For 2010, the Nissan Altima product line comes with one of two engine options. The 2.5, 2.5 S Sedan and Coupe are equipped with a 2.5 liter inline 4 cylinder gasoline engine. Each cylinder of this engine has 4 valves helping to drive its 175 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. 180 foot pounds at 3,900 rpm give the Altima enough power. Fuel economy for this engine is 19 mpg in the city and 24 highway.
The Altima 3.5R comes with a larger 3.5 Liter dual overhead cam engine (DOHC) V6 engine, offering 270 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. It delivers 258 foot pounds at 4,400 rpm. This engine propels the Altima from 0 to 60 in 7 seconds. The gas mileage with this engine is 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway when equipped with the constantly variable transmission.
Both engines have Nissan’s continuously variable valve control system on their intake valves providing for maximum power at all speeds. Also, they feature Nissan’s electronic drive by wire system that helps the engine maintain constant performance under all conditions. Other systems that are in common between the 2.5 and 3.5 liter engines are variable induction and direct ignition.
The hybrid version of the Nissan Altima is fitted with a 198 horsepower, 148 kilowatt engine. It is a permanent magnet synchronous AC motor that produces 199 foot pounds of torque at up 10 1,500 rpm. Also under the hood of the hybrid is a 2.5 liter, DOHC, 4 cylinder, 16 valve gasoline engine. It is designed to minimize emissions. This configuration is rated for 29 mpg in city driving.
