Altima Coupe Release

[dynot]

Dark slate gives the luxury look

I assume Dark Slate is Niagra Gray in Canada.

[prlwhitecoupe]

yah it is....i believe.

[toxik]

Nicely said hattrix. I agree, most people who have something negative to say about the coupe, are just not putting it in the right context. For what it is trying to achieve, a less expensive sporty looking FWD coupe, it does extremely well for... anything else, and you're just expecting too much out of an Altima.

And about the Accord coupe, after seeing the first concept renders of it, I thought it looks 10 times better than the Altima Coupe. But after seeing it in real-life at the NYC Auto Show, I changed my mind quickly. The Altima impressed me greatly, meanwhile the accord looked weird and ugly to me. The only thing that I like about it are the thin headlights (eventhough Altima's are nice too but in a different way) and also Honda usually has better stock wheels than Nissan, especially the Altima coupe which they could of done better on.

[Jaeger]

hattrix,

Just two points:

1) I do not accept for a moment that I have "overly high expectations" of the coupe - I understand well what it is and how it differes from more dedicated performance coupes / sports cars such as the G or Z. All I said was that it's front end styling is a bit dull and a bit too close to the sedan. Why can't you just accept that my subjective preference may be different from yours on this point and leave it at that? Why do you (and toxik) feel it necessary to portray my criticism as ultimately invalid due to some fundamental lack of understanding on my part? I assure you that is not the case.

Oh - and I'm, not in the market for an Altima coupe - or any coupe for that matter. I'm a long-time Nissan fan, multiple Nissan owner and current '07 Altima driver - the latter aspect should have been obvious from my original post (wanting to replace the seats of my sedan) and subsequent post (see point #8).

2) You didn't simply say that the '08 Accord coupe was fundamentally different from it's sedan counterpart, but that those changes at Honda are a direct response to the recently released Altima coupe. You have acknowledged that this is based upon rumour / conjecture which is as I expected. My point is simply that given that both vehicles are slated for '08 release, and both have been in the works for some time, it is exceedingly unlikely that the Accord coupe we see in a couple months will be a "direct result" of the Altima. Put simply - you seem to suggest that the good people at Honda took one look at the oh-so-gorgeous Altima and said "Back to the drawing board!" That seems improbable to me - rumours notwithstanding.

toxic - I think I've got the Altima in exactly the right context, thanks.

Jaeger

[imboimbo]

Hey everybody...

Just wanted to let you all know that I just bought the black 3.5SE that Jaegar posted from Woodchester for $1500 below MSRP. Jealous?? :-D I'll post pictures after I take delivery on Saturday!

[Carlosf22]

While the Altima Coupe might look weird in pictures it doesn't in real life. I had only seen pictures and yes, like everybody else the back window looked as if the car was for old ladies and the wheel gap was making the car look like an SUV, but I still loved the car. Then two weeks ago I saw the real thing, 2.5s red in the showroom and man, I fell in love with the back, that window I hated makes the car look really nice, different too. The wheels, for a 20k car (in my case I'll be getting 2.5s) could have been better, even with hubcaps they could have been like the 06's.

[hattrix]

As I stated, I am done talking about this issue. I stand by everything I said and reiterate that, yes Jaeger, your criticisms of the Altima coupe displayed a fundamental over expectation for the coupe (see: not just front end, but wheel spacing, sportiness of bolsters, design of headlights, variance from sedan). I have seen some of your posts in other areas and you clearly have desire to get in a verbal war. Not interested. I come here to talk about the coupe with other coupe lovers. Post comments back all you want, I am done discussing this with you.

