Nissan showed off its new Altima sedan today at the press preview of the New York International Auto Show. The new car is truly all-new, featuring a new platform and new engines as well as new styling. It is larger and more powerful than the previous model. The new Altima sits on a wheelbase 7 inches longer than the previous model, with a corresponding increase in interior space. The company claims a 170-percent increase in structural rigidity over the previous model. The base four-cylinder engine has been replaced by a new I-4 which puts out 25 more horsepower and 24 more lb.-ft. of torque than the previous generation. The new figures are 180 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. The top line model is offered with a 3.5L DOHC V-6 developing 240 horsepower. Both engines are available with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. The new, larger Altima will be available in dealerships in September 2001, according to the company.