Do not depend the Nissan Altima out simply but. Our spy photographers caught one thing operating round Nissan’s Michigan headquarters that we did not anticipate to see—an Altima-sized sedan sporting a camouflage wrap.

That is very attention-grabbing, as a result of the final we heard, the Altima was lifeless after this 12 months. Granted that was an unofficial phrase, and the automotive panorama has shifted some since these rumors appeared. Nissan has nothing official to say a method or one other, however clearly, one thing is occurring, as a result of this wrapped Nissan is means too massive to be a Sentra. And the Maxima is formally lifeless.

Picture by: KGP Images

Picture by: KGP Images

Picture by: KGP Images

Our photographer tells us this automotive was caught rolling with a present Altima in tow, additional giving credence to this being a next-generation sedan. There’s a similarity within the profile, notably within the curve from the entrance fenders and the beltline reaching to a brief trunk lid. The camo wrap is misleading on the C-pillar, however when you look intently you possibly can see a telltale notch on the underside of the glass—one other Altima characteristic.

We imagine Nissan is injecting some design language from the brand new Murano, particularly on the entrance. Headlights look a lot smaller in comparison with the present sedan, and so they seem to hook up with a skinny bar spanning the width of the fascia. There is a break up motif occurring right here just like the Murano, with a smaller grille positioned totally under the bar. It seems to retain a V theme but it surely’s not a full-on V-Movement grille as we at present understand it. Nissan is shifting away from that pattern, it appears.

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KGP Images

It is also clear this isn’t the brand new electrical sedan Nissan is engaged on. An exhaust system is clearly seen on the again. We aren’t simply speaking about some tailpipes—a discolored muffler is tucked behind the rear fascia, confirming a combustion engine below the hood. Is it a hybrid? A continuation of the Altima’s present 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder? Alas, these are questions we can not but reply.

We will say this a lot, nonetheless. Regardless of rumors of the Altima’s demise, the sedan was Nissan’s second-best-selling car in 2024. The Altima and Rogue have been the one fashions within the automaker’s fleet to crack 100,000 gross sales. Given Nissan’s present monetary state, there might be no selection however to launch a brand new technology. And if it is executed proper, it simply may save Nissan’s bacon.

When will we all know for certain? We initially thought the present Altima would die for the 2026 mannequin 12 months. A next-generation debut might occur later this 12 months, however do not be shocked if the wrap is not eliminated till someday in early 2026.