car and driver road test the 09 maxima

[Chio]

anyone else read see it

[The Hardcard]

Didn't see that one, but the Road and Track (http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=6926) one is online, complete with their cool data panels.

[RonSteinbach]

Interesting comments. But, where did they come up with the following false claim?

"Although billed as continuously variable, the Xtronic transmission functions over six stepped ratios which either change automatically depending on engine load or can be manually changed using either the center console shifter or column-mounted paddles."

The transmission is clearly a CVT but with an optional feature that allows it to operate as a 6-speed automatic.

[reb]

"But the CVT leaves us a little flat"

"the grille itself, positioned low in the nose, looks droopy."

"I managed to skin a knee on one of two seams found on the underside of the steering column. "

"the seats, fit snug"

"gives the cabin a closely coupled feel"

"CVT with its recalibration and new Ds mode, it's still a case of perfuming the pig. "


i don't like this car 1 bit

[ZYAL8R808]

I can't understand why the CVT is so despised by the press. Sure it's different and "numb" while accelerating. However, it is one of the most versatile transmissions available anywhere. If you want smooth nothing can beat it. If you want sporty, there are two ways to control the gearing just like any other manual-mode transmission. Don't forget that it accelerates quite fine with 0-60 in 6.1 and 1/4 mile in 14.6. I for one think the CVT has been a hated breakthrough. What would the press say if it were Toyota or Honda? Hmmmmm

[4themax]

"But the CVT leaves us a little flat"

"the grille itself, positioned low in the nose, looks droopy."

"I managed to skin a knee on one of two seams found on the underside of the steering column. "

"the seats, fit snug"

"gives the cabin a closely coupled feel"

"CVT with its recalibration and new Ds mode, it's still a case of perfuming the pig. "


i don't like this car 1 bit


I can't say for sure, but sounds like the person that tested this Max had their mind made up before they ever "push-button" started it. For one thing, the seats aren't going to fit everyone, certainly not me, 5'2, 110 lbs. Give me a break. There hasn't been 1 review yet that hasn't said some great things about this car, until this one. You make the call... The reviews from the ones driving it every day to and from work are the ones I am paying attention to.

[qstarweb]

Interesting comments. But, where did they come up with the following false claim?

"Although billed as continuously variable, the Xtronic transmission functions over six stepped ratios which either change automatically depending on engine load or can be manually changed using either the center console shifter or column-mounted paddles."

The transmission is clearly a CVT but with an optional feature that allows it to operate as a 6-speed automatic.
My understanding is the CVT has 700 gear ratios not 6. That is not the first time I've heard someone claim the CVT is merely a 6 speed automatic.

Dean

[JerryG]

I can't understand why the CVT is so despised by the press. Sure it's different and "numb" while accelerating.

I think you answered your own question...

[Chio]

also remember this is car and driver!

[RHMax]

also remember this is car and driver!

You mean the Bimmer Mag? :rolleyes:

[Chio]

LOL that is funny " bimmier mag"

[Lichtronamo]

My understanding is the CVT has 700 gear ratios not 6. That is not the first time I've heard someone claim the CVT is merely a 6 speed automatic.

Dean

A CVT (and specifically the one in the Maxima) has an infinite number of ratios between the low 2.37 ratio and high 0.44 ratio.

[222Max]

"But the CVT leaves us a little flat"

"the grille itself, positioned low in the nose, looks droopy."

"I managed to skin a knee on one of two seams found on the underside of the steering column. "

"the seats, fit snug"

"gives the cabin a closely coupled feel"

"CVT with its recalibration and new Ds mode, it's still a case of perfuming the pig. "


i don't like this car 1 bit


Obviously, you don't like it. You managed to leave out anything positive they had to say (yes, I've read it myself and and there was plenty positive) and give no context to the clips you did post.

[jcalabria]

A CVT (and specifically the one in the Maxima) has an infinite number of ratios between the low 2.37 ratio and high 0.44 ratio.

Mechanically, yes its infinite (the belt slides smoothly between between positions), BUT... the control system uses a stepper motor (to position the pulleys) with 210 steps so, in reality, it has 210 selectable ratios. Still plenty.

[RHMax]

.33 COD? A little better than a brick! C&D seems to like the car, for the most part. They got the SV w/ premium and tech on 18's. Faults on 18's all-season and CVT only. One commented the lack of reason to have both Altima and Maxima in the lineup because of interior space with the G35 priced only slightly higher than a Max for a better car and sportier feel.

[bb700092]

Yes, I too was surprised by the COD. The 6th gen Maxima had COD of 0.30 /w spoiler and 0.31 w/o spoiler. The 7th gen's COD is much worse. How did that happen?

[RHMax]

04-06 is .30, .28 with rear spoiler. I think the front end is too wide, plus the sculpted fenders catch more air.

[reb]

The new Fed law on pedestrian impact safety is directly responsible for auto front ends being less aerodynamic.

[bb700092]

04-06 is .30, .28 with rear spoiler. I think the front end is too wide, plus the sculpted fenders catch more air.

Yes, you are right about the COD numbers, I was wrong. It is the same for 07-08 as well. That makes the 09 even worse.

[SHIFT_6speeds]

also remember this is car and driver!

Don't make fun of my fave car rag. :D