Why are two doors sexier than four? That's like asking why Scarlett Johansson is sexier than Roseanne Barr.
While the Nissan Altima has always had stunning good looks, even with four doors, the Altima now joins the Pontiac G6, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord by fielding a new coupe model.
This coupe's styling accentuates the rear of the car, with a large sloping rear window tapering into the petite trunk lid. This adds a visual heft to the rear wheels, which is odd considering this is a front-wheel-drive car.
Just as Johansson blocks less sunlight from reaching the Earth than does Barr, the coupe is smaller than the sedan; 7.1 inches shorter and 2.5 inches lower. The only body panel that's shared between the Altima coupe and sedan is the hood.
There are two engines -shared with the sedan - and two trim levels. Altima S models come with a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, while Altima SE models receive a 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6. Both engines can be mated to either a continuously variable automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The four uses regular unleaded; the six requires premium.
Nissan sent an SE with the CVT transmission for a week of testing.
The 3.5-liter V6, a mainstay of many Nissan models, produces ample power. Despite its 270 horsepower, there's a notable lack of torque steer, which is the feeling of the car pulling to one side upon initial acceleration.
Steering feels crisp, quick and more sporty than in the Altima sedan, although the coupe is lacking somewhat in transmitting road feel to the driver. The Altima's turning radius seems smaller than other Nissan products, which suffer from having a large turning radius.
The coupe's suspension, tuned for a firmer ride than the sedan, is not harsh. But just like discovering your favorite movie star is dumb as a post, the Altima's handling, while nimble enough to make even the worst commute along Interstate 64 fun, lacks the feel that sport cars offer because of its front-wheel-drive configuration.
Antilock disc brakes are standard, and stopping distances were short. Traction control and a tire-pressure monitor are standard as well. Stability control is a $600 option.
Inside, the interior shares much with the sedan. The coupe's sport seats are comfy and supportive, although some may wish for more side-bolstering to hold you in place during corners. Front seat room is generous, but the rear seats are tighter than the sedan's, a victim of the coupe's shorter length. And the trunk is similarly downsized.
The interior is nicely designed, although some will find that the hard plastic lends the car a downscale feel. Controls are easy to understand and operate.
While the coupe starts at $21,115, that's for a four-cylinder without options. The test car had a $3,200 Premium Package, which included a Bose audio system with XM Satellite Radio, a $2,000 Technology Package, which adds a navigation system, and the $600 stability-control option. Even floor mats are extra. Bottom line was just under $32,000, which is luxury car territory.
Watch the options, and you'll be get a sporty car with dashing good looks. While not a sports car, it's still a fun date.
I'd name mine Scarlett. Ford Motor Co. will add a trailer-stability safety system to its 2009 Explorer sport-utility vehicle as the company tries to shore up light-truck sales.
The Trailer Sway Control works with other electronic stability systems on the vehicle, automatically braking or reducing engine power so a driver can maintain control, the company said in an e-mailed statement. Ford said in January the feature will be standard in the redesigned 2009 F-150 pickup.
'Having a stable trailer gives customers a sense of confidence,' Steve Kozak, Ford's chief safety engineer, said in an interview.
The 2009 Explorer will go on sale in the second half of this year, Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said in an interview. ON THE ROAD [bar] WITH LARRY PRINTZ
Why are two doors sexier than four? That's like asking why Scarlett Johansson is sexier than Roseanne Barr.
While the Nissan Altima has always had stunning good looks, even with four doors, the Altima now joins the Pontiac G6, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord by fielding a new coupe model.
This coupe's styling accentuates the rear of the car, with a large sloping rear window tapering into the petite trunk lid. This adds a visual heft to the rear wheels, which is odd considering this is a front-wheel-drive car.
Just as Johansson blocks less sunlight from reaching the Earth than does Barr, the coupe is smaller than the sedan; 7.1 inches shorter and 2.5 inches lower. The only body panel that's shared between the Altima coupe and sedan is the hood.
There are two engines -shared with the sedan - and two trim levels. Altima S models come with a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, while Altima SE models receive a 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6. Both engines can be mated to either a continuously variable automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The four uses regular unleaded; the six requires premium.
Nissan sent an SE with the CVT transmission for a week of testing.
The 3.5-liter V6, a mainstay of many Nissan models, produces ample power. Despite its 270 horsepower, there's a notable lack of torque steer, which is the feeling of the car pulling to one side upon initial acceleration.
Steering feels crisp, quick and more sporty than in the Altima sedan, although the coupe is lacking somewhat in transmitting road feel to the driver. The Altima's turning radius seems smaller than other Nissan products, which suffer from having a large turning radius.
The coupe's suspension, tuned for a firmer ride than the sedan, is not harsh. But just like discovering your favorite movie star is dumb as a post, the Altima's handling, while nimble enough to make even the worst commute along Interstate 64 fun, lacks the feel that sport cars offer because of its front-wheel-drive configuration.
Antilock disc brakes are standard, and stopping distances are short. Traction control and a tire-pressure monitor are standard as well. Stability control is a $600 option.
Inside, the interior shares much with the sedan. The coupe's sport seats are comfy and supportive, although some may wish for more side-bolstering to hold you in place during corners. Front seat room is generous, but the rear seats are tighter than the sedan's, a victim of the coupe's shorter length. And the trunk is similarly downsized.
The interior is nicely designed, although some will find that the hard plastic lends the car a downscale feel. Controls are easy to understand and operate.
While the coupe starts at $21,115, that's for a four-cylinder without options. The test car had a $3,200 Premium Package, which included a Bose audio system with XM Satellite Radio, a $2,000 Technology Package, which adds a navigation system, and the $600 stability-control option. Even floor mats are extra. Bottom line was just under $32,000, which is luxury car territory.
Watch the options, and you'll be get a sporty car with dashing good looks. While not a sports car, it's still a fun date.
I'd name mine Scarlett.
CAPTION(S):
The coupe's interior is attractive and the controls are easy to operate. Like many Nissan products, the plastics are a bit hard. Nissan photos
Check out the lines on this model; the Altima Coupe is even more attractive than its already-sporty sedan counterpart.
