ìli Page B6 Portland OL s e r v e r 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5 S by K ytiii . kkn C arr "Altima the Next Generation: Evolution Without Substitution" Nissan takes up the gauntlet in the family-sedan skirmishes with a redesigned Altima that looks great and offers some fancy new gadge­ try. Nissan engineers proclaimed the targeted goal is creating "the best performing front-wheel-drive sedan in the world." This target has eluded many auto manufacturers over the years. However. Nissan seems to have stepped up to the challenge. The Altima is definitely the “workhorse" of the Nissan se­ dan fleet. Ify ouareoneofthe many fans o f the Altima, the 2007 Altima should dazzle you. Starting with an all-new "D" plat­ form, Nissan lowered the engine, upgraded the front suspension geometry and improved the shock absorbers for better steering re­ sponse and handling. The new engine location provides a reduc­ tion in torque steer, while a new upper cowl structure provides in­ creased rigidity at the front-sus­ pension mounting points. Nissan has been pushing CVT technology for a decade. It feels that the im proved efficiency and sm oothness offered by this trans­ m ission design represents the wave of the future. The CVT (con­ tinuously variable transm ission) has "adaptive logic”, which keeps the vehicle from unnecessarily changing gears w hile going up or down hills. The transm ission has n o rm a l, sp o rt and e c o n o m y m odes. It’s also desig n ed to "learn " the d riv e r’s particular driving style, so as to match shift points to that style. N issan's ex ­ pects to sell one m illion CVTs globally every year by 2008. If they all work as well as this one, I will happily contribute to that number. Other technology fea­ tures include a new speed-sensi­ tive pow er-steering system and im proved braking system with f^Jortlanb ® h serti er A u f o R e v ie w lanuary 17, 2007 News and reviews on new motor vehicles our car was equipped with dual­ zone climate controls and the tem ­ perature knob has a slick tempera­ ture display inside of the knob. The interior feels more like a luxury ve­ hicle. The 2007 Altima’s interior can clearly stand toe-to-toe with Accord and Camry cabins. Other options include a nine-speaker Bose audio system and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system. Interior design has long been N issan’s Achilles heel, in our opinion. We are pleased to see so much im­ provement in the new Altima. Nissan recognized the need to SPECIFICATIONS: 2.5-liter, 16 valve 4-cylinder engine: 175 horsepower and 180 lbs. torque: 5- maintain a product line made up speed automatic with Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT); City - 2 6 mpg. Highway - of moving targets, and the Altima 34 mpg: $23.540 MSRP. has moved a few steps ahead. The 2007 Altima has morphed jagged and stretch farther toward sports car. four-w heel discs. Inside, there is a world of differ­ from being an affordable family Nissan redoubled its efforts with the C-pillarthan before. The lower the 2007 Altima. a car that’s slightly bumper wraps cleanly around, and ence in the new Altima. Nissan did car into a near-luxury sedan. smaller in length than its predeces­ dual exhaust pipes are standard. its homework, and for this redesign There is so much to like about the sor but offers more luxury, extra Revisions are less apparent in the wanted to "build on the strengths new Altima, from style and per­ power and refined styling. The ex­ front. The grille includes a subtle and address the weaknesses” of formance to safety and efficiency. terior has been made more sleek notch in the center that Nissan calls last year's model. The rock-hard The 2007 A ltim a is the next gen­ and aerodynamic. The most notice­ its “T " shape. The 2007 Altima's plastics have been replaced with eration in evolution, providing able exterior sty ling change is in the flared fenders and sculpted head­ leather and the i nterior controls have N issan q u a lity w ith o u t s u b ­ rear, where jeweled taillights are lights resem ble N issan's 35OZ alsoclearly improved. Forinstance, stitution. H O M E O W N E R SH IP U P G R A D IN G D O W N S IZIN G FIRST T IM E BUYER IN V E S T M E N T John Paris, Real Estate Consultant 6VI3SS Mocadum. Suite M S » I ’o r ila iid .< >K »7219 (503)890-1181 O ffice 503-698-6988 ACHIEVE THE DREAM! State Farm1*’ Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office. Bloomington, Illinois 61710 Michael E Harper Agent 9045 SW Barbur Blvd. Suite 109 Portland, OR 97219 503 221 3050 Fax 503 227 8757 michael harper cuik@statefarm.com Let me help you purchase your next vehicle (new or used). Five Generations Celebrate A birthday celebration for Mae Dawson Rose o f Portland (front, left) brings together five generations o f her family, including daughter Francetta Cross (back row, from left), granddaughter Pamela Elaine Miles, great granddaughter Natasha Love, great grandson Rasheen Hudson and great great granddaughter Apple-Madisyn Rose Hudson. Sisters Await a Loving Home Kendra and Tristen are learning to be part of a family that values respect, love and kindness. They are giving and generous sisters, especially when each feels their needs arc being met. Kendra and Tristen would both love to be the apple of adoring parents’ eyes. Kendra has discovered sports, cooking and animals. She struggles with herfocus, but isdoing relatively well in school. She enjoys spending time with friends. Tristen has a complex personality. She craves acceptance, but needs considerable assistance Homebuying Fair in Lents Attend a HomcBuying 101 8 - hour workshop in the Lents neigh­ borhood on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 9a.m. to5 p.m. at Kelly Elementary School, 9O3OS.E. Cooper. This workshop is hosted by the Lents Homeownership Initiative, ROSE Community Development, Portland Housing Center and Kelly SUN Community School. Topics include information you need when looking to buy your first home, preparing for the purchase, steps in the home buying process, the importance of a home buying team, shopping for your loan and your home, understanding the role ofcredit, determining w hat you can afford and protecting yourself from predatory loans There will be a materials fee of $50, and scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis. Pre-register by calling5O3-282-7744. extension 101. with social skills and appropriate self-expression. Bal let classis a healthy outlet for her. as is cooking. Counseling has been critical for these girls in facing past abuse, as has a very structured home. They would thrive in a household where they had positive teenage role models - and certainly no younger children to compete with. These sisters are among the approximately 3