The Nissan Altima was released in 2012 and has become one of the market's best selling sedans. Despite a steady growth of sales, Nissan decided to give the Altima a significant mid-cycle refresh, making improvements to its design and driving feel. The 2016 Nissan Altima also has improved fuel economy.

"This new Altima is the most dynamic, comfortable and best-equipped mid-size sedan we've ever built," Pierre Loing, VP for Nissan North America's Product Planning, said. In the press release, Nissan also announced that the 2016 model is the "quietest Altima ever."

Much of the sedan's extensive redesign can be found in its exterior. The 2016 Nissan Altima now looks aerodynamic and contemporary. The sedan also features the new Nissan "Energetic Flow" design language that can also be seen in the new Nissan Murano SUV and the Maxima luxury sedan.

The structure of the Altima has been enhanced with high-strength sheet metal. The front fascia has been lowered and sports a more masculine look. The distinctive "V-motion" grille is front and center, with the LED boomerang headlights at its side. Nissan also redesigned the bumper, fenders and reshaped the hood.

The rear also features a more dramatic bumper, with lower and wider boomerang-like taillights. The 2016 Nissan Altima also has fresh new wheel designs.

Under the hood, the 2016 Altima retains its engine options. The first option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gives 182 horsepower and 180 lf-ft of torque. The second is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that gives 270 horsepower and 251 lf-ft torque. Both engines come with continuously variable automatic transmission.

The 2016 Nissan Altima also boasts of fuel economy estimated at 27 mpg for city driving and 39 mpg for highway driving. The sedan's suspension has also been redesigned with new shock absorbers, rear springs and bushings. The tires also have more grip.

Nissan will also be releasing a sports model, the Altima SR, which gives enhanced vehicle handling. It comes with a unique exterior, with smoked headlight housings, rear spoilers, fog lights and 18-inch wheels. The interior features charcoal grey with blue contrast stitching as accents.

Nissan also improved the interiors of the Altima. It now looks refined and feels comfortable. It features Nissan's "gliding wing" design. The sedan also has a new C-stack and center console.

The standard model has a 5.0-inch infotainment system featuring NissanConnect with Mobile Apps that allows drivers to access apps, Google search and Facebook, among others. It can be upgraded to the 7.0-inch NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps.

The 2016 Nissan Altima has also been equipped with safety features including predictive forward collision warning, forward emergency braking, intelligent cruise control and rear cross traffic alert.

The new Altima will be available in nine colors including deep blue, brilliant silver, super black and cayenne red. Nissan has yet to announce an official price but the price is expected to be similar to its predecessor, which would be around $23,125.

Sales for the 2016 Nissan Altima will commence this November.