2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid Press Kit: Overview
The 2011 Nissan Altima is designed simply to be one of the best performing large front-wheel drive sedans in the world. The 2011 Altima Hybrid offers Improved Fuel Efficiency versus conventional gasoline engines, improved performance with the combination of power sources and a reduction of exhaust emissions. The Altima Hybrid features distinctive styling and a roomy, comfortable, full-feature high-quality interior.
The 2011 Altima Hybrid comes in two new exterior colours, Saharan Stone and Hematite Grey replacing Toasted Almond and Ocean Grey.
The 2011 Altima Hybrid is part of Nissan’s ongoing efforts in the area of environmental protection and vehicle efficiency. The company’s aim is to provide the right technology to the right market at the right time and right value to the customer.
"When you enter an important new technology segment such as hybrid electric vehicles, you want to lead with your best – and this Altima is clearly one of the best all-around vehicles Nissan has ever created,” said Judy Wheeler, Marketing Director, Nissan Canada Inc. "The Altima Hybrid is an environmentally-friendly vehicle that is completely driver-friendly as well."
The Altima Hybrid powertrain mates a refined version of Nissan’s QR25 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. The Altima Hybrid is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no evaporative emissions.
The advanced energy drive system shares duties between the gasoline-powered 4-cylinder and the emissions-free electric motor – allowing the Altima Hybrid to run solely on electric power if appropriate, especially during stop-and-go driving. If extra performance is needed, the gasoline engine starts instantly and smoothly adds power as required.
The Altima Hybrid is estimated to have a hybrid system net power rating of 198 horsepower (148 kW). EPA fuel economy is estimated at 5.6L / 100km City and 5.9 L / 100km Highway. Combined with Altima’s standard 76-litre fuel tank, the Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of over 1,300 km* (808 miles) between fill-ups.
Cutting-Edge Hybrid Technology
The 2011 Altima Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking technology to recharge the hybrid system’s batteries, meaning Altima Hybrid doesn’t have to "plug in" to anything to sustain a sufficient store of electric energy.
In order to power the electric motor, a generator places resistance on the driveshaft during braking. The system converts this friction to usable energy that is stored in the system’s 244.8V Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery for eventual use by the electric motor.
The Regenerative Cooperative Brake System calculates braking force generated by brake pedal operation and controls the regenerative brake force to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, optimizing energy regeneration.
For use in the 2011 Altima, Nissan’s proven QR25 4-cylinder has been refined with a larger intake manifold, increased compression ratio and reduced friction characteristics. It also features continuously variable valve timing, modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum-coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttle.
Helping provide smooth acceleration and maximize powertrain efficiency is the Altima Hybrid’s hybrid system-specific eCVT, which works in conjunction with the Hybrid Vehicle-Electric Control Unit (HV-ECU) to determine which power source or combination of power sources will turn the wheels.
The Altima Hybrid’s electric motor produces high torque at low rpm, allowing it to utilize its Electric Vehicle (EV) mode to power the car from a standing idle and through initial acceleration without the assistance of the gasoline engine. While this stage of acceleration is a typical gasoline-only powered vehicle’s least fuel-efficient stage, the Altima Hybrid offers much of its fuel-efficiency benefits here.
The Altima Hybrid’s all-electric mode, called Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, occurs in the initial acceleration phase.
After the electric motor provides initial acceleration, the gasoline engine quietly starts and assumes the load of powering the vehicle. The gasoline engine works independently through cruising speeds until the vehicle reaches speeds at which fuel efficiency declines.
When loads require, the electric motor starts again and aids the gasoline engine in powering the Altima Hybrid. This allows the gasoline engine to remain in its ideal rpm range while the axle rpm simultaneously increases due to the extra power being contributed by the electric motor. A digital display on the speedometer indicates when the Altima Hybrid is running solely on electric power.
"The Altima Hybrid feels remarkably smooth – most drivers will never be aware of the transitions between the electric and gasoline power sources unless they are watching the display panel," said Wheeler. "Mostly what they will feel is highly responsive acceleration and the seamless delivery of power under almost all driving conditions."
The Best of Both Worlds
The Altima Hybrid is the fifth model in the 2011 Altima lineup, joining the Altima 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package and two 3.5-litre V6-powered models, the Altima 3.5 S and 3.5 SR. These 2011 Altimas deliver on customers’ desires for a rewarding, engaging driving and ownership experience.
"Altima has always been a leader in class when it comes to driving excitement and the new platform, suspension and powerful engines enhance the experience even more," said Wheeler. "Altima Hybrid makes no compromises when it comes to all the great Altima attributes – especially performance."
Serving as the foundation for the 2011 Altima is Nissan’s "D" platform which includes a subframe-mounted front suspension with new geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs. The half-shafts have equal angles and are more parallel to the ground than previous models – virtually eliminating traditional front-wheel drive torque steer.