By the way the Altima is NOT slated for an 08 release unless I somehow got in a time machine, went to next year, purchased the car and came back to this year. The Altima is scheduled for an 07 release with an 08 year listing. The Accord is scheduled for an 08 release. I don't know much about the NEW math they are teaching but the old math says that is one year later. Oh, and I said the designs I had were rumour and specs. I did say that the Altma coupe was partially (NOT WHOLLY) responsible for the design changes. And the designs for the Altima were floating BEFORE the Accord design started. They didn't change their mind on existing plans. They saw the sportiness of the G6 and the Altima and the reviews ripping the accord coupe for its lack of sportiness and made adjustments. That is what the business world does. We make adjustments based on the competitiion. Just as the G6 is partially responsible for the creation of the sportiness of the coupe so to, they are both somewhat responsible for the Accord's styling. I could come back with some comments about reading and the like, but as I said, I am done with you. If you aren't interested in the coupe, why the hell would you even waste your time going down to the lot and looking at it and think about test driving it. That is one freaking exciting life. You admitted you are a sedan person, not a coupe person. Hte sedan room is two doors to the right.....

[Jaeger]

That's a long paragraph for someone done talking. And keep on thinking your car is perfect if that is what you need to get you through the day. You are not your car - try not to take things so personally. The pathos is a bit much.

The Altima and Accord Coupes are both '08 models - the Altima just got here first. Can't believe you don't get that. Since you don't strike me as being terminally stupid, I can only conclude that you are just trying to be difficult.

Once again, I am amazed at the detailed knowledge you have of the inner thinking of Honda's product planners. That's really something.

I don't have to plan on purchasing a car to be interested in it (hey, you FINALLY caught on to the fact that I own the sedan - only had to say it three times - quick study you are - or maybe it was that skillful mind-reading?). I like cars. I like Nissan cars. I like the Altima sedan. I like the Altima coupe. I don't think the front end of the coupe quite meets the dynamic styling of the back - you're somehow going to have to learn to live with that as you seem bent on hammering my subjective preference to conform with your own. Dude, I got news for you - you're going to need a bigger hammer.

Jaeger

[Jaeger]

imboimbo - where's my commision??

Congrats on the new ride man, it sure looked sweet. Looking forward to your pics. Did yours have the navi?

Jaeger

[toxik]

Jaeger, I wasn't criticizing your review at all, I was just adding to what hattrix said. I never mentioned you in any way so I dunno why you're taking my post like it was directed at you. I don't know what context you were putting the altima in, but everyone that I talked to that didn't like the altima coupe or thought it wasnt enough were simply thinking of it as a G35 direct competitor and I had to explain it to them that infinity is a luxury car company where as nissan is a family car company. Things that they complained about, such as wheels, I told them not to expect 19'' or 18'' rims on a family car, that's a luxury car feature.

As far as what you said in your original review, I've got no gripe with.

[imboimbo]

jaeger - no man...i really couldnt afford to spend another 3k on the car. btw...I talked to the dealer..he was saying that outta the 7 coupes they got, none had the navi...don't think this will be a popular option.oh yeah..outta the 7, i think 4 are still left for anybody whose looking for a coupe in toronto.

[ACoupe]

Was just at the Oakville dealership and they have a red 3.5SE with cloth and no Navi. Looks very sweet!

[mcheddadi]

I can't wait to test drive the car!

[Jaeger]

Jaeger, I wasn't criticizing your review at all, I was just adding to what hattrix said. I never mentioned you in any way so I dunno why you're taking my post like it was directed at you.

The way I read it, hattrix was responding directly to me, and you were endorseing that response with your "nicely said" post. I accept what you say that you were not directing your comments specifically toward me, so please accept my apology for including you in my tersely-worded reponse to hatty.

imboimbo, I hadn't planned on getting the nav either, but locating a 6 sp. V6 sedan was not easy, and when one came in that was also my first colour choice, it happened to have the nav and I folded like a cheap suit and bought it. I have to say that I have been enjoying both the nav and sattelite radio.

Sounds like a GTA Alti meet should be in order sometime soon! You can drive mine if I can drive yours.

Jaeger

[dynot]

Having not had the pleasure of seeing this car in person yet I have to ask this question again.

In the pictures Jaeger posted there is a black version with that antenna-like gizmo on the roof. In an earlier post I asked about this and was told that this is the satellite radio antenna. Some dealers told me that this is used for the navigation package.

If this is for satellite, then does this mean some come without satellite radio capability since some models don't seem to have that thing? And is there a free XM trial period in Canada?

