Getting noticed is something every automaker craves. An uninspired car typically leads to ho-hum sales. The new Altima coupe shouldn’t experience the fate of going unnoticed as this car shares many but not all of its attributes with its sibling the Altima sedan. That means the coupe should create its own waves. Nissan’s Altima coupe has unique body panels—the exception being both the coupe and sedan share the same hood design. The couple also hasn’t copied the sedan for its grille, headlamps and rear lights. Compared to the sedan, the coupe has shorter dimensions – 4-inch shorter wheelbase, 7-inch shorter overall length and 2.5-inch shorter overall height. The coupe is a chip off the old sedan block in terms of its front wheel drive platform and powertrain choices. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (producing 175 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 180 pounds-feet of peak at 3900 rpm) or a 3.5-liter V6 (producing 270 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 258 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm) represent the powerplant choices. There are two transmission choices, a continuously variable transmission or a 6-speed manual. The coupe’s list of standard fare includes active head restraints and an intelligent key with push button ignition. Optional fare includes a rear view monitor (engaged when car is in reverse gear) and a navigation system with 6.5-inch monitor. When fitted with the 4-cylinder engine and CVT, the coupe carries a base MSRP of $20,990 and estimated per gallon estimates of 23 city and 31 highway.