warrlocked

"Nissan introduced the 2002 Altima at the New York auto show. No longer an unassuming and underpowered runabout, the new Altima looks as though it's going to be one helluva quick sedan. Topping the lineup will be the 3.5SE model with a 240-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and an available five-speed manual transmission. That's 18 more horsepower than the bigger Maxima, which is going to have to get a boost soon just to stay even. The Altima will be more pleasing to look at, too, thanks to an aggressive new shape (with 16- or 17-inch wheels) around a roomier, sporty cockpitlike interior. Even the base Altima engine-the 2.5-liter four-cylinder-gets a power boost to 180. It goes on sale in September."

I don't know what they meant by "bigger Maxima". As we all know the 2002 Altima will be slightly larger than the Maxima. The 2002 Maxima will be getting the 3.5L too with 260-hp. Maybe a SE-R Max with 275-hp...but that isn't confirmed.

I know that a lot of people don't like the Altezza-style tails of the 2002 Altima. I wouldn't be surprised, however, to see Altezza's on the 2002 Maxima in some form or another.

2000MaximaSE

I also wonder what the mean by underpowered. IT was the most powerfull car in its class. Compared to other small size cars with 4 bangers... Oh well

Adam

radpp16

how could they disregard their flagship model. I don't care. I will always be a MAXIMA fan. Anyway, maxima with body kit and xenons, looks 100000000 times better than the new altima.
Roger