Nissan Maxima lovers rejoice! The 2009 Maxima.

[Memphis Raines]

[Memphis Raines]

Make way for the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima. The car which Nissan has branded as "the true 4-Door Sports Car" looks family sedan from the side, but a bit more aggressive from the front.

Originally, engineers were planning on puting together a Maxima that focused more on family. But inspired by the development of the GT-R, engineers decided instead to build a car that could be called "the best performing front engine, front-wheel, drive car in the world."

To accomplish this, the design team honed in on a redesign of the exterior -including LED taillights and those shark fin style headlights- significant cockpit improvements, and increases in performance.

Nissan will offer two models of the Maxima, the S and SV, each with a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 as standard. This petrol-burner has a bump of 35 horsepower over last year, with estimated ratings of 290 hp and 261 ft-lb of torque. The '09 shows a modest 9 ft-lb increase over the '08 model year. Engine is mated to a redesigned Xtronic CVT with available paddle-shifters, to replicate the feel of total control. This is a blow to the Maxima, as it might be necessary to have a full manual transmission if they want to compete with the Impreza and Lancer. 18-inch and 19-inch wheels are available as well. The Maxima gets 19mpg in the city, and 26mpg on the highway. This figure is slightly worse than the current model Honda Accord V6.

Optional packages include a sport package with the bigger wheels, tuned suspension, rear spoiler, Xenon headlights, and the paddle shifters. A premium package adds a dual panel moonroof, and several improvements found in the sport set (heated seats, Xenon, heated mirrors, and more). Add on the tech package, and you get a hard drive navigation system, 9.3gb Music Box system, and rearview monitor.

Source: worldcarfans.com http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080319....ed-in-new-york

[basti08]

a blow to the Maxima if it wont have manual coz it may not be able to compete with LANCERS and IMPREZAS?

parang may mali ata.

[niky]

Yeah... the new Lancer is about as big as an old Galant, but neither of these rally rockets is in the same size-class as the Max.

[mqavila]

Hold on a sec... the Maxima is supposed to be in the same class as compact cars (such as Civic, Lancer, etc...) or midsize cars (such as Camry, Accord, etc...)? Midsize sya right? And kung midsize, where will this be when compared to the Teana?

Is it me or does it look vaguely similar to the Camry?

[MXFX]

if i got it right, versa/tiida compact, current sentra (this im sure since i own one) and altima midsize, then maxima large sedan.

styling looks good overall, esp the slight widebody design. i do see similarities with other cars too. this should sell well unless they price it too close to a g35 sedan.