With the start of North American production of the all-new 2013 Altima earlier this week, Nissan released a fresh batch of pictures of its sedan model.

The 2013 Altima is critical to Nissan’s plan to increase sales in North America with the Japanese automaker targeting to beat the Toyota Camry in the popular mid-size sedan segment.

Last year, the outgoing Altima came in second place with 295,790 sales, some 42,000 units behind Toyota’s best-selling model. However, the competition is expected to become stiffer this year due to the arrival of several new models including the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and a redesigned Honda Accord.

The 2013 Altima launces with a choice of two gasoline engines, a 182hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit and a range-topping 270hp 3.5-liter V6, both matched to a reworked Xtronic CVT driving the front wheels.

Prices for the Altima start at $25,360.

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