Nissan's Altima Hybrid Expected to Look Identical to Regular 2007 Altima Sedan
The demand for a green alternative to the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine is becoming increasingly urgent around the world. For jurisdictions that do not have clean diesel fuel, such as North America, the answer is either to own a very small car, such as a smart fortwo (lower case intentional) or Toyota Echo Hatchback, or to buy a hybrid (HEV).
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| The latest automaker to announce it is getting on the rapidly growing hybrid bandwagon is Nissan, with their gasoline-electric Altima. It isn't certain, however, if it will look anything like this 2005 gasoline-powered Altima when it debuts as a 2007 model. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
The concept, put into motion by Honda's Insight and Toyota's Prius, combines the environmental friendliness of electric power with the unlimited range of gasoline. While Honda will bring out additional HEV models and Toyota has announced that most of its popular cars, SUVs and trucks will be available with the technology, additional manufacturers such as GM and Ford, as well as Toyota's Lexus nameplate will be getting into the game as well.
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| Unlike the Toyota Prius, the Nissan's new hybrid will be based on an already existing best-selling popular car like this 2005 Altima. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
The most recent automaker to make the HEV announcement is Nissan, having decided to make a gasoline-electric hybrid from its popular midsize Altima sedan. Rather than taking the route of Honda and Toyota, which chose to go with unique purpose-built HEV vehicles the first time around (you can't get a Civic SiR-powered Insight or a Prius XRS for instance), Nissan has chosen to add an HEV powerplant to a vehicle that is already established. Like the Ford Escape Hybrid or RX 400h, the Altima is based on a best-selling, popular car, giving buyers merely another option on a list of engines and powertrains.