2013's Nissan Altima, which has a base price of $21,500 MSRP, comes with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, producing 182 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Altima has an EPA fuel rating of 27 mpg city, 38 highway. Nissan Altima also takes its inspiration from an unlikely source - the competition.

When you test drive the updated Altima at Nissan Sunnyvale, don't be surprised if it seems like a North Korean auto maker's vehicle. New Altima models are a departure from previous Nissan vehicles, but quality is still very apparent.

WardsAuto made the discovery of this design "sharing," but don't be surprised. It's common for car companies to trade designs, especially if they sell.

"Clearly, we referenced the [another auto maker] when we were going through the design process," Nissan executive VP of marketing Andy Palmer said recently. "We even delayed development by a short amount just to check that the [new Altima's] proportions were right, the [package] was right, [and that] the product overall was right."¹

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn has only one goal in mind: beat all other sales-leading mid-size sedans. 2012's Altima was the second best-selling midsize in the US last year. Nissan is the third best-selling Japanese car in the US. Looks as if this company is on the right track.

Source: ¹http://rumors.automobilemag.com/styling-of-2013-nissan-altima-influenced-by-hyundai-sonata-129697.html