Altima’s body design is a continuation of its distinctive, iconic, sporty design. The exterior features an aggressive stance with new front fascia with grille, a strong wedge character line and signature Altima-style taillights. Inside, the 2011 Altima utilizes refined workmanship, high-quality materials and a long list of available amenities. Altima Hybrid shares exterior and interior designs with the other Altima models – with the exception of unique Hybrid badging and hybrid power/charge display in the driver information display.
The Hybrid model also shares Altima’s extensive list of standard safety features, including dual-stage front air bags, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection, roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection and front seat Active Head Restraints.
One Well-Equipped Model
The 2011 Altima Hybrid is offered in one model.
Standard equipment includes the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and hybrid electric components, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), eCVT transmission, 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), electric power rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel independent suspension and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Comfort and convenience features include standard moonroof, folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition and a dual-zone automatic climate control that includes an Altima Hybrid-specific electrically powered A/C that continues to provide cooling when the gasoline engine is stopped.
The 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid is assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna, Tennessee plant.
"The Altima Hybrid is another example of Nissan’s ongoing philosophy that passion for driving and passion for the environment are not mutually exclusive," said Forsyth. "Nissan believes that the more transparent "green technology" is, the more drivers will embrace it.”
For more information on the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid and other Nissan products, please visit www.media.nissan.ca.
* Based on 2008 published combined fuel economy numbers and manufacturer published fuel tank size. Individual results will vary depending on individual driving style and specific driving conditions.
2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid Specifications
Mechanical
| Gasoline Engine | |
| Type | QR25 |
| Cam Design | DOHC |
| Orientation | Transverse |
| Cylinders / configuration | I4 |
| Block / head composition | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Displacement | 2.5 litres(2488 cc) |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 5,200 – 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @2,800 – 4,800 rpm |
| Bore & Stroke (mm) | 89.0 x 100.0 mm |
| Compression ratio (:1) | 9.6:1 |
| Maximum engine speed | 6,200 RPM |
| Induction system | Sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection |
| Ignition system | Electronic (direct) |
| Valvetrain | 4-valves per cylinder with Continuously Variable Timing Control System (CVTCS) |
| Engine mounts | 2 fluid filled, 2 conventional |
| Recommended fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Emission certification level | Advanced Technology – PZEV |
| Exhaust | Dual exhaust |
| Electric Motor | |
| Type | Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor |
| Horsepower | 40 hp @ 0 – 1,500 rpm (assisted power) |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 0 – 1,500 rpm (105 kW @ 4,500 rpm) |
| Voltage | 650V maximum |
| Battery | |
| Type | Sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) |
| Voltage | 244.8 V |
| Power (peak horsepower rating) | 40 hp (30 kW) |
|
Hybrid System Net Power |
|
| Horsepower | 198 hp (148 kW) |
| Transmission and Drive System | |
| Drive configuration | Front-engine / front-wheel drive |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) | S |
| Transmission type | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Transmission control | Electronic, hybrid-type |
| Shifter style | Automatic, straight-type |
|
Gear Ratios |
|
| Final drive ratio – 3.542 | |
| Brakes | |
| Front (in) | 11.7x1.02t Vented disc |
| Rear (in) | 11.5x.35t Self-adjusting solid disc |
| Brake control | Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Regenerative Cooperative braking |
| Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | S |
| Parking brake | Foot brake |
| Steering | |
| Type | Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Overall ratio (:1) | 16.2:1 |
| Turns (lock-to-lock) | 2.83 |
| Turning diameter (curb-to-curb, ft.) | 36.1 |
| Steering Wheel Type, material Diameter Manual adjustments |
4 spoke, leather 380 mm Tilt, telescope |
| Suspension | |
| Front Type Stabilizer bar diameter |
Independent strut w/ coil springs |
| 23mm | |
| Rear Type Stabilizer Bar |
Multi-link independent |
| 17.3 mm | |
| Body / Chassis | |
| Type | Unibody |
| Primary materials | Corrosion-resistant and ultra-high strength steel |
Exterior
| Wheels & Tires | |
| Wheels-Material Wheels-size |
