GT-R manufacturing tech brings bling to new Altima

Inside the four cylinders of the engine block is where Nissan's state-of-the-art mirror bore process is used to reduce friction and improve efficiency. The treatment, first used in the Nissan GT-R and applied to other specialty models like the Sentra NISMO, helps engines run smoothly by eliminating the need for bulky cylinder liners.

The Decherd assembly line added mirror bore equipment for the launch of the Altima - making it the highest volume application of the technology within Nissan. The team in Decherd assembles an engine every 19 seconds and is capable of building about 1.4 million engines a year.

"Advanced technology like the mirror bore process only makes sense for Nissan if we can offer it to as many customers as possible," said Jay Boyte, Director of Engineering at Decherd Powertrain Plant, Nissan North America. "The end result is an innovative and efficient engine made with manufacturing technology usually not available at this volume or price point," added Boyte.