Photos: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe

The Altima Coupe's base-level 175-horsepower 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine provides plenty of zip for a car this size, but those who feel like an extra 100 horsepower, the coupe is also available with Nissan's flagship 3.5-liter V-6.

With its raked fastback roofline and flowing shoulders, the Altima Coupe marks a bold styling departure from the staid lines of the sedan.

As part of the $5,100 Premium package, the Altima Coupe gets XM Satellite Radio plus an upgraded Bose-branded audio system.

The Altima Coupe comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Those looking for a smoother ride can option up a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for an extra $500.

With 7.5 cubic feet of cargo room, the Altima Coupe's trunk looks bigger from the outside than it does on the inside.

The optional Bluetooth hands-free calling can be controlled via the Altima Coupe's steering wheel buttons, which curiously also sound the horn when pushed firmly.

Aesthetes may disagree over the car's bulbous rear-end styling, which, depending on your school of thought, is either a dashing, Infiniti-inspired touch of style or a flabby appendage that looks like an aftermarket body kit.

The Altima Coupe features a bright electroluminescent instrument cluster and a useful driver-information display, which shows trip and fuel-economy information.

The Altima Coupe comes with an intelligent key and push-button start as standard.

The front-mounted auxiliary input jack makes it easy to connect portable music players on the fly.