Thanks in advance & sorry for all the questions. The dealers I spoke to reall are clueless about this car.

[eberger]

As an owner of an 08 coupe i have to agree, the front is almost too much like the front of the sedan and the rear is very sporty, but just think of it like a mullet...business in the front, and party in the back!

[Jaeger]

Having not had the pleasure of seeing this car in person yet I have to ask this question again.

In the pictures Jaeger posted there is a black version with that antenna-like gizmo on the roof. In an earlier post I asked about this and was told that this is the satellite radio antenna. Some dealers told me that this is used for the navigation package.

If this is for satellite, then does this mean some come without satellite radio capability since some models don't seem to have that thing? And is there a free XM trial period in Canada?

Thanks in advance & sorry for all the questions. The dealers I spoke to reall are clueless about this car.

That shark fin (as I like to call it - sounds better than "ugly wart" which might be equally applicable ) is for the XM sattelite radio. You get a 3 month trial with the car, but don't expect the dealer to know anything about it. I called XM directly and they were most helpful in activating and confirming the 3 month trial.

As far as I know, sattelite radio is bundled with the nav - you get both or you get neither. But that was on the sedan - I expect it is the same for the coupe, but can't say for sure.

Jaeger

[dynot]

As far as I know, sattelite radio is bundled with the nav - you get both or you get neither. Jaeger

Well that's disappointing. And finally I get an answer that would explain the contradictions I've been hearing. Thanks again Jaeger, although I hope you're wrong about it being the same as the sedan. Afterall, the brochures show XM satellite comes with the premium package which is separate from the nav pack.

I rented a car recently with XM radio and my wife couldn't keep her hands off the dial. Great sound and more choice than we could ever possibly get locally here in Montreal. Also made that 7 hour drive to London ON that much shorter. Never was one to consider satellite radio but that taste of it got me hooked.
Modified by dynot at 6:41 PM 6/18/2007

[dynot]

One last question (for tonight )...

I'm thinking of getting Niagra Gray or Black. I would like tinted windows but don't want to over-do it. What do you guys recommend, 20%, 30%?

I believe the legal limit is 35% here. I don't want it too dark but more than what it comes with from the factory.

[Jaeger]

Like I say, I don't know for sure on the coupe - check with your dealer (although it's so new, chances are good the person you speak to will not know for sure either).

I am the same way with sat radio - couldn't understand what all the fuss was about - now I'm hooked. I have to tell you though - it's the same with the nav. I used to be of the view that it was only useful to those to dumb to read a map, but I'm a convert there as well.

On the tint - I have 35% on my silver sedan - wouldn't want it any darker:



Jaeger

PS - As I understand it (and I am no tint expert) the lower the number the darker the tint. - i.e. - 5% is like super-blacked out limo tint. 20% is darker than 35%, etc.

[dynot]

Wow, when you answer you go all out with pics too! Thanks Jaeger. You've been very helpful. Didn't know about the way tint is measured. Looks like 35 is about all I'd want too.A big goes out to you!

[Buzzman]

You are right about the tint numbers. The lower the number, the darker the tint.The percentage refers to how much UV rays get through.I had my windows done in 3 of my cars (all Nissan).My '03 Sentra is 22% all around, and as much as I like the look of it, it's too dark in the front. It's sometimes hard to see out at night. Even worse if it's raining.My '06 Altima is 32% front and 22% rear. Thus the front windows are slightly lighter. This is what I would recommend.I also did my '02 Pathfinder, but at 32% all around. The rear windows already had a light factory tint, so the rears are still darker than the front. It looks pretty good.Hope this helps.

[mcheddadi]

Hey guys, you won't believe what I found while I was surfing the web! here are some really nice pictures of a Blue Altima coupe parked next to a Black G35 coupe I've uploaded them all on imageshack (that was long lol)


Modified by mcheddadi at 9:51 PM 6/18/2007

[toxik]

i think you gotta add .jpg to each pic's filename for it to work.

[mcheddadi]

i think you gotta add .jpg to each pic's filename for it to work.

