[ NISSAN CARS ] [ NISSAN TRUCKS ] [ NISSAN SUVS ]

Nissan's 2008 collection of cars grows with the introduction of a two-door coupe variation of the mid-size Altima sedan, and a souped-up performance version of the compact-class Sentra. In addition, Nissan constructs the two-seat 350Z sports car as a slinky hatchback coupe or racy drop-top roadster. Finishing up the line is the powerful, flagship Maxima sedan and the subcompact Versa with both sedan and hatch styles.

Altima
Nissan's mid-size Altima sedan rides on a rigid platform and offers a new V6 upgrade. The engines include a dual-cam, 2.5-liter in-line-four pumping 165 horsepower or a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 265 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission with gated shifter works for either plant, as does the optional Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). The Altima's cabin, with front bucket seats and a rear bench for three, is a plush space with chrome accents on the dash and doors. Fine Vision Gauge instruments and standard Intelligent Key with pushbutton ignition are now available, as is Anti-lock brakes, which are standard for all vehicles.

Altima Hybrid
A state-of-the-art, hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain drops into the Altima mid-size sedan to forge a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline-fired engine and Nissan's Xtronic CVT with an electric motor and generator to boost fuel economy figures and decrease tailpipe emissions. Total output for the two engines is a net power rating of 198 horsepower. The Altima Hybrid earns EPA fuel economy scores of 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. It's also rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV).

Altima Coupe
A sleek, two-door coupe variation of the Altima sedan shows up in Nissan's Class of 2008. As a coupe, the Altima has a trimmed wheelbase with the overall length and height of the sedan. The two engine choices are Nissan's 2.5-liter, in-line four-cylinder with 175 horsepower or the VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 pushing to 270 horsepower. Transmissions available are a six-speed manual with gated shifter or the optional Xtronic CVT. Sporty cabin gear additions include Fine Vision Gauges and the Intelligent Key linked to a push-button engine starter.

Maxima
A chiseled body marks Nissan's four-door flagship sedan. The Maxima packs high power with a 3.5-liter V6 scored to 255 horsepower through the Xtronic CVT. Two models — 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL — vary in suspension tuning. The sport-oriented 3.5 SE uses a performance-tuned suspension for tight handling control, while the comfort-oriented 3.5 SL has cushy settings for a luxurious ride. New to the Maxima SE and SL is the Platinum Edition package, which installs bi-xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, driver's seat power lumbar, a heated steering wheel and Bluetooth hands-free phone kit.

Sentra
Nissan's compact-class sedan was overhauled in 2007, and returns this year in a slick package loaded with features for comfort, practicality and safety. It's longer, taller and wider than the predecessor Sentra. The cockpit adds stylish materials and a double-folding back seat with cargo space exceeding 13 cubic feet. Sentra's powertrain — a 2.0-liter four-cylinder plant with 140 horsepower — links to a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional Xtronic CVT. Front-row side air bags and curtain-style air bags are aboard, along with ABS and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) for the Sentra 2.0 S.

Sentra SE-R
The special SE-R editions spin off from Nissan's sporty compact in two versions — the SE-R and SE-R Spec V. Both carry a raucous engine, though more power points apply to the Spec V performance variation. The unique front fascia adds a crisp, mesh grille and round foglamps. Body-colored sills stretch toward the pavement along each side, while a spoiler flies off the tail. Powering the series is Nissan's QR25DE four-pack, which hits 177 horsepower for SE-R and 200 horsepower for Spec V. The latter also has a six-speed manual shifter, larger disc brakes and optional helical limited slip differential.

Versa
Nissan's entry-level subcompacts conform as three-door hatchbacks and four-door notchback sedans. Built on Nissan's versatile B platform and dressed with dramatic styling lines, the Versa emphasizes generous cabin space and comfortable accommodations for up to five. Juice flows from a dual-cam, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which perks with 122 horsepower and delivers high fuel economy scores. A six-speed manual shifter is standard, though Nissan's Xtronic CVT and four-speed automatic are available options. For 2008, a new Sport Package is the latest add-on for the Versa Sedan 1.8 SL.

350Z
Nissan's Z-car comes as a sleek two-door hatchback coupe or curvy roadster convertible. Each model shows knife-edge keen bodywork, and each stocks the VQ35HR V6 engine spiked to 306 horsepower with manual transmission models. The 350Z roadster splits into three models this year, with the coupe adding five trims including the NISMO 350Z. The 350Z wears an aerodynamics package with front fascia and chin spoiler, side skirts, underbody diffuser and a winged tail. The NISMO Z also gets Brembo brakes and RAYS lightweight forged-alloy wheels. The latest paint chip for the coupe and roadster is Nogaro Red.

For more information on Nissan cars.