Hybrid Car Review

The 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid was unveiled at the Model Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim, California today.

Built in Smyrna, Tennessee this is the first hybrid car produced by Nissan to sell in the United States (they also produce the Nissan Cabstar). Nissan has been reluctant to enter into the hybrid automotive marketplace and has fallen behind in developing their own technology. The next hybrid car out from Nissan will most likely be built on Nissan technology exclusively, but not until 2010 at the earliest.

Therefore the new Altima Hybrid (available in early 2007) will be built on Toyota technology mated to a Nissan engine with a few tweeks. Inside the new hybrid engine, you'll find a 244-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack, electric motor and continuously variable timing control system (CVTCS) for continuously variable valve timing (CVT) from Toyota. These systems are mated to a modified Nissan 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with a 9.6:1 compression ratio (standard motor set to 9.5:1).

Together the hybrid electric gas engine provides 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) torque and 198 hp (148 kW). The Altima Hybrid is rated at 41 mpg city/ 36 mpg highway (39 mpg combined) along with the 20 gallon fuel tank can give you about 700 miles between fill-ups.

The suspension has been tweeked in the front and rear to support the extra weight due to the enlarged engine and the weight of the battery pack in the rear. The Altima Hybrid comes standard with anti-lock brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, and anti-lock brakes. Other options include dual-zone climate control.

The air conditioner is powered by the electric motor, allowing the A/C to run even when the gas engine has been turned off. Expect the A/C to drain the battery back causing the gas engine to turn itself back on when needed to recharge the electric motor/generator.

The new Altima Hybrid has been classified as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV), which certifies it to meet California emission regulations.

A full hybrid, the Altima Hybrid will run on electric-only mode at low speeds. The gas engine won't kick in until after the initial acceleration. When needed, the electric engine will assist the gas engine at higher speeds. But in this symbiotic relationship, the gas engine (along with the regenerative braking) will recharge the batteries when needed.

The Altima Hybrid has a digital display on the spedometer which indicates when the car is in all electric power. An optional DVD nav system features a display showing the flow of energy.

Pricing has not been set, yet, but buyers should expect to pay a premium of $3,000 to $5,000 over the base Nissan Altima price.

Nissan has decided to sell the hybrid Altima exclusively in the eight states that have adopted California emission standards; California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey.

Read more about the Nissan Altima unveiling at greencarcongress and autobloggreen (including photo goodness).