2013 Nissan Altima For Launch

Nissan’s redesigned 2013 Altima midsize sedan goes on sale, with the new look, upgraded interior and richer technology all intended to swipe business from the other big dogs in the midsize segment — Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Nissan turned to seating and posture research from NASA, which says the least fatiguing seats are those that come closest to a ‘neutral posture’ – a relaxed position that the human body takes in a weightless environment. Utilizing a new articulated seat shape with continuous support from the pelvis to the chest and distribution of localized deformation characteristics, the “zero-gravity” Altima seats help reduce muscular and spinal loads, and improve blood flow, thereby helping reduce fatigue during long periods behind the wheel.

Nissan forecasts fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg in town, 38 mpg highway, 31 mpg in mixed use for the 2.5-litre four-cylinder carried over from last year but retuned for a little more power. And 22/30/25 mpg for the carryover 3.5-litre V-6. Both engines use CVTs, continuously variable-ratio automatic transmissions.