2008 Nissan Altima Coupe Europe

2008 Nissan Altima Coupe Europe

The Altima has been a singularly successful car for Nissan for 15 years now, and because no good deed even goes unpunished, Altima’s ubiquitous familiarity has bred its fair share of contempt. Auto buffs in particular see this car as nothing more than an econo-commuter, so there’s been nothing about it to lure those enthusiasts.

2008 nissan altima coupe Side View

Until this 2008 model year, that is. With a bravado that will take many car-watchers by surprise, Nissan has sculpted a two-door coupe out of its Altima sedan, and the result is a streamlined bon-bon that’s as spirited as it is affordable.

The silhouette speaks for itself: Altima’s coupe is compact in its stance, but the flowing billow that sweeps from front to rear both elongates and lowers the car’s appearance. Inside is seating for five; and, of course, rear access is tight in the manner of all coupes. But up front, the Altima two-door is roomy and spacious-just perfect for that stylish couple on a weekend’s road trip.

The silhouette speaks for itself: Altima’s coupe is compact in its stance, but the flowing billow that sweeps from front to rear both elongates and lowers the car’s appearance. Inside is seating for five; and, of course, rear access is tight in the manner of all coupes. But up front, the Altima two-door is roomy and spacious-just perfect for that stylish couple on a weekend’s road trip.

By far the most interesting mechanical innovation in the Altima coupe is its optional “Xtronic” continuously variable transmission (CVT). Although no longer a novelty, CVTs may well be said to have come of age in this particular instance. Gone is the “slipping clutch” feel of rival systems. In the Altima coupe, CVT acceleration is always in the sweet-spot of the powerband, since a CVT matches revs to peak torque. A subtle stutter seems to simulate traditional gear shifts, and downshifts are both prompt and well-timed-to assist with downhill braking, for example.

nissan altima coupe europe Performance

Unreformable traditionalists, of course, may still opt for a six-speed manual; and the bargain-minded will note the alternate version of this coupe, whose $20,570 sticker includes a 2.5-liter inline-4 rated at 175 hp and 23/31 mpg (versus 19/26 for the V6).

But the new look of new tech is what this 2008 Altima coupe is all about; and by all appearances, its future seems bright.

Source: carlist.com

Altima Coupe Europe Pictures: