Nissan is calling it its most extensive mid-cycle makeover in company history.
DETROIT, MI - Nissan is calling it its most extensive mid-cycle makeover in company history.
The Japanese automaker unveiled Tuesday the restyled-for-2016 Altima, a mid-size sedan intended to compete with the likes of the Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu and Chrysler 200 in the US.
The upgrade comes despite the success of the current-generation Altima, which has had a 60 percent sales increase in the U.S. since 2009, said Pierre Loing, Nissan North America' vice president of product planning .
"While so much attention in the marketplace currently is focused on compact SUVs like our redesigned Nissan Rogue, the mid-size sedan segment remains strong and has become extremely competitive," Loing said in a release. "We're determined to keep our sales growth alive with this vibrant new Altima for 2016."
There are two optional powertrains, including a 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter DOHC V-6.
The 4-cylinder engine has a fuel economy rating of 27 miles per gallon city, 39 mpg highway, and a combined rating of 31 mpg, along with 182 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. The V-6 gets 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined, and 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque.
There are seven different trim levels - including five for the 2.5L engine and two for the 3.5L - as well as an all-new "SR" sport package trim.
The 2016 Nissan Altima is being assembled in Smyrna, Tenn. and Canton, Miss. The engines are being built in Decherd, Tenn.
It arrives at dealerships in November. Pricing is expected to be released Tuesday afternoon.
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com, follow him on Twitter or find him on Facebook.