Nissan Altima here in 2013

The Altima - unveiled at the recent New York Motor Show - has already hasd success overseas.

"The new Altima is already the second most successful passenger sedan in the USA with sales of more than 20,000 per month," said Nissan Australia CEO Bill Peffer.

"Its appearance in Australia will be a strategic boost to our ever improving passenger car line up and will offer a compelling alternative to the familiar products in this segment. 

Altima will also raise the bar in motorsport as Nissan's entry in the 2013 V8 Supercar Championship where it will introduce modern generation sedan styling and technology."

Nissan Australia executives were joined in New York by Kelly Racing co-owner and driver Rick Kelly and CEO John Crennan, for a closer look at Altima as the team prepares to build the factory entry into the V8 Supercars Championship from 2013.

The new Altima is said to offer numerous segment defining attributes that enhance the ownership experience and provide extra value. It's aiming for best-in-segment fuel economy with a 2.5-litre petrol engine.

Altima has an upscale interior rivaling premium luxury sedans, including NASA-inspired "zero-gravity" seats, an Advanced Drive-Assist Display and BOSE premium audio system. Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system and streaming is included.

Next-generation Safety Shield Technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will be available.