The Sleuth was not the only one caught completely off guard with the news that the 2019 Nissan Altima sedan will offer all-wheel-drive. He casually mentioned the news to a senior executive of a competing brand whose jaw then proceeded to literally drop. None of the Altima’s immediate competitors have all-wheel-drive. Said exec immediately reached for his phone and began furiously texting the details, presumably to his associates. Given the recent falloff in sedan sales, any real or perceived advantage by a rival is always cause for concern. Kudos to Nissan for one-upping the competition and being able to keep it a complete secret.

The 370Z (pictured) was due for retirement, but it was not known if there would be a replacement. Now we know. (PHOTO: NISSAN)

Nissan shakes up the midsize-sedan class with AWD:

SLEUTH |