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2005 Nissan Altima SE-R Preview

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Mom and Pop Enthusiasts Rejoice

The completely revised Nissan Altima changed the way North Americans perceived entry-level midsize sedans when it arrived in 2001 as a 2002 model. Not only was it stylish, appearing more upscale than anything in its class, but its base engine boasted more power than some of its rivals V6 engines. And the Altimas V6? Well, it was simply over the top.

Nissan has improved interior tactile quality, the only major complaint anyone had about the car, in a 2005 model year upgrade. Along with the upgraded cabin are

In the 2005 model year mid-cycle upgrade Nissans Altima will get a much needed interior update. (Photo: Nissan North America)

Now heading for production is the Altima SE-R, marking the first

For the first time, the SE-R label will not only be fixed to Nissans Sentra. (Photo: Nissan North America)

"The letters SE-R have come to represent fast, affordable and fun to Nissan performance enthusiasts," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "Until now, our SE-R editions have been limited to the Sentra line. With the new Altima, the SE-R not only grows up, it reaches a wider

A new tail skirt with openings for dual exhaust ports and a small spoiler gives the backend of the car a sportier appearance. (Photo: Nissan North America)

Visually, the Altima SE-R is bold, with a deep front valance and air dam incorporating powerful fog lamps and a redesigned hood sporting a center-mounted bulge.

The backend of the car receives a similar go-fast body treatment, displaying a new tail skirt with openings for dual exhaust ports. A discrete trunklid spoiler adds the final touch, capping off a seriously sported up sedan.

Some additional features separate the SE-R from regular

Eighteen-inch ten-spoke forged alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 ZR 18 rubber will also be equipped on the SE-R version. (Photo: Nissan North America)

On the inside, the new SE-R boasts all the amenities of the top of the line Altima including a powerful Bose sound system, black leather seating, a three-spoke sport steering wheel and special dark chrome accents. Setting it apart is a special 3-gauge center instrument cluster.

"The Altima SE-R is targeted at the performance buyer who wants it all - but wants it for under $30,000," added McNabb. "The Altima SE-R is all about providing a great driving experience for enthusiasts without money

The 3.5-liter V6 that most other trim levels feature has been tweaked to extract extra power in the SE-R. (Photo: Nissan North America)

The heart of the Altima SE-R is stronger than in any other Altima. Although the engine starts out with the same award-winning 3.5-liter V6 that most other trim levels feature, the motor has been tweaked to extract extra power, plus high-flow mufflers have been added. Nissan is coy about the cars actual output figures though, but they are confident the improved powerplant will exceed 250 horsepower.