SMYRNA, TN – The first new 2013-MY Nissan Altima rolled off the assembly line at the company’s plant in Smyrna, Tenn. The automaker said the sedan will begin arriving at dealerships in June at a starting MSRP of $21,500. Nissan said this launch starts an ambitious year for the company, with five new models planned for launch over the next several months.

The new 2013-MY Altima targets 38 mpg highway (31 combined), according to Nissan, features redesigned “zero gravity” seats, Advanced Drive Assist Display, which provides turn-by-turn directions and caller ID, and Nissan Connect, which supports hands-free text messaging.

The vehicle offers two powertrain choices, a redesigned 182-hp (estimated) 2.5L DOHC inline four-cylinder engine or a 270 hp (estimated) 3.5L V-6. Both engines are matched to a standard Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The automaker plans to offer the vehicle in seven models at the following retail price points:

• Altima Sedan 2.5 CVT $21,500 USD

• Altima Sedan 2.5 S CVT $22,500 USD

• Altima Sedan 2.5 SV CVT $24,100 USD

• Altima Sedan 2.5 SL CVT $28,050 USD

• Altima Sedan 3.5 S CVT $25,360 USD

• Altima Sedan 3.5 SV CVT $27,780 USD

• Altima Sedan 3.5 SL CVT $30,080 USD

 Nissan noted that it will also manufacture the 2013-MY Altima in Canton, Miss., and build the vehicle’s engines in Decherd, Tenn.