After taking my '01 max-se in for a breif 3,000 mile quick check-up, YES, 3,000 miles already an 2001 isn't even here yet!! I went to talk to the sales manager who sold me the car. Jim Myrik of Troncalli Nissan mentioned that the next Maxima plateform will take the car a few more inches longer, to make it a head to head competitor against the Toyota Avalon. I said "WHAT", he looked amaized at me."You can't compare an AVALON in terms of performance", or should I say slowww Asssss AVALON, to a Maxima, regardless of the price.
He quickly calmed me, and continued to say that the Altima's next platform will have the 4th generation maxima engine (190hp) as nissans quest to overhaul horsepower in all vehicles due to their merger with Renault oversees. I also got to see a spy shot of the Z car for 2002. All I have to say on that one is all Porsche Boxsters move to the right hand lane because a Fast Z car (affordable too) is a comin'.