If you blinked at all this year, you probably missed some new model at Nissan because there were so many of them.

And that's why this summer, you may want to take a little tutorial and head straight for the Nissan dealer to see what's up.

Perhaps most significantly in this time of tight fuel supplies and high gas prices, you will want to see the all-new 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid.

The car is powered by a refined version of Nissan's 2.5 liter four cylinder gas engine combined with an advanced electric drive motor/generator. Together they give the Altima Hybrid a horsepower rating of 198 horsepower. Fuel economy rating is 42/36 with the standard electronically controlled CVT automatic transmission.

Some of the available features on this model are intelligent key with push button ignition, leather seats, Bluetooth hands free phone system, rear view monitor, satellite radio and a host of other items.

	The 2007 Nissan Altima coupe. Click photo for larger image.

If you're looking for something a little sportier, check out Nissan's all-new Altima Coupe, set to arrive in the next few weeks.

It's a pretty stunning design with blistered fenders and wild-looking taillights. It's shorter in wheelbase length and height than the standard Altima Sedan, is driver-oriented, with supportive front seats and informative, easy-to-use gauges and controls.

Power comes from a 3.5-liter, 270-horsepower V-6 (19/27 with manual, 19/26, CVT), or a 2.5-liter. 175-horsepower four (23/32 manual, 23/31), automatic. Options include intelligent key, Bluetooth phone system, rear view monitor and touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic updates.

Prices are not yet available.

If you're not into coupes, check out the all-new Altima Sedan, arguably the firm's bread and butter line. It always has prided itself on marching to a different drummer than its peers in the intermediate sedan field and that certainly continues to be the case.

Although the styling is not radically different, those refinements that have been made sharpen the look and provide a lot more aggressiveness to what already was one of the more "in your face" designs in the field.

The big mechanical news is that the Altima gets Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission, which provides effortless shifting, stronger acceleration and better fuel economy. You also can get a six-speed manual.

There's also an all new platform for the Altima that provides a more rigid body and an all-new front suspension as well. Engines range from a 175 horsepower, 2.5 liter four to a 3.5 liter, 270 horsepower V-6.

The new Sentra is worlds away from the last generation, with new engines, new styling and better construction. With prices that are expected to start at around $15,000, it may prove to be strong competition for the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla

For starters, it's longer, wider and taller, providing more headroom and ease of entry and exit. And style-wise, it looks like a smaller, classier Maxima.

You'll find a new 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual or optional CVT transmission. And among the interesting interior features are a 60/40 split double folding rear seat with a fold-flat seat back, a special trunk divider panel that creates a hidden storage compartment and an integrated overhead compact disc holder.

Meanwhile, Versa already is moving out of dealer lots quickly, with a starting price for the hatchback of $12,550. A four-door sedan has joined the lineup and sales are going well for that model, too. The four-door sedan has been priced at $12,550 for the S model with a manual transmission, $13,350 for the S with a four-speed automatic, $14,550 for the SL with a manual transmission, and $15,550 for the SL with the CVT transmission. Fuel mileage is rated at 30 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway with the CVT.

The Versa's calling card is an unusually roomy interior, particularly in the back. I actually could stretch out a bit, which is more than I can say for some of Versa's competitors.

Power is provided by a 122-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Fuel mileage is expected to be in the 30/36 range.

What's Coming in 2008

The biggest news is the all-new Nissan Rogue, the company's entry in the growing small SUV market. It features a 2.5 liter four cylinder, a continuously variable transmission, vehicle dynamic control with a traction control system, anti-lock brakes, and an all-wheel drive system with yaw control is available.

Two models will be available, Rogue S and Rogue SL. Prices are expected to start at around $20,000.

In other news for 2008, Pathfinder gets its first 5.6 liter V-8, a restyled interior and exterior, and it will be offered in six trim levels, each with a standard five speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $25,700 and goes up to $33,900. Styling changes include a new front and rear end, restyled grille and hood, new chrome applique for the body side moldings, and other features.

The Armada comes in for significant change also, including a new front end, new headlight and fog light designs, new one-piece roof rack design, new wood grain accents on some models, available heated steering wheel on some models, along with other enhancements. Prices for the 2008 Armada start at $35,250 and top out at $41,750.