Nissan Altima - Fifth Generation (L33, 2013+)

Fifth Generation (L33, 2013+)

A redesigned Altima came during the summer 2012 for the 2013 model year. Like the Camry and Accord, it will continue to offer a base 4-cylinder engine with a 3.5L V6 as the range topper, despite early rumors of Nissan dropping the V6 in favor of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder like the Malibu, Sonata and Optima. The Nissan specifications for the QR25DE 2.5-liter 16-valve DOHC inline 4-cylinder has 182 hp (136 kW) and 180 pound-feet (244 N·m). While the VQ35DE 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 remains 270 hp (201 kW) and 258 pound-feet (350 N·m). Nissan estimates the 2.5-liter fuel economy to be 27 city/38 hwy and the 3.5-liter V6 at 22 city/30 hwy thanks to its refined CVT that has been lightened by 8lbs. Most of the major mechanical components of this generation Altima are carried over. Much of the exterior styling seems to draw familiar traits from the Nissan Maxima.

Despite the larger size of the Altima compared to the previous model, the new Altima weighs about 120 pounds less. The Altima remains to be the lightest midsize sedan in its class, this is mostly due to its efficient use of high strength steel and aluminum in areas such as the trunk, hood and roof. The front end shares the same new corporate grille as the 2012 Versa with more angular headlights than the Versa's rounded ones. The rear end takes styling cues from the current Maxima.

Nissan offers the Altima in 7 different trims; 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 S, 3.5 SV, and 3.5 SL. Alongside the L33 Altima sedan, the previous-generation L32 Altima coupe will continue on sale. The coupe will only be offered with the QR25DE 2.5-Liter 4-cylinder rated at 175 hp (130 kW) and 180 pound-feet (244 N·m) of torque mated with a CVT.

Production started in late May 2012 and the car went on sale in June in the United States, and August in Canada in the same year. The Altima will also be on sale in various other markets (existing or new), particularly the Middle East replacing the 4th generation L32 models, and the Australian market for the first time sometime next year, being sold alongside the Nissan Maxima J32 (Teana).