2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Nissan joins the hybrid generation
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid -- Preview: In what may go a long way toward cementing the future staying power of hybrid-powered vehicles, Nissan recently unveiled a prototype of the 2007 Altima Hybrid, a hybrid vehicle based on the Altima mid-size sedan. The car is scheduled to be launched in 2006 for the US market. Recently, Autobytel.com had the opportunity to drive an Altima hybrid "mule" with a gasoline-electric drivetrain. (Mule is the term used for a development vehicle.) In this case, Nissan placed Toyota's award-winning hybrid-electric componentry, along with the current Altima's engine and transmission, inside the skin of an Altima. Additionally, there were large metal boxes, relaying computer-generated information to the cockpit, for engineering purposes. As a result, it was a somewhat crude ride and a crude interior, but showed the progress Nissan is making toward the development of a hybrid vehicle. Nissan is the fifth major automaker to either introduce a hybrid to the US market or announce plans to do so. The first automaker is generally credited as Honda - with the Insight two-seater hybrid, followed by Toyota with the first mass-produced hybrid, the Prius. The technology behind Prius has powered Toyota's hybrid plans and, in fact, will play a part in launching the Altima hybrid. According to Nissan, in September 2002, Nissan and Toyota signed a basic agreement stipulating that Nissan will produce 100,000 hybrid vehicles within a five-year period, and that Toyota will supply the hybrid system components (transaxle, inverter, battery, and control unit). Nissan will develop the engine and unit adaptation. Continue to 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid from MyRide.com © 2007 Autobytel Inc. All rights reserved.
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