The 2019 Nissan Altima comes complete with a VC turbocharged engine and a snarl in its lip...We'll explain.
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Have you ever dropped the hood of your car after checking the oil and it didn't close all the way? You didn't hear that click, so you push down on it with the flexor digiti minimi brevis of your hands. Well, owners of the upcoming 2019 Nissan Altima might have to get over that little forceful move because the gap in the hood it comes with is actually supposed to be there. For real though.
The redesigned mid-sized sedan just made a flashy exhibition at the New York Auto Show, showing off its new "how did they do that?" sleeker body, VC turbocharged engine, and clean lines. But it's the weird little Elvis Presley-like lip snarl that has some auto enthusiasts turning their heads.
Hood Mentality
Located between the hood, headlights, and front fenders, we thought maybe this slight, but noticeable gap might have something to do with the revamped Renault-Nissan variable compression engine. Additionally, the Altima's fancier cousin, the Infiniti QX50 also features the little gap and new engine. That must be the reason, no? Apparently not.
The guys over at Jalopnik investigated thinking the same thing and according to Nissan Senior Vice President of Global Design Alfonso Albaisa the weird gap is legitimately just for the purpose of design. Meant to accentuate the front-facing design of the model(s), the hood gap doesn't necessarily advance the 2019 Nissan Altima in any way, but doesn't have to create controversy.
The new Altima is a bright spot in the world of declining sedan sales. The hope from Nissan is that its most consistently sought-after sedan will keep the similar consumer appeal while trying out new additions.
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