Next-gen Nissan Altima Hybrid to feature supercharged 2.5-liter, advanced CVT, li-ion battery

The next-generation Nissan Altima mid-size sedan will likely be Nissan’s first-ever vehicle sold in North America to be equipped with the automaker’s in-house developed, front-wheel-drive hybrid system.

The hybrid setup, due in 2013, will be replace the Toyota-based system that Nissan used in the now-axed Altima Hybrid, according to Masayuki Yasuoka, a senior exec in Nissan’s next-generation powertrain group.

Nissan’s upcoming gas-electric setup will be loosely based on the hybrid system found in the rear-wheel-drive 2012 Infiniti M35h, meaning it will feature a two-clutch, single-motor, lithium-ion battery setup. But instead of the 3.5-liter V6 engine that powers the M35h, the Altima Hybrid will likely pack a surpercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder mill and Nissan’s advanced Xtronic continuously variable transmission.

All this intel was reportedly revealed during a recent test drive at Nissan’s Oppama proving grounds in Japan. Yasuoka declined to comment on which Nissan model would get the in-house developed hybrid system, but we think the Altima is the most likely candidate.