Aluminum-alloy 7JJx16 +45 |
| Tires Type Size Brand, model Spare tire-size Spare tire-location Tire Pressure Monitoring system |
All-season P215/60R16 Contintental, ContiPro Contact T135/90D16 Trunk S |
| Lights | |
| Headlights | |
| Type | Halogen |
| Auto on/off | S |
| Auto cut-off (5 min after ignition is switched off) | S |
| Centre high mount stop light | S (on spoiler) |
| Outside Mirrors | |
| Type | Body-coloured, dual, folding with integrated turn signals |
| Adjustment - Power remote controlled | S |
| Heated | S (includes timer) |
| Moldings & Trim | |
| Bumpers | Body-coloured |
| Dorr handles | Body-coloured |
| Splash guards (body-coloured) | S |
| Grille finish | Dark grey w/ chrome surround |
| Spoiler | Body-coloured |
| Body side moldings | Body-coloured |
| Glass | |
| Windshield | UV reducing solar glass, green-tinted (with dark upper shade) |
| Front & Rear door windows | UV reducing solar glass, green-tinted |
Interior
| Seating | |
| Capacity | 5 passenger |
| Materials Cloth |
S |
|
Front Seats Passenger seat Rear seats Style |
4-way manual 3 fixed bench |
| Rear Seats Style Headrests |
3-cross bench High-back integrated seat type |
| Audio | |
| System - AM/FM/CD | S |
| - 6 speakers | |
| - Auxiliary Input | |
| Accents | Blond: Wood-tone | P |
| Charcoal: Metallic-tone | P | |
| Sunvisor | Driver and passenger; illuminated vanity mirrors and extenders |
|
| Shift Knob | Resin | |
| Leather-wrapped | S | |
| Trunk
|
Carpeting | S |
| Inside lid trim | S | |
| Side cargo net | S | |
| Air conditioning/heater | Dual zone automatic temperature control |
| Front window defogger | w/ front and side defogger vents |
| Rear window defogger | w/ indicator light and timer |
| Rear heater ducts | S |
| Microfilter ventilation | S |
| Analog gauges | |
| Fine Vision | Speedometer, hybrid power meter |
| Standard | Coolant temperature, fuel level |
| Digital gauges | Dual trip odometer, trip computer, outside temperature, clock, hybrid power meter |
| Convenience Features | ||
| Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) | S (cruise control) | |
| Power windows | Auto up/down w/ anti-pinch plus key cylinder operated front up/down | |
| Auto-locking Power door locks | S | |
| Steering wheel-mounted control switches | S: ASCD, Audio controls | |
| Nissan Intelligent Key® | 2 keyfobs | |
| Cup holders | Front (5) | 3 in centre console, 2 in-door |
| Rear (2) | 2 in armrest | |
| 12-volt outlets (2) | Instrument panel, centre console | |
| Coat hanger | Rear | |
| Glove box | Bin/shelf type with damper and lock | |
| Retained accessory power (windows/moonroof) | S | |
| Front map lights (2) | S | |
| Rear reading lights (2) | S | |
| Illuminated engine start/ stop button | S | |
| Illuminated switches | S | |
Safety and Security
| Passenger Restraint Systems | |
| Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) | S |
| Supplemental air bags | Driver & passenger dual-stage, front seat side & front and rear head curtain |
| Seat belts 3 point ALR/ELR Pretensioners Load Limiters |
All (including inboard)(driver ELR only) Front Front |
| Front-seat Active Head Restraints | S |
| Child Safety | |
| Child seat upper tether anchor | S |
| LATCH system | S |
| Child safety rear door locks | S |
| Power window lockout button | S |
| Emergency Inside Trunk Release | S |
| Passive Safety | |
| Energy-absorbing steering column | S |
| Front & rear crumple zones | S |
| Hood buckling creases and safety stops | S |
| Body side reinforcements | S |
| Shift interlock system | S |
| Security | |
| Steering wheel lock (when powered off) | S |
| Immobilizer | S |
| Vehicle Security System | S |
| Exterior | |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in (2,776 mm) |
| Overall length | 190.7 in (4,844 mm) |
| Overall width | 70.7 in ( 1,796mm) |
| Overall height | 58.3 in (1,481 mm) |
| Track width (front/ rear) | 61 in. (1,549.4 mm) /61 in. (1,549.4 mm) |
| Minimum Ground Clearance (UNLOADED) | 5.6 in (142.2 mm) |
| Coefficient of Drag (Cd) | 0.30 (7.87 mm) |
| Interior (inches) | |
| Seating capacity | 5 passengers |
| Front- head room | 40.6 (1031 mm) |
| Front- leg room | 44.1 (1,120 mm) |
| Front- hip room | 56.8 (1,443 mm) |
| Front- shoulder room | 55.7 (1,415 mm) |
| Rear - head room | 36.8 (935 mm) |
| Rear - leg room | 39.5 (999 mm) |
| Rear - hip room | 56.8 (1,443 mm) |
| Rear - shoulder room | 55.5 (1,410 mm) |
| Passenger compartment volume | 100.7 ft3 (2,852 L) |
| Cargo volume | 10.1 ft3 (286 L) |
| Total volume | 110.8 ft3 (3,138 L) |
| Weights | |
| Curb (lbs) Front Rear Total |
2,030 (921 kg) 1,461 (663 kg) 3,491 (1,584 kg) |
| Weight distribution (front/ rear) | 58% / 42% |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,537 |
| Capacities | |
| Fuel tank IMP GAL / (L) | 16.7 gal (76L) |
| Engine oil | 4.9 qt (4.6 L) |
| Engine coolant | 2.0 gal (7.6L) |
| Towing Trailer(maximum, when properly equipped) Tongue |
454 kg |
| Cargo capacity | 68kg |
| Fuel | |
| City | 5.6 L /100km (50MPG) |
| Highway | 5.9 L / 100km (48MPG) |
| Classification | Mid - size |
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