Fuel Efficiency and Style

RAYNHAM, MASS. (04/11/2012)(readMedia)-- The Nissan Altima is both Nissan's best-seller and the second-best-selling car in America, meaning that the debut of the next generation of the popular sedan was highly anticipated. The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, unveiled at the New York International Auto Show last week, will aim to attract even more buyers in the increasingly competitive midsize segment by featuring improved style, technology and, perhaps most importantly, fuel efficiency.

Due to arrive at Nissan dealerships in July, the 2013 Nissan Altima was revealed in New York with a sleek new shape that has more in common with the larger Nissan Maxima than previous models. That new exterior is good for more than head-turning style though; the Altima's improved aerodynamics will help the model potentially reach 38 mpg on the highway, which would be the best in its segment.

"Fuel economy is at the forefront of drivers' minds right now, and Nissan's engineers made sure to make efficiency a top priority," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Raynham, Massachusetts Nissan dealership Mastria Nissan. "What's noteworthy is that the Altima achieves that efficiency while still maintaining an engaging ride and looking more stylish than ever."

Nissan redesigned the Altima's 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines, which now produce 182 and 270 horsepower, respectively. Both engines come paired with the latest version of Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission, which does much of the heavy lifting in the automaker's efforts to improve fuel economy. Even the powerful V6 is estimated to return 30 mpg on the highway with the help of the smooth-shifting transmission.

Inside, the 2013 Altima receives a standard Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, which can also stream audio. There will also be two available packages, NissanConnectSM and NissanConnectSM Navigation, which use Bluetooth integration with smartphones to provide services like hands-free text messaging, Pandora internet radio and Google point-of-interest search. Available safety features in the new Altima include Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and a Moving Object Detection system that looks for movement behind the vehicle as it backs up.

While the 2013 Altima has been attracting headlines since its Big Apple debut, the current-generation Altima is still drawing buyers at Nissan dealerships, setting a new monthly sales record in March. U.S. sales of the 2012 Altima totaled 41,050 units last month, an increase of 27.1 percent compared to March 2011. Those numbers prove that while the existing Altima may be on its way out, it is still a very popular choice in the midsize market, falling just 1,518 units shy of becoming the best-selling car in America for March.

"The Altima's combination of performance and style have already make it a popular choice for our customers, but best-in-class fuel efficiency and new in-car technology could put it over the top," Ferreira noted. "Long-time leaders in the midsize segment can't rest on their laurels anymore because there is just too much competition. Nissan recognized that and truly innovated with the latest-generation Altima."

About Mastria Nissan:

Mastria Nissan has been serving Massachusetts Nissan fans since 2004, focusing on exceptional customer service and a low-pressure sales environment. Their Nissan dealership offers the full line of Nissan sedans, crossovers and pickups, as well as a state-of-the-art Nissan service department staffed with skilled technicians. Plus, Mastria Nissan is the only authorized NV dealer in the area, making them the destination for business owners in Southern Massachusetts who need commercial vehicles. Located at 1305 New State Highway in Raynham, they can reached by phone at 888-820-9028 or found online at www.mastrianissan.com and www.facebook.com/MastriaNissan.