The Altima is the hottest selling Nissan sedan, with arguably the raciest styling in its segment. Naturally, Nissan chose it as the basis for the sleek new Altima Coupe, which fills a gaping hole in its lineup. Like the Altima sedan, the coupe offers a standard 175-bhp 2.5L inline-4, or an optional 270-bhp 3.5L V-6. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or available Xtronic CVT(TM) automatic. Base Altima Coupes get 16-inch steel or alloy wheels with 215/60R16 tires, while upper models feature 235/45R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels. The D-Platform (shared with the sedan) has a lower-mounted engine and equal length halfshafts to significantly reduce torque-steer, which should improve overall handling. Safety features include standard front, side, and side-curtain airbags. Traction control is standard on V-6 models, with optional VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) available. ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist) are included on all models. Available comfort and convenience options include: Bluetooth(R) Hands-Free Phone, Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, GPS navigation with XM Realtime Traffic updates, and RearView Monitor. An optional Bose(R) 9-speaker audio system should entertain audiophiles. We expect that this new addition to the Altima lineup will carve out a chunk of the affordable coupe market for Nissan.

Altima Coupe V6 models get larger 235/45R18 tires.