it says on auto.com that its already out http://www.auto.com/industry/nissan14_20010814.htm





Maxima. At times over the years, Maxima has had a stronger identity than the Nissan brand itself. That makes sense considering Nissan dealers have sold nearly 2 million Maximas since 1981.



Finally, in 2002 with the arrival of a fuller Altima, the Maxima will be allowed to stand on its own rather than compete in a broad spectrum. Nissan is actually expecting a drop in sales -- perhaps 80,000 units compared to 131,000 in 1999, its best year.




New is a 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 that represents a boost of 33 horsepower from the already fast 2001 model. A six-speed manual transmission will be offered starting in October, and the car adds Xenon headlights, a trip computer and revised front and rear treatments.




Priced from $24,699 to $27,099, the 2002 Maxima is on sale now.

 

It's definitely out. Some people have test driven them already. I checked one out tonight.

 

I test drove an auto SE one today, and I thought the car was really nice...And it handled well. You can definitely feel that it's much quicker. I almost traded mine in, but had to resist the temptation. I wonder if its possible, to do a '00 to '02 conversion, bumbers and lights...

 

With lots of cash, anything is possible. I suspect that the front bumper and HIDs will run well over $2000.