Mom and Pop Enthusiasts Rejoice
The completely revised Nissan Altima changed the way North Americans perceived entry-level midsize sedans when it arrived in 2001 as a 2002 model. Not only was it stylish, appearing more upscale than anything in its class, but its base engine boasted more power than some of its rivals V6 engines. And the Altima's V6? Well, it was simply over the top.
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| In the 2005 model year mid-cycle upgrade Nissan's Altima will get a much needed interior update. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
Nissan has improved interior tactile quality, the only major complaint anyone had about the car, in a 2005 model year upgrade. Along with the upgraded cabin are subtle mid-cycle styling tweaks across the Altima lineup, but none more exciting than the introduction of a special sport version for mom and pop enthusiasts who want a little more zing in their daily driver.
Now heading for production is the Altima SE-R, marking the first time Nissan's SE-R label will be fixed to something other than a Sentra.
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| For the first time, the SE-R label will not only be fixed to Nissan's Sentra. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
"The letters SE-R have come to represent fast, affordable and fun to Nissan performance enthusiasts," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "Until now, our SE-R editions have been limited to the Sentra line. With the new Altima, the SE-R not only grows up, it reaches a wider audience."
Visually, the Altima SE-R is bold, with a deep front valance and air dam incorporating powerful fog lamps and a redesigned hood sporting a center-mounted bulge.