VMaximus02

iTrader: (1)

To me, engine power and size is not everything when shop for a vehicle. I don't think one should compare the Maxima against M35. The build quality of the M35 is far BETTER! We have both vehicles in our family household (5th & 6th gen Maxima) and the M35 is much more luxurious and better looking. I know my opinion is subjective but Infiniti's main goal is to produce "world class" vehicle, not? Their cars are build/crafted in Japan and have better QA/QC than the mass-production Maxima made in the USA. I am not saying that America produce bad quality vehicle...but quality/craftmanship usually are better made in the Japan since they are the parents manufacturer...just like most other foreign manufacturer.

If you give the same Maxima blue-print to china/mexico...you think they will assemble the vehicle as good as the American/Japanese plants?

lightonthehill

While we are talking about the increased HP of the '09 Maxima 'consuming more gas', remember that Nissan made it very clear that the increased power of the '09 Maxima comes at NO DECREASE in MPG from the 6th gen. More power at the same MPG. That is great.

I opened the auto section of the Sunday Atlanta paper, and every Nissan dealer in Atlanta (and there are over a dozen in the metro area) is advertising new Altimas for around $17K. The Altima is a fine car, and Consumer Reports loves it. My cousin loves his Altima. My neighbor loves his. I just happen to not particularly like Altima styling, especially the rear tail lights. I also don't like leaving the local mall and having to decide which of the 250 Altimas in the parking lot might be mine.

I am willing to say right now that the '09 Maxima will handle better than the '09 Altima. I also say it will turn more heads, and be a lot more fun to drive.

There is just something about the Maxima that has always made it the 'gold standard' of its class. Always has been. Always will be.

bb700092

Some city/hwy mpg:

2008 Toyota Avalon (268 hp, 248 lb-ft torque, 3490-3610 lbs, 106.9 cu ft passenger volume): 19/28 mpg

2008 Toyota Camry V6 (268 hp, 248 lb-ft torque, 3483 lbs, 101.4 cu ft passenger volume): 19/28 mpg

2008 Honda Accord V6 (268 hp, 248 lb-ft torque, 3600 lbs, 106 cu ft w/o moonroof & 101 cu ft w/ moonroof passenger volume): 19/29 mpg

2008 Nissan Altima V6 (270 hp, 258 lb-ft torque, 3292-3479 lbs, 100.7 cu ft passenger volume): 19/26 mpg

2008 Nissan Maxima (255 hp, 252 lb-ft torque, 3579-3591 lbs, 103.6 cu ft passenger volume): 19/25 mpg

2009 Nissan Maxima (290 hp, 261 lb-ft torque, 3600 lbs, 96.2 cu ft passenger volume): 19/26 mpg (estimated)

Nissan needs to work on its mpg.

syntax182

What? No they don't. They are pretty much achieving the same MPG for about 20-30 more HP. Why complain about an improvement? Maybe you just have some kind of vendetta against Nissan?

Maxim(a)SerjVQ

What? no strut tower brace?!? someone take some measurements so we can start getting parts ready

jcalabria

From the press release:Must be hidden under all that plastic.

Maxim(a)SerjVQ

hmmm. well, either that, or it's a receeding-type bar, and It's packed up against the firewall. Or, maybe, more likely the case, it's part of the " SE " suspension, and we're staring at the SL?

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

5th gens were made in Japan and this whole Nissan/Infiniti thing is getting out of hand. Nearly everywhere else in the world the US-market Infiniti is being sold as a Nissan.

Although, you may have something there about the quality of certain vehicles being made in certain places.

jcalabria

It doesn't mention that the strut brace is part of the sport package, which it does specifically say about the rear x-brace. Who knows at this point... just a few inner circle folks, I suppose.

The struts do look very close/attached to the firewall - maybe they've reinforced it a bit and the marketing department has re-christened it as a strut tower brace.

maxima278

iTrader: (3)

I actually like the new car. It's getting farther and farther from what a maxima was, but still a nice car nonetheless.

jwaters943

How so? (Especially when compared to the 6th-gen)

VMaximus02

iTrader: (1)

Not all 5th generation Maxima were made in Japan (my old Maxima was). I believe most 2003 Maxima were assembled in the states.

Vehicles sold in european country are typically better in build quality in term of workmanship and material usage. European model like the Honda-Accord for example, is rebadge as Acura-TSX over here. Even the big three (Ford/GM/Chrysler) vehicles sold in europe are better in quality and substantially more expensive in price compare to the U.S counterpart. It's all about quality vs quanity = "Global Market" vs "American Market".

MONTE 01&97 SE

iTrader: (1)

All 5th gens were made in Japan, every single one's VIN starts with J!

VMaximus02

iTrader: (1)

you are right! I remembered reading about the 2003 Maxima made in America...but that was for 6th gen model.

xorbitman

iTrader: (1)

I'm not impressed with the interior of this car nor of the funky front lights....and the rear looks too much like so many other new cars today. Personally I would choose the new Accord except that it does not offer Xenon heads or LED tails...which is weird considering the last one had them...(In Canada). I believe the new MAX is attractive but not revolutionary....mostly evolutionary. It does not blow wind up my skirt and IMO I will be driving a new EX 35 next year....And I will put in two Intakes in mine....to bump up the HP...IMO they should come out with an EX Sport with the same engine as the G37....that would be way too cool! And I prefer the design of the older G35 Coupe over the new G37 too...the new one is too femme, like a convertible beatle. Smart money says go out and get an Altima Coupe....Maybe Nissan should consider an Altima Coupe SE-R with a spoiler kit with flared fenders and the G37 engine with AWD to compete with the newer pocket rockets....I like the design of the new Subaru WRX STI design and the new BMW I35 Coupe....what a rocket! Not to mention the beautiful new lines of the Audi A5 coupe...too bad the Germans don't know anything about value....The new VW Scirocco is hot but VW has reliability problems and after owning 2 GTI's I should know ('85 & "87 16V)....I used to also own a 1989 Silver Probe 4cyl LX with the upgraded trim and 5 speed manual...it was sooo slow that I found it boring compared to the GTI but it did turn heads in liquid silver and tinted windows and mags. I've also had a 1990 Honda Accord EX-R...and that car was great and fun to toss. A 1996 Mazda 626 which I supremely regret buying and embarassed to say I actually owned one! 002 Maxima GLE, 2004 Max SL and now my 05 Max SE. And I digress so I will stick to the post and say NAY...not for me Nissan....With the new Acura TL coming out in June and the price drop of the Lexus ES 350 the new Nissan will have a lot of competition....And if Alpha Romeos were reliable I would want a Brera...is a pretty car yes!

Chad Valk

I believe this is the shot you are looking for

vladi77

^^^^^ man that is sweet. