At the New York International Auto Show in April, Nissan showed the new model generation of its mid-size car Altima.
Apart from a new engine and lightweight body, the chassis has also been extensively redesigned: Now, twin-tube dampers from ZF Friedrichshafen AG are used. The preloaded valve used for the first time in these dampers illustrates the entry into ZF's new, 4th generation valve technology. This new valve technology ensures that noise characteristics remain excellent despite the handling-focused characteristic curve of the dampers.
The fifth generation of the mid-sized car Altima, that is mainly sold in North America, is equipped with a new 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine. For a perfect vehicle handling, Nissan is using ZF's twintube dampers with new valve technology: The evolutionary development of ZF's standard damper valve combines optimal handling with the best possible NVH behavior. NVH stands for "noise, vibration, harshness" and is therefore a synonym for unpleasant characteristics in the vehicle. Furthermore, the preloaded valve can be set from sporty to comfortable, depending on the customer wishes.
The new Altima will be sold as of summer 2012 by North American dealers.