The most advanced Altima ever. The Nissan Altima Hybrid Sedan. It's what happens when the passionate engineers at Nissan decide to build a benchmark sedan that's as responsive as it is responsible. And that's something everyone can smile about.

How Does the Hybrid System Actually Work?

Altima Hybrid's technology shares a gasoline engine and electric motor. So the system always delivers power from its most efficient source.

• Low Speeds: For maximum fuel economy and minimum environmental impact, the gasoline engine shuts down at low speeds, and Altima uses the electric motor exclusively.
• Heavy Acceleration: Smooth, instant power comes from both the gas engine and electric motor.
• Cruising: During freeway driving, power comes mostly from Altima's gas engine, since it's more efficient at higher speeds.The electric motor assists if needed.
• Braking/Coasting: During braking or coasting, the gas engine shuts off, it's not needed. Momentum, kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted, is converted into electricity, recharging the battery.
• At A Stop: To conserve fuel, reduce emissions, and prevent idling, the gas engine shuts off and the electric motor stays ready.

See Just How Smart You're Driving.

A unique power meter lets you track how much energy is in the system. You'll even see when you're running solely on electric power and when you're generating more.

And if you choose the available Navigation System, you'll have a real time display that shows the hybrid system at work. Watch the flow of energy as it happens.

What's With all the Letters?

Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV)

Altima Hybrid surpasses Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) standards. It's 90% cleaner than the average new model year vehicle, and also meets the ultra-stringent Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) requirements. Then Altima's system goes even further, earning the advanced technology (AT) classifications.

198 HP - Electronic Drive by-wire Throttle

The first hybrid that drives like a Nissan. Without compromising power, Altima Hybrid's full hybrid engine drives at low speeds solely on the electric motor, reserving the gas engine for higher speeds or a combination of both. This helps deliver an outstanding 5.6L/100 km¹ and a driving range of over 1300 km. That gives the Altima Hybrid the greatest driving range of any car sold in Canada².

¹ 2008 fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage may vary. ² Based on 2008 published combined fuel economy numbers and manufacturer published fuel tank sizes. Individual range results will vary depending on individual driving style and specific driving conditions. ² Based on the 2008 Fuel Consumption EnerGuid

198 HP - Altima Hybrid’s energy drive shares work duties between an ultra-clean gasoline-powered 158 HP 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and emissions-free 40 HP electric motor. Press the Push Button Ignition and you’ll be stunned by the silence as Altima starts up and begins accelerating in “EV” mode, running solely on the electric motor. As you continue to drive, the gasoline engine starts instantly and unobtrusively and takes over powering the vehicle. When added power is needed, the electric motor starts again and works with the gasoline engine. To maximize fuel economy and minimize environmental impact, the Altima automatically shuts the gasoline engine down when it isn’t needed.

Electronic Drive-by-wire Throttle - A standard sensor on the gas pedal transmits throttle position to the engine electronically, providing on-demand torque control for smoother shifting.

Let's Torque - or not.

Traditional front-wheel drive layouts offer many advantages, including excellent traction. But on a high powered vehicle, you might notice what is called "torque steer" - the tendency of the steering to pull to one side under acceleration. By employing a rigid platform, lowering the engine slightly, and using specially designed suspension components, torque steer in Altima is virtually nonexistent, letting you enjoy both power and handling as they were meant to be.

Suspension

• Many sport sedans feature independent suspensions. But Altima takes the extra step, and employs a 350Z-inspired multi-link design for quick response, while still providing a supple ride. By separating the springs and shocks, friction is reduced, allowing the components to respond to the road without compromise.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

• In addition to standard 4-wheel disc brakes, a standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps you maintain steering control in an emergency stop. It works by pumping the brakes faster than humanly possible to help keep the wheels from locking up.

Speed-Sensitive Steering

• Altima’s vehicle speed-sensitive power steering constantly adjusts to give you the ideal amount of power assistance. More boost at lower speeds makes parking and manoeuvering easier, while less boost at higher speeds gives a secure, confident feel.

Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)

• Altima's ABS features Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) to constantly monitor weight distribution and adjust rear brake force for balanced braking power.

Intelligent Key:

To protect and serve. Ultimate convenience is yours with Altima's standard Intelligent key. As you approach, your Altima recognizes your Intelligent Key's unique signal and allows you to tap a button on the door handle or trunk to unlock them.

Push-button ignition:

When you're ready to go, hit the Push button ignition and drive off - all without ever needing to touch a key or remote.

Audio System:

Enjoy the sweet sounds of Altima's 6-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system.

Sleek Interior

Before you drive off, pause a moment to take in the rich materials, the feel of the buttons and switches, even subtle things like the flowing contour line above the centre vents. Think of it as quality time.

8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat

In the midst of all that space inside the Altima cabin, you can still find a very personal fit when you get in the driver's seat. After all, it adjusts eight different ways to put you in just the right position.

Heated Front Seats

Altima hybrid's heated cloth front seats let you and your passenger crank the heat, low or high, for a warm and comfortable ride through the cold winter months.

• Flowing contour lines above the center vents add a sculpted look.
  
  
• Fine Vision gauges and LCD information center are easily read at a glance.
  
  
• Illuminated steering-wheel-mounted controls
  
  
• Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control

The Nissan Advanced Airbag System (AABS)

Includes dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt sensors and an occupant-classification sensor. The inflation rate of these dual-stage airbags adjusts depending on crash severity and seat belt usage. If the front passenger seat is empty, a sensor will deactivate the airbag¹. Hood buckling creases and front-seat Active head Restraints are among the more than 50 standard safety features you'll find on every Altima. It's all part of the Nissan Safety Shield, our comprehensive approach to help inspire confidence every time you get behind the wheel.

• Snug Kids Child Safety Guide helps you find the ideal car seat.
  
  
• Zone Body construction, front/rear crumple zones and an energy-absorbing steering column play an important role in helping keep you safe in the event of an accident.
  
  
• Standard Anti-Lock Braking System provides added control under emergency braking.
  
  
• Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) adjusts braking based on additional cargo or passenger weight.
  
  

¹Airbags are only a supplemental restraint system; always wear your seat belt. Even with the occupant-classification sensor, rear-facing child restraints should not be placed in the front passenger's seat. Also, in addition to any other requirement of applicable law, all children 12 and under should ride in the rear seat properly secured in child restraints, booster seats, or seat belts according to their size. Airbags will only inflate in certain accidents; see your owner's manual for more details. Inflated airbags shown for illustration purposes only. Actual airbags deflate after deployment.