2013 Altima A Big Bet for Nissan, Two Secret Cars in the Works at New York Auto Show 2012

Details are beginning to emerge about the five cars Nissan will be releasing in the next 15 months, including the 2013 Altima and 2013 Pathfinder, which debuted Wednesday at the New York Auto Show 2012.

The Altima has undergone a major redesign as Nissan seeks to expand its U.S. market share to 10 percent by the end of the year. The automaker has sought to give the 2013 Altima a class above feel, meaning a more luxurious feel and trim than is usually expected in the standard consumer, mid-size sedan segment. The 2013 Altima will cost $21,500 for the base model.

The 2013 Altima and 2013 Pathfinder will be joined by the 2013 Sentra -- and by two totally new cars to be rolled out in the next 15 months.

They won't be sports cars, was the only hint that Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager for Nissan gave Wednesday.

Nissan is banking on the 2013 Altima to continue to carry it in the future, though.

We have changed nearly everything - the look, the feel, the driving experience, Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said.

Not only is the Altima expected to remain a big part of Nissan's future, but Ghosn seems to hope that it can appeal to customers that might be looking for a luxury car on the cheap, since it feeds the desire for a premium appearance without the premium price.

Nissan also unveiled a taxi, the Nissan NV200, which will be sold to the New York City taxi fleet. The addition of a taxi is just another way that Nissan is looking to broaden its market base and visibility. But taxi production seems somewhat at odds with wanting to offer cheap luxury in the consumer market.