2013 Nissan Altima Hybrid. The next-generation Nissan Altima mid-size sedan will be the first Nissan vehicle equipped with the automaker’s first-ever, in-house developed, front-wheel-drive hybrid system. The hybrid setup, due in 2013, will be replace the Toyota-based system, which Nissan used in the now-axed Altima Hybrid, according to Masayuki Yasuoka, a senior exec in Nissan’s next-generation powertrain group.

Nissan’s upcoming gas-electric setup will be loosely based on the hybrid system found in the rear-wheel-drive 2012 Infiniti M35h, meaning it will feature a two-clutch, single-motor, lithium-ion battery setup. But instead of the 3.5-liter V6 engine that powers the M35h, the Altima Hybrid will likely pack a surpercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder powerplant, mated to a new, advanced Xtronic continously variable transmission.

All this intel was reportedly revealed during a recent test drive at Nissan’s Oppama proving grounds in Japan. Yasuoka declined to comment on which Nissan model would get the in-house developed hybrid system, but the Altima seems the most likely candidate.

2013 Nissan Altima Release Date

The 2013 Nissan Altima should arrive in dealerships by the end of summer 2012.