From previous page There's also a new centre console with bi-level storage, a new overhead sunglass com- partment, and dual rear cupholders (when equipped with automatic transmission). Also new is a vehicle immobi- lizer security system, redesigned sunvisors, and optional HonseLink garage door/home fighting tansmit- ter. To make the Aldma qui- eter, Nissan added expandable foam inside the windshield pillars, thicker front side glass, and new foam seals in the engine compartment. To reduce wind noise, the out- side mirrors were redesigned as wece the roof reils, and front doors. Revised suspen- sion mountings and driveshaft design have also reduced mechanical vibrations. In addition, to increased body rigidity, Altima models with 16-inch wheels (SE, GLE, optional GXE) have new rear tunnel braces and new front strut tower braces. ; Subtle refinements to engine The Altima’s standard 2.4- litre DOHC four-cylinder engine now develops.155 horsepower at 5,600 rp.m., up from 150 horsepower. This engine remains the most powerful base four-cylinder engine in the mid-size import car class. Nissan clairas the extra horsepower lops off 0.8 seconds from its 0 10 60 m.p.h. time. To achieve the extra horse- power and torque, Nissan changed the engine’s cam profiie, and added aluminum valve lifters, reshaped intake valves and reduced valve spring rates. The exhaust manifold was modified, and exhaust svstem backpressure was reduced. New long-last- ing dual-tipped platinum spark plugs with 160,0060- kilometre service intervals were added too. The improved acceleration was also achieved by changi the gear ratios in the standard five-speed manual transmis- sion and optional four-speed automatic. First twough third gear ratios were revised on the manual transmission, and the automatic transmission has a revised electronic shift sched- ule. A five-speed manual trans- mission is standard on Altima XE, GXE and SE models, and a four-speed. antomatic is stan- SPECIALLY DISCOUNTED DEMONSTRATORS 1999 Mercedes Benz E320 _ smoke silver/parchment leather, 21K 1699 Mercedes Benz S1500 ~. Silver/black leather, 13K | 1999 Mercedes Benz ©2390 “black/grey interior, 15K 1999 Mercedes Benz ML320 “”. silver/grey leather, 13K 2000 Mercedes Benz. S430 ~ smoke silver/java leather, 17K dard on Altima GLE and optional on the rest Suspension changes Changes to the 2000 Altima’s suspension include new front strut tower brace on 16-inch wheel models, increased front and rear stabi- lizer bar diameters, increased front and rear spring rates, and on SE models, new low profile 16-inch tires (205/55R16). In addition, Altimas with 16-inch wheels have a new feature called Acceleration Sensitive Damping. Developed by Monroe Shocks specifically for the Altima, ASD consists of special struts that automatically adjust amping firmness using an oil flow bypass valve to reduce compression damping at a preset vertical acceleration (0.5¢). The goal of the system is to improve handling with- out sacrificing ride quality. As before, all Alumas have a four-wheel independent strut suspension with coil . springs and what Nissan calls “Super Toe Control”, a pas- sive form of four-wheel steer- ing which steers the rear wheels in the direction of the front wheels during commering. To give the Altima a slighely firmer, sportier steer- ing fee!, 2000 Altimas have a refined power steering pump B.Cth., ABA, 128: » Approved 4 AS: NEWS photo Mike Waketiotd THE 2000 Altima receives new front seats with improved cushions and seat-— backs, upgraded seat cleth for GXE and SE models, and a new instrument clus- . ter which and steering gear. Altima XE, GXE and GLE models have standard front disc/rear drum brakes, while SE models have four-wheel disc brakes. Anti-lock brakes are optional on GXE, SE and GLE models; but not avail- MINTER SPECIALS “Al service by Govt. regiviered technicians use, On & Fuzen * Check UBE: test antifreeze, tires & brakes, visual inspection report" All above with written B.C.A.A., inspection ae. Y report, rotate fires, top up all fluids, toad test,a0-2 tine, *”" Eull condition front or rear pa ort + estimate, replace or shoes by certified technicians. Lifetime quarantee on pads & shoes - most makes <¢ HIEATING & GOOLING *" Check radiator, hoses, belts, drain & refill cooling system, test antifreeze cond, pressure check & full report" 2YE i » THE BEST able on XE models. New side airbags Standard safety equipment includes second generation dual front supplemental air bags, as well as child safety rear door locks, child safety anchors and pipe-style steel side-door guard beams. Every Altima features three-point front and rear seat belts (now including the cen- “tie rear position) with stan- dard pretensioners on the height-adjustable front belts. New for 2000, fronc seat supplemental side-i -impact air bags are now offered as stan-. dard equipment on the GLE . model and optional on GXE and SE models. An immobi- lizer is optional on GLE and includes a liquid crystal display odometer with dual trip meters. . SE models. Impressions My test caz.was an Altima: SE equipped with a standard five-speed manual transmis- - sion and the new Acceleration Sensitive Damping system. On acceleration, the SE does- n’t pitch backwards as much as other Altima models, and - seems generally flatter and © more stable when cornering. ‘Combined with its stiffer, “sport-tuned” independent “suspension and low-profile -: 16-inch tires, the Altima SE handles very ‘well, and is fun to drive on a twisty road."At the same time, it offers a very. comfortable ride — 2 good © See Rev ised next page thig.ad -: Al Ski Racks, Hitehes & Bike Racks f TAF Finest cosdless Hunter computerized great 3. alignment, by certified technicians, Or Fane produces futl before & after report & road test - your choice” *Prices cover most cers & light trucks TAbMING ~ CALL OUR SALES CONSULTANTS FOR DETAILS ASK US ABOUT LEASING | FOR ALL YGUR PAINT & AUTOROBT NEEDS DOMESTIC & IMPORT SPECIALISTS prorgs “QUALITY WORKMANSHIP" . 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