Reducing emissions, improving fuel economy and efficiency is paramount to Nissan, as evident in the upcoming 2007 Altima Hybrid and expanded use of the Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission) in five 2007 Nissan models. Nissan is also taking a leadership position in Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology. In 2006, Nissan was the only import brand in the United States to offer a FFV with the introduction of the E85 ethanol capable Nissan Titan pickup. For 2007, the full-size Nissan Armada SUV joins the Titan in offering FFV technology in certain markets.

“Our lineup attracts drivers who expect their vehicles to deliver on all counts. We’ve proven our desirability in terms of style, performance and convenience,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “And now, we’re meeting the demands of consumers seeking environmentally sound transportation solutions with decreasing vehicle emissions and reduced reliance on foreign oil supplies.”

Flexible Fuel Technology Offered in Two Award-Winning Packages
In an effort to take two popular Nissan full-size vehicles to a wider audience, the rugged Nissan Titan truck and adventure-ready Nissan Armada SUV are now available with Flexible Fuel Technology as a no-cost option.

This technology enhances the Titan and Armada’s already enormous appeal to the consumer – both vehicles were ranked number one in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

Nissan’s Flexible Fuel Technology allows a common gas tank to be capable of running the Armada and Titan’s advanced 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 on traditional gasoline or E85, a combination of 85 percent ethanol with 15 percent gasoline, or any mixture in between. The ethanol/gasoline mixture not only reduces the amount of pure gasoline consumed, but since ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, vehicle emissions are reduced.

“Flexible Fuel Vehicle technology is the perfect environmentally-minded option for Titan and Armada buyers,” said Bosley. “E85 enables both full-size vehicles to maintain their full power and rugged capabilities along with reduced emissions, while ethanol is a domestically available and renewable fuel, assisting the reduction of the reliance on foreign oil.”
In 2007, up to 20,000 FFV capable Titans and 55,000 FFV capable Armadas will be produced. The number of FFV capable Nissan vehicles offered in the U.S. is expected to double by 2010 from today’s level.

2007 Altima Hybrid
For 2007, Nissan introduces advanced gasoline/electric hybrid drive technology in its best-selling sedan with the Altima Hybrid. The Altima Hybrid combines a 158-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a Sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery-powered 650 Volt AC synchronous motor.

“The Altima Hybrid provides V6 levels of performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy,” said Bosley. “Combined with the standard eCVT, this new vehicle – Nissan’s first entry into the hybrid segment – produces an environmentally friendly package with everyday usability.”

The Altima Hybrid will be available in early 2007, following the launch of the gasoline-powered lineup of next-generation 2007 Altimas in November 2006.

http://www.nissannews.com/index.html

Here's an interesting article on the hybrid. Only sold in eight states and it's bought technology from Toyota.

http://www.hybridcars.com/altima.html

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