The Nissan Altima IV Coupe, produced between 2007 and 2012, represented Nissan’s foray into a more stylish and sporty mid-size coupe market. Positioned as a two-door alternative to the popular Altima sedan, the Coupe aimed to attract a younger demographic seeking a blend of performance and practicality. Within the fourth generation (D40) Altima lineup, the 2.5 V6 variant, generating 177 horsepower, occupied a mid-range position, offering a step up in performance from the base 2.5L four-cylinder models while remaining more accessible than the higher-performance 3.5L V6 options. This model was primarily sold in the North American market, where the coupe segment held significant appeal.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Altima |
| Generation | Altima IV Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 V6 (177 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 177 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 244 Nm @ 4000 rpm (179.97 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | QR25DE |
| Engine displacement | 2488 cm3 (151.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1405 kg (3097.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1905 kg (4199.81 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 454 l (16.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l (20.08 US gal | 16.72 UK gal) |
| Length | 4636 mm (182.52 in.) |
| Width | 1796 mm (70.71 in.) |
| Height | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2675 mm (105.31 in.) |
| Front track | 1542 mm (60.71 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/55 R17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Altima 2.5 V6 Coupe is the QR25DE engine, a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. Despite being marketed as a “V6”, it’s important to note this is a four-cylinder engine. This engine utilizes a cast iron block with an aluminum cylinder head, a common configuration for balancing durability and weight. The QR25DE employs multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports, and features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder. This valvetrain design contributes to improved breathing and higher engine speeds. The engine’s 9.5:1 compression ratio strikes a balance between efficiency and performance. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, offering drivers a more engaging driving experience. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned to provide a good balance of acceleration and highway cruising efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The 177 horsepower and 179.97 lb-ft of torque delivered by the QR25DE engine in the Altima Coupe provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph typically took around 8-9 seconds. Compared to the 3.5L V6 models, the 2.5L felt noticeably less powerful, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, the 2.5L offered a more fuel-efficient driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission allowed for precise control and maximized the engine’s powerband. The gear ratios were well-spaced, providing good acceleration in lower gears and comfortable cruising at highway speeds. The front-wheel-drive configuration provided predictable handling, although it lacked the all-weather capability of an all-wheel-drive system.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Altima 2.5 V6 Coupe typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player with auxiliary input, and keyless entry. Higher trim levels, such as the S and SL, added features like alloy wheels, a sunroof, upgraded audio systems (often including a Bose premium sound system), leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Optional extras included navigation systems and a rear spoiler. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the base models, with leather available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and driver-focused, with easy-to-read gauges and well-placed controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Altima Coupe utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and reasonably controlled handling. The front suspension featured a stabilizer bar to reduce body roll during cornering. Rear brakes were typically discs, providing adequate stopping power. The 215/55 R17 tires offered a good balance of grip and ride comfort. The steering was power-assisted and provided decent feedback, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The chassis was designed to provide a balance between rigidity and weight, contributing to the car’s overall handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally viewed the Altima 2.5 V6 Coupe as a stylish and practical option in the mid-size coupe segment. The engine was considered adequate for most drivers, but some reviewers noted that it lacked the punch of the 3.5L V6. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the 2.5L achieving around 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Compared to competitors like the Honda Accord Coupe and the Toyota Solara, the Altima Coupe offered a more aggressive styling and a slightly more affordable price point. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the fuel pump and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in some Altima models (though this variant had a manual transmission).
Legacy
The Nissan Altima IV Coupe 2.5 V6, particularly the manual transmission version, has maintained a reasonable reputation for reliability in the used car market. The QR25DE engine is known to be a durable and relatively easy to maintain powerplant. While not a high-performance machine, the 2.5L V6 Coupe offers a good balance of style, practicality, and affordability. Today, these vehicles can be found at relatively low prices, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a sporty-looking coupe. Parts availability remains good, and the relatively simple mechanical design makes it a viable option for DIY mechanics. However, potential buyers should be aware of the possibility of age-related issues, such as worn suspension components and potential corrosion.
