I was driving behind a Mazda Protege 5 the other day (seems like these things are everywhere), admiring its looks, and it got me thinking...

I think Nissan should make a Maxima Wagon.

I mean, look at how many sport sedans on the market are also offered in wagon format:

BMW 3 and 5 series
Lexus IS300
Pretty much every Audi
VW Jetta and Passat
Mazda Protege and upcoming 6

Wagons are a much more practical alternative to SUV's, and the styling can be done in such a way that it still looks sporty and does not conjure up images of a Buick Roadmaster.

Assuming the styling was well done, I think I would of picked a Maxima wagon instead of the sedan. More practical, and a better way to transport my two large dogs.

 

I like the idea of "sportwagons" too, like the Protege5 and the WRX. I'm not so sure about on a Maxima though. I guess if they could make one that looked good, not like the old Accord/Camry type wagons.

 

I'm trying really hard but, for some reason, every maxima wagon I envision is a hideous abomination.

 

they used to make a maxima wagon. back in the 80s.

 

Yeah but that was no sportwagon. That was definitely a family haulin' station wagon.

 

 

12.9 1/4? Stagea


seen those rims anywhere?

yes... it rides on the GT-R platform and drivetrain.

http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/STOR...-MC109,00.html


http://www.apexjapan.com/j_sportcar/nis_stagea98.html

http://www.skylinegtr.8k.com/stegea.htm

 

that was the previous generation stagea. the current one is built off the xvl platform (yes, that means vq powered).

 

I think it could be done. I couldn't imagine what the IS300 wagon was going to look like, but it turned out OK.

Go to the Mazda website and check out the upcoming 6 wagon. That's what a wagon should look like. I think it actually looks better than the 6 sedan.

 

Cool, and fast too! Its a little too volvo-ish looking though. I would give up some functionality (i.e. interior room) for a more stylish box.

I assume if it rides on the GT-R platform its AWD?

There are so many cool cars out there that will never come to North America because they think we're only interested in SUVs.

 

My sister just bought a 02 Protege5, very good looking. Silver with the stock 16' wheels, black leather, mirrored tint. Good looking ride. But a "sportswagon", I don't think so. The looks are deceiving, that things a dog. The "sport stick", or whatever it's called, is pretty fun. It also comes w/ FSTB which is pretty cool. It should not have the word sport anywhere near it untill they come out with a V6 or a turbo edition. I am talking her into putting an intake on it.
Other car companies have done well with wagon style though. IMO, which is meaningless, I don't want a wagon edition to a car I drive.

 

Man that would be smooth

 

would be smooth? it is smooth! it's the one timw pictured.

the ones timw described with the r34 drivetrain look like this:

 

here's the autech version:

 

Not my style...too Japanese looking if that makes any sense lol. I prefer the clean European style like the Bimmer/Audi wagons.

 

I test drove the Protege5 with my GF too. We drove both the auto sportshift, and the manual. I was revving the hell out of the 5sp on the freeway, and it started to smoke...oops...quickly returned that P.O.S. The auto is pretty cool though, especially on an $18K car... It is pretty d*mn slow, but it "looks fast."

 

Yhea, they are priced really well. Totally loaded for less than $20k.
If a person is not too concerned about power it's a nice little ride.

 

funny that this thread got brought up. I was driving through Flushing Queens yesterday during the evening, and as I'm goin along, I notice the station wagon in front of me have a Maxima badge on it. It was a little bigger than my sister's corolla wagon, but was a two-tone raggedy looking white/wood-grain trim exterior. Like Newman stated, it was definetly an early 80's car, probably in the 2nd gen (possibly 1st) class. Thing drove like S**T!

Too bad I didn't have a camera on me, otherwise I woulda took a pic to show everyone. By the looks of it though, I guess something's we'd rather just forget about.

 

Your wish is my command...




ADMAN

 

Imagine if this thing had 255 HP? Would anyone here still buy it?

 

I'd drive the wagon if it had 255hp.
I get a black one, then wedge some 18inch gun metal wheels
oh baby then spiff up the interior and bam!
you got your self one bad *** sleeper.
You could even get a soccer ball sticker for ultra stealthness!

 

That's got me thinkin'...pick up an old wagon and swap my 02VQ into it. Anyone want an 02 body when I get done with it? TimW, can you pm me the engine swap writeup when you get a chance? Huh, huh, can ya?