Muscular Performance and the Looks to Match.
The all-new 2004 Nissan Maxima.
Maxima offers the soul of the Z, wrapped in a muscular, premium sports sedan design. Set to debut on January 5, 2003 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Maxima combines aggressive
performance, agile and responsive handling and an innovative interior.
The new Maxima goes on sale next spring as a 2004 model.
Our take? The car high resembles
the spy photos that were featured on FreshAlloy.com a few
months ago. The car carries most of the distinct Nissan cues
with a profile similar to the Altima, sharp C-pillar door,
wraparound tailights similar to the Murano and 350Z, and flat
panoramic rear windshield. The rear
spoiler reminds us of BMW's new 7 series.
It's also
interesting that Nissan is adopting Mercedes style door grab
handles that other manufacturers like Honda and Toyota are now
favoring.
We also think Nissan
will also be pushing to bring the "sports" back into
the "4-door sports car" moniker with all-wheel-drive
as an option or possibly a standard feature. We also expect
the 3.5L V-6 to make at least 270 bhp mated to a helical
limited slip differential and 5 speed automatic transmission
or 6 speed manual. And the Maxima finally returns to a true
rear independent suspension found in the Altima (and
originally adapted from the Skyline GT-R). With AWD and 6
speed manual, the new Maxima moves up the market (leaving the
Altima to fight the Camry and Accord). Expected competition
includes the Audi A6 and some might dare say BMW's 5 series.
And don't forget Chyrsler's
upcoming rear wheel drive LH derived (350M?) cars.
Is Nissan taking
chances with styling that consumers will embrace? At least
Nissan is bringing the flagship status back
into it's top of the line sedan. Stay tuned for more details
on January 5, 2003 when more details and photos are released.
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