Some observations...

1) There will soon be three RWD vehicles in Nissan's lineup: G35, 350Z, and Skyline GT-R (AWD??).

2) There is a production AWD Skyline (G35) in Japan.

3) There are rumors that the I35 (and thus the Maxima) will soon move to a RWD or AWD platform. This rumor is becoming somewhat more plausible due to 1 and 2.

4) Industry is moving towards a sporty image. Toyota is a prime example: look at how they've dressed up their new Camry (though it's still NOT sporty), the rumors of the Supra re-emerging in a few model years, and the V-12 (?) 4300GT (?). Honda is another example, the next Gen. Accords will attempt to "catch up" to the Max in terms of performance and who knows (yet) about styling. Let's not forget the re-emergence of the NSX. Even American automakers are following suit. Lincoln/Ford/Mazda/Jaguar:LS,Mk8(?),RX8. Cadilac:totally reworking their image (CTS, other oddly named vehicles). Unlikely that Nissan will ignore this industry trend. Looking at Nissan today should be obvious. Who would have thunk it, a 240HP V-6 Altima, the return of the Sentra SE-R, and the return of the Z.

5) Altima moves up a bracket, Maxima moves up a bracket. This should be obvoius enough, but what is not obvious is what is going to change: size? engine? class? price? This debate is already going on all over .Org forums. I generally don't accept the "Avalon" route based on my take on the general direction of the industry. I speculate that we may see AWD in next gen. Max in a sleeker, sportier body than the Altima. I think the Max will build upon it's sports sedan qualities/features rather than detract from them and move towards family hauler (ie: I DO NOT think it will become a family hauler). V-8 seems likely from the chatter around the .Org and other forums.

6) It's 5:00 AM in the morning, why the hell am I still up hanging out on the .Org?

Anyways, I think that for those looking to stick with the Max, you guys shouldn't worry about it becoming an Avalon. I like the direction Nissan is moving (as well as the industry)...For me, I think I'm gonna keep my 2k Max and get either a G35 or 350z (roughly the same price)....must save $$$

My sig is too big? Maybe your sig is too small

 

I agree with your comments completely. Nissan has said they going after a performance edge. If they want that edge, they will have to raise the bar. Competition is getting fierce. A perfect example is where Mazda is taking the next 626. It isn't supposed to be that boring rental car that it is today. They are renaming it the "6" or possibly the "series 6". It will offer a V6 putting out like 220hp and have handling that is supposed to rival German cars. I don't doubt they will achieve this after seeing how much praise the car mags have given the Protege MP3. This new Mazda is supposed to be out next year as a '03 model.

I would bet the next Maxima will be something more sports sedan like. That would also follow the trend of the Lexus ES300 and IS300. To similarily priced cars with totally different target audiences.

I would love to see the new Max be the same size or slightly smaller (read G35 size) and have more horses (unlike the G35). I would also love to see AWD, but don't think Nissan will go that route seeing that they have never sold an AWD car (not SUV) in the states.

 

I agree with your comments completely. Nissan has said they going after a performance edge. If they want that edge, they will have to raise the bar. Competition is getting fierce. A perfect example is where Mazda is taking the next 626. It isn't supposed to be that boring rental car that it is today. They are renaming it the "6" or possibly the "series 6". It will offer a V6 putting out like 220hp and have handling that is supposed to rival German cars. I don't doubt they will achieve this after seeing how much praise the car mags have given the Protege MP3. This new Mazda is supposed to be out next year as a '03 model.

I would bet the next Maxima will be something more sports sedan like. That would also follow the trend of the Lexus ES300 and IS300. To similarily priced cars with totally different target audiences.

I would love to see the new Max be the same size or slightly smaller (read G35 size) and have more horses (unlike the G35). I would also love to see AWD, but don't think Nissan will go that route seeing that they have never sold an AWD car (not SUV) in the states. A move back to 4 wheel independent suspension would be a nice change too. They moved away from it for better back seat room (and cost savings), but realized the mistake because they did the new Altima the correct way.

 

I was thinking more about this subject today...my own personal conclusion is that the Max will become a mix between the Q45 (engine)/G35 (RWD/AWD/Size)/Altima (platform/styling)/New Z (Sportiness). I think it'll be a "4-dr version" of the Z, if that makes any sense.