It's working now
Modified by mcheddadi at 10:16 PM 6/18/2007

[Jaeger]

Very cool - you can really see the similarities in profile.

Jaeger

[hattrix]

Hey Jaeger, did ya happen to look at where I am from...Columbus, OH. Right next to Marysville, OH, home of the largest Honda plant in North America. Home of the design team that created the Honda pickup. Ya think, maybe, just maybe, it is possible, in the slightest way, I might know someone from that plant.

I never tried to say your opinion was wrong. I simply stated my opinion. You came out attacking me. This is your typical way throughout the board. You are a little man needing validation on your importance by getting in verbal wars with people on a freaking chat board.

I don't want you to conform to my opinion. I simply offered counter subjective opinion to what you presented. However, you, in your insecurities see that as an attack. Pretty sad man, pretty sad.

I say you owned the sedan on the first post. I never said you didn't so I am not sure where you think it takes three times to tell me that.

My whole point from the beginning is that your assessment wanted changes to the coupe that are over and above what it was designed for. I never wanted to change your opinion since your opinion is so completely meaningless to me as to be irrelevant. My comments were for perspective buyers who might be interested in the coupe.

Oh, and no, my car is not perfect. It has its flaws. I never said it was perfect. I don't take meaning from life from my car. I simply offered help to people reading the site. You see that as a need to create a war. That says a lot about what kind of person you really are. Thanks for sharing that with us.

[Jaeger]

Hey hatty,

Still having dificulty with your vow of silence, I see.

Not to worry, keep trying and I'm sure you'll get there eventually. In the meantime, I must say I find your posts quite entertaining, so please don't feel you have to stop on my account.

Oh, and if you think this is a war, you need to ge out more - maybe read a paper, or something.

Jaeger

PS - I live about 15 min. from one of the largest Ford plants in Canada. I don't have a clue what their designers / product planners are doing, nor would I make the facile claim that my geographic proximity could provide same.

[hattrix]

Never said I was done talking. Just talking about that subject. I have been on this site and I OWN A COUPE!!! So I have more right to talk in this room than you.

You display your stupidity with your PS. FORD DESIGNS AND TESTS IN DETROIT MORON!! Honda designs and tests in Marysville. They don't hav product planners at your plant. However, since you have no life and no friends, it is understandable that you don't know that. As I stated in my previous post, they design cars at Marysville. They don't make the 20 cars a year that Ford might sell in Canada.

You are an a$$. It shows poor parenting so I don't totally blame you. You have bashed people before in this site. You try to start arguments, that is what I meant by war. As for reading, when you get an MBA, you kind of have to read once in awhile. It is somewhat of a requirement. However, when you are a$$ you simply have to attack to make yourself feel better. So here is a thought. Go find the sedan page and bash them because they overloaded their trunk with baby supplies.

[mcheddadi]

Never said I was done talking. Just talking about that subject. I have been on this site and I OWN A COUPE!!! So I have more right to talk in this room than you.

You display your stupidity with your PS. FORD DESIGNS AND TESTS IN DETROIT MORON!! Honda designs and tests in Marysville. They don't hav product planners at your plant. However, since you have no life and no friends, it is understandable that you don't know that. As I stated in my previous post, they design cars at Marysville. They don't make the 20 cars a year that Ford might sell in Canada.

You are an a$$. It shows poor parenting so I don't totally blame you. You have bashed people before in this site. You try to start arguments, that is what I meant by war. As for reading, when you get an MBA, you kind of have to read once in awhile. It is somewhat of a requirement. However, when you are a$$ you simply have to attack to make yourself feel better. So here is a thought. Go find the sedan page and bash them because they overloaded their trunk with baby supplies.

OMG just shut it you two This is Altima forum, not I-defend-my-opinion-until-it-becomes-a-flame-war forum. BTW you both have emails and instant messaging so really there is no need for this here

Very cool - you can really see the similarities in profile.

Jaeger

After seeing them both next to each other like that, I think I prefer the Altima coupe design better than the g35 coupe