The third-generation Altima (codenamed L31) debuted for model year 2002.[1] It was the first mass-market product built on Nissan's new FF-L platform, which was unique to North America and had no equivalent model in Japan. (The Asian Nissan Teana is similar but not quite identical, slotting between the Altima and Maxima in size; all three lines would be sharing the same platform.) The Altima grew enormously for this generation, as interior volume expanded to 118.8 cubic feet. The Altima's interior dimensions even surpassed that of the higher-end 2000-03 Maxima, so the 2004 Maxima was moved more upscale into the full-size bracket. Also biggest in class was the Altima's 20-gallon fuel tank. The new Altima also upgraded its rear suspension to a multi-link type and its brakes to 4-wheel discs.2003-2004 models received two tone dash colour, and the 3.5 SE received an upgrade in horsepower, from 240 hp to 245 hp, though torque stays the same.[2][3] 2002-2004 models with manual gearbox were the lightest of the V6 (4DR) cars.In 2005 the Altima received a facelift, including a new front grille, all-red taillights, redesigned interior, and an optional DVD-based navigation system. The V6 was now rated at 250 hp (186 kW), and its optional automatic was now a 5-speed. Also new was the SER model with a 260 hp (194 kW) version of the V6, a 6-speed manual transmission (automatic still optional), upgraded brakes, 18-inch wheels, a suspension even stiffer than that of the 3.5 SE's, and a high-flow exhaust.[4]The third-generation Altima was well-received by the press, with many critics praising the new style and extra space. It was one of the most powerful and best-handling family sedans available, making the nameplate competitive in the mid-size segment for the first time.[5] While previous iterations received decent reviews, the third-generation Altima was the first to enjoy considerable success, and it was credited with a turnaround of Nissan's operations.[6][7]Most of the criticism centered on the interior, which was cited for using hard and brittle plastics. Some also found the steering too light and/or abrupt, and the turning circle wide due to the elongated wheelbase.The fourth generation Nissan Altima was announced at the 2006 New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It is the first vehicle to use the smaller Nissan D platform, with a new front and upgraded rear suspension. The wheelbase is 1-inch (25 mm) shorter than the third generation Altima, but interior space is mostly unchanged. The Maxima and Murano also use this new platform starting with the 2009 models.The 2007 Nissan Altima uses revised versions of the engines from the third generation model. The VQ35DE 3.5 L V6 engine produces 270 hp, and the QR25DE 2.5 L straight-4 produces 177 hp (132 kW).[8] A 6-speed manual is standard, and a continuously variable transmission replaces the traditional automatic as the optional transmission.The 2007 Altima sports some more recent innovations in the market, including, but not limited to, standard push-button start (Called Renault Card), Bluetooth capability for cell phones, and a parking camera. The dashboard has larger buttons for easy readability and a total of nine cup holders, three hidden under the center console, two in the rear armrest, and one 20-ounce cup holder in each door. Several hidden compartments have been added as well as doubling the glove compartment space to 0.46 cubic feet (13 L). For 2008, all Altima models received ABS with electronic brake-force distribution.[9]Car and Driver tested the inline four cylinder Altima 2.5S w/ CVT to go from 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec; the 6-cylinder model w/ CVT goes 0-60 mph in 6.6 sec according to Edmunds Inside Line.There has been speculation[who?] that the Altima will soon replace the Primera as Nissan's European competitor in the large family car market that is dominated by models such as the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 407. Nissan has yet to confirm whether this will happen. The Primera is still made at the Sunderland plant in England, although UK sales ceased in late 2006 and an NMUK spokesman warned that its direct successor might not be sold in the UK due to the old model's fall in popularity during the final year or two of its life.[10]For the 2010 model year, the Nissan Altima was facelifted with a new front fascia, hood, and headlights, as well as new wheels and interior materials. [11]The Altima Coupe was released on May 25, 2007 as a 2008 model.First officially revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe is Nissan's first-ever two-door Altima. It has a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan.[12]The 2008 Altima Coupe is available with two engines: The same updated VQ35DE in the sedan, a 270 hp (201 kW) 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 or the QR25DE, a 175 hp (130 kW) 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder. The 4-cylinder version of the coupe has a base price in the United States of $20,490, while the 3.5-liter V6 will have a base price of $24,890.Changes to the 2009 Nissan Altima Coupe include: The 6-speed manual transmission being refined for improved operational feel; new 16-inch wheel cover design; new standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design for Altima Coupe 3.5 SE model, along with standard 235/45 R18 Michelin tires; new high-gloss grille finish (previously medium gloss) and new auto speed-sensing door locks. The 4-cylinder version of the coupe has a base price in the United States of $21,750, while the 3.5-liter V6 will have a base price of $26,390.[13] These prices do not include the $720 destination and handling fee.Changes to the 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe include: A redesigned front-end, hood, and grille, shaping the Altima to look more like the latest Nissan Maxima; new projector beam headlights; the Altima Coupe 2.5 S model now comes standard with 17 x 7.5 5-split-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, along with P215/55TR17 all-season tires, instead of the 16 Steel Wheels with Plastic Covers provided in the former; the Altima Coupe 3.5 SE model has now been renamed to Altima Coupe 3.5 SR; a revision to fabric and trim pieces in the interior; the 2010 Altima Coupe models come standard with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control, which was previously a $600 stand-alone option; a new premium Bose audio system with a 4.3-inch color display; Nissan's next generation navigation system with a 6.5-inch color display with an internal hard drive providing 9.3GB of music storage; USB connectivity[14]; the color Azure Blue has been replaced by Navy Blue, and there are two additional colors: Crimson Black and Ocean Gray.The Altima Hybrid is Nissan's first hybrid car. When first introduced in 2007 and continuing through the 2009 model year, the Altima's hybrid-drive system is licensed from Toyota's hybrid technology. The company has asserted that subsequent hybrid models will be based on hybrid technology developed in-house.[15] Up to 40,000 per year will be built at Nissan's Smyrna plant. Sales of the 2007 hybrid model were initially limited only to states that had adopted California's strict emissions standards: California, New England, New York, and New Jersey.[16] The Altima Hybrid is also available in Canada. The Nissan Altima Hybrid is also used as a regular taxi vehicle and as a police cruiser with the NYPD.[17]The Hybrid Altima features a 2.5 L QR25DE engine, CVT and electric motor/generator.[18]Its fuel efficiency is 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US) city and 7.1 L/100 km (40 mpg-imp; 33 mpg-US) highway, based on revised EPA measures for fuel economy ratings.[18]