A sporty new top-line model joins the 2005 roster of Nissan's best-selling vehicle. Altima shares a basic design with Nissan's Maxima, but costs less and offers 4-cyl as well as V6 power. Altima comes in 2.5 and 2.5 S models with a 175-hp 4-cyl engine. The 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL versions have a 250-hp V6. The sporty new SE-R model has a 260-hp V6. Manual and optional automatic transmissions are offered, but V6 now use a 5-speed automatic vs. 4-cyl models' 4-speed. And the SE-R's manual is a 6-speed vs. the other models' 5-speed. All Altimas have 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS is standard on 3.5 SL, SE-R, and on automatic-transmission 3.5 SEs; it's optional on the other models except the base 2.5. The SE-R comes with 18-inch wheels vs. 17s for 3.5 SE, and 16s on other Altimas. Front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags are available except on the base 2.5. Traction control is optional for automatic-transmission V6 models and the manual-transmission SE-R. All models get revised interior trim for '05, and a navigation system joins the options list. Other available features include xenon headlights, leather upholstery, and heated seats. The SE-R includes the xenons plus firmer suspension; high-speed tires; larger front brakes; and unique nose, tail, and lower-body styling. It also comes with 2-tone leather-trimmed seats and extra gauges.