08 Nissan Altima Coupe Reminiscing about the 240SX By Bill J. Jinkins  (5/07) Automotive Journalist It wasn’t that far back that Nissan (nee Datsun) was awash in sporty coupes, economical and performance-oriented. One in particular was the popular 240SX, which was considered the ‘poor man’s’ Z-car. It was a separate series not directly connected with any particular pedestrian sedan equivalent.  Today, that DNA has been passed down to Nissan’s all-new Altima Coupe, which already has been labeled as a ‘poor man’s’ Infiniti G35 coupe, due to its similar aggressive roofline stance.

The Altima Coupe burst on the scene this spring as an early 2008 model and first impressions are that it’s a stunner if anything. It’s no surprise that it was conceived to butt heads with the Honda Accord Coupe and Toyota Solara. Now Nissan can match model for model against the Accord and Camry/Solara with a sedan (including a new hybrid version) and coupe. The only exception is no open-top model to match the Solara  convertible.

The all-new coupe is more than an Altima sedan minus two doors. Although it comes closer to looking like its stablemate than the competition it shares no exterior sheetmetal with the sedan other than the hood. The only downfall to its aggressive stance may be its shortened wheelbase, which compromises rear seat leg and head room. But for its targeted audience of young, mostly single 20 to 30-somethings, is that really an issue? After all that hasn’t affected the popularity of the G35 coupe, which targets 30 to 40-something professionals, married or not.

Even in its most basic form - the 2.5 S – the new Altima Coupe is spirited enough to get the job done with its 175-hp 2.5-litre DOHC I-4 engine. But if further gratification is required merely opt for the 3.5 SE to receive a 95 boost of horsepower to 270 with the 3.5-litre DOHC V-6. In the process you’ll receive such niceties as a sports tuned suspension, traction control, plus a host of other worthwhile amenities.

Both models come standard with a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The only clutchless offering is Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Although the CVT offers manual mode shifting this vehicle begs to be driven using a clutch. 

The 2.5 S ($20,490) and 3.5 SE ($24,890) are well contented for their respected trim levels: A Convenience Package dresses the 2.5 S up closer to the 3.5 SE in content, however the upgraded Technology and Premium packages can dress both versions up even further.

So how does this new Altima model stack up against its designated competition? Rather well actually; however, in truth it’s more reminiscent of the much heralded but now discontinued Acura RSX and Toyota Celica, although currently it lacks similar levels of race-bred DNA. But that could easily be cured with an anticipated SE-R version, which includes a ton of Nismo (Nissan Motorsports International) DNA within.  

  For more information visit: www.nissanusa.com (Bill Jinkins is a historian and freelance automotive writer. He can be reached at Bill.Jinkins@gmail.com)