Here are some features of the Nissan Altima Hybrid, which has been available since last month:

- Assembled in Tennessee and available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont (the eight states that have adopted California emissions regulations)

- Combined fuel economy rating of 39 mpg; achieves an estimated 42 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway

- $24,400 msrp;  qualifies for a $2,350 federal tax credit

- Total power rating of 198 horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine, electric motor, continuously variable transmission

-16-inch alloy wheels

- Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition

- Power windows/door locks

- 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary audio input jack

- Anti-lock Braking System

- Vehicle Dynamic Control

- Traction Control System

- Dual-zone automatic temperature control that includes an Altima Hybrid-specific electrically powered A/C that continues to provide cooling when the gasoline engine is stopped

- Altima Hybrid can run solely on electric power if appropriate

- 0-60 mph acceleration is estimated at about 0.5 seconds quicker than a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder equipped Altima

- Regenerative Cooperative Brake System calculates braking force generated by brake pedal operation and controls the regenerative brake force to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, optimizing energy regeneration

- Electric motor produces high torque at low rpm, allowing it to utilize its Electric Vehicle (EV) mode to power the car from a standing idle and through initial acceleration without the assistance of the gasoline engine