Hmmm, you seem to suggest that I am neither right nor wrong. And you didn't bet against me

DW

 

dwapenyi, those pictures are incredibly similar the Teana, which makes me wonder if:

1) That magazine contained spy shots of what they thought in Japan thet either the new Laurel or Cefiro might look like.

2) If the Teana is what might be the new Maxima (but not Cefiro because it's already going to be in the line-up at the same time as Cefiro), then wouldn't it be one of the few times where a larger Nissan sedan is designed the same for this side of the world as well as for Japan?

Besides, isn't Nissan here in USA designing as well as manufacturing the Max this time around. I was under the impression that Japan had less to do with the 6th gen and therefore it was going to look different from the last of Japanese designed Maximas. I think the 5th gen is the last Nissan car that came close to looking like it's DNA was derived from the R34

 

That link was just a re-post from what someone had posted on this very very long thread. If you look at the Teana, the BrianVPICs, and some other sneek peeks at the new Maxima, they are all pretty much the same car. A derivation and expansion of the Altima.

I think Nissan USA is being given a blueprint from Nissan, and they're going to add bits here and there to try to distinguish it from Nissan's non USA lineup. It should be assembled here, but the actual parts will source from Japan, I beleive. I could be wrong. If you look at the 4th gen Maxima, It's only in the USA, but the Maxima in the rest of the world is the USA's I30,and they share ALOT of body parts. Less so in the 5th gen, but still alot is shared. It is sort going to carry on that way.

What is interesting about the 6th gen, snce it will be so big, if Nissan will continue to treat it as a 4DSC.

DW

 

These are official FACTS about the new Max:


Horsepower: 255+ (TBA)
2 trim levels: SE and SL (GXE discontinued)
3 transmissions available: 5sp Auto w/manual shift mode, 4sp Auto, 6sp Manual
Vehicle Dynamic Control available on both auto transmissions
Dual exhaust with 4 chrome tips
Power folding mirrors standard on SE (available on SL)
Skyview Roof standard on all models. Sunroof is an option. This skyview roof is narrower than a typical sunroof, but runs the length of the car. From the exterior it will appear as one solid piece of tinted glass, but from the interior it will be split into front and rear by a narrow beam that will be coverd by headliner material. There will also be sunshades to pull shut to completely block off light if desired.
Bose will be the premium sound system, not Rockford.
A rear center console will be available on both trim levels (reduces seating to 4)
Dual Zone Climate Control with rear AC vents.
Center display integrates displays of HVAC, radio, and trip computer (similar to Murano).
Optional DVD Nav system.
It will be revealed at Jan 5 Detroit Auto Show
It will be available as soon as March 5, 2003.
20 gal fuel tank
18' wheels on SE model
Cornering lights
speed sensitive wipers
tilt/telescopic steering wheel
6 colors: winter frost, liquid silver, spirited bronze, champagne mist, red opulence, radiant ember


My opinion: the front wheel drive will all that is available at first. An all wheel drive variant will come out later; Nissan has dropped way to many hints about all wheel drive to not do it. No V8 will be available, just the VQ V6.

 

seems reasonable...

 

Hey,
if you don't mind me asking, where did you get this info? It definitely sounds realistic/reasonable, but it's very detailed--how did you come across the specs?

 

that sunroof sounds interesting..

sounds like the new max will be a much more expensive car

 

Full size spare comes with VDC option
Helical limited slip diff. on manual SE model.
Elite package includes rear center console, rear sunshade (power), and rear heated seats.
Rear door courtesy lights. Rear reading lights.
Sirius or XM radio available on both models.
Interior colors: cafe latte, black, frost, and burnt orange/black.
Two exterior colors from 2003 are still available: onyx and majestic blue.
18" chrome wheel option.
The "traditional" sunroof is an option on all models.
Multi-link independent rear suspension.
Auto tint rear view mirror with compass & home link.

 

again, out of curiosity, what is the source of all this info?

 

Nissan USA

 

That's a little vague don't you think? Or do you have some sort of connection there that's giving you all this info?

It seems too detailed to be BS, so I don't know. On the other hand, all the options on the car make it sound like it's a lexus or something. I don't know if Nissan can really afford to put all of those things in the car, and not eat away at their Infiniti sales. Also, it seems like the price on this car will be well over $30K. I'm sure as hell glad that I got a 2003--if the next Max looks like the Altima, then

 

Nissan can do that if they're going to kill the Eye Thurty 5 There's alot of speculation about that, too.

DW

 

I think they would... they pulled off the "Nissan 180" thing in 2 years...way earlier than planned. I'd think the Maxima sells less than the Altima or Sentra...but it's not a loss. The truth is, that even if they brought in a R35 GT-R (yes i know i tire you with this already), I think the G35c and 350Z would still do pretty damn good. Oh, and the Z sold it's yearly supply in just 2 months according to Carlos Ghosn. Besides, I think Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura have more cars in their line-up probably (i have't really checkd but they're just everywhere).

 

Here it is folks.. .the first offical photo of the new 2004 Maxima...

2004 Maxima

 

That looks nice....i guess.

350z rims?? But in 17's??

 

Whoa! If that's the 2004 Maxima, I'm glad I own a 2K2! It looks like they took the Z's front quarter, the Altima's mid section and slapped on a Lincoln Continental's butt for good measure. I'm not a big fan of those wheels either (even when they're on the Z). Just my opinion

 

I'm you you there. That little decklid reminds me too much of the current Altima's...

 

That must be the cornering light on the front-left.

 

I just checked the new 2004 Maxima at:

http://www.nissannews.com/?http://ww...t/maxima.shtml

It doesn't look too bad. A little bit Audi, a little bit Taurus, a little bit Altima. But it's the kind of look that will grow on many people, I'm sure. Remember when the 5th gen came out? Lots of Maxima fans thought that was the ugliest one, but it's done well.

I don't think I would buy it, though, since it will be a full-sized car, and I don't need a car that big. Being built on the Altima platform will hopefully make it a good performer.

For now, I'll keep my '01 SE, and I'll just wish the '04 luck and I'll admire it from afar.

 

It really is just a bigger, more luxurious Altima. I kinda wish they kept the Ceana (<--sp?) look more. Oh well.

DW

 

I reserve the right to reserve judgement. I'm most interested in 3 three things:

-In-Person looks. (Nissan seems to do better in person than in photos so design comparisons are null for me IMO.)

-Actual Engine Output numbers (Overall performance compared to my current '02)

-All-Wheel Drive


...slap one of the forthcoming 3.5 superchargers on that puppy...could be nice driving. ??? perhaps...

 

I'll tell ya somethin... First off, BrianV just won a lot of bets. Second, behold the 2004 Nissan Focus full-size family sedan. I hope that's not the SE version. And I hope the crowd reaction at detroit is so bad that Nissan just scraps the car and adds AWD and returns the missing 15hp + another 10 or 15 to the 2k3s.

Altima's dualies look nicer. Yeah, I am now a I35 man. Something about the lost art of horizontal headlights that grabs my attention. This whole triangle focus-like patter is not to my liking.

Fooey...i am a bitter bitter man....

 

I'm with you on that one, brother. It makes me want to go down to these automotive design schools and start slapping some people.

 

Just in: The 2006 needs 1.21 Jigawatts to power the flux capacitor using platonium...
-or-
Mr. Fusion powered by some rotten banana peels and an old can of Miller Beer to generate that kind of power...

Top Speed: 88 miles per hour.