In a first for sedans in the Middle East, Nissan Altima has set a 24-hours endurance drive record under FIA regulations. What makes the record setting more significant is that the cars used were production vehicles straight from a Nissan showroom without any technical modification.
Organized by the Middle East region’s most popular car portal AutoMiddleEast.com, the 24-hrs endurance run marks the first time in the Middle East that a 24-hour endurance record has been set by an un-modified production sedan under FIA regulations. The Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) - the governing body for motor sports worldwide - is represented by the Automobile and Touring Club (ATC) in the UAE and the event was monitored by ATC officials.
The event was held at the Dubai Autodrome whereby a V6 3.5-litre and 2.5-litre Nissan Altima were driven for 24-hours without engine stops, highlighting the endurance capabilities of showroom-spec Nissan Altima cars. The event took place during the hottest month of the year in the region.
“No modifications were carried out on the vehicles for this grueling record run which truly highlighted Nissan Altima's high response sporty performance that is built into every aspect of the cars interior, exterior and engine ," commented Monal Zeidan, Senior Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications Departments at Nissan Middle East. “Its sleek, aerodynamic design profile and award winning engines coupled together make for a performance sedan that is truly record setting, even under the tough summer conditions in the GCC,” continued Zeidan.
“We have set eleven records: one hour, two hours, six hours, 12 hours and 24 hours as well as for 100km, 200km, 500km, 1000km, 1500km and the final distance of 2223km. It is indeed a proud moment for all of us at Nissan Middle East FZE to have set the first national record for a 24 Hrs endurance drive for a sedan in this region”, added Zeidan.
Pankaj Dev, CEO & Managing Editor, AutoMiddleEast.com praised the enduring performance of the Nissan Altima cars which ran like clockwork throughout the grueling 24-hours which saw temperatures of over 44 degrees scorching the track. “I appreciate Nissan’s confidence in Altima in putting it through what is a
truly grueling event. It is not easy for any car to operate non-stop throughout 24 hours in the peak of a Middle East summer. Nissan Altima has proven that it is indeed a more than capable performer.”
The Nissan Altima is one of the most popular sedans in the market since its introduction in 2004. Using Nissan's signature V6 3.5-lire VQ engine, the same engine used in the performance-oriented 350Z; the Nissan Altima has a natural sporty instinct.
"Nissan has an innate interest in motor sports, with a rich motor sport performance heritage that goes back to 1969," commented Muhammad Ben Sulayem, President Automobile and Touring Club (ATC), UAE. "As with all performance sports however, these were limited to specially built tracks, and we urge all drivers and enthusiasts to practice performance driving on these special tracks and not public roads."
The Altima comes with Nissan's Traction Control System (TCS) for better road handling on slippery surfaces, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) for increased braking potential and advanced suspension for better handling and stability on corners. ABS and power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes come standard, as well dual-stage supplemental airbags with seat belt pre-tensioners and zone-body construction for maximum passenger safety.
About AutoMiddleEast.com
AutoMiddleEast is one of the Middle East’s largest and most dynamic print and internet based automotive resource. They are an independent and privately held corporation, with no ties to any automotive manufacturer or similar organization. Since the year 2000, they’ve driven forward as the region’s leading publisher and distributor of new car reviews and motoring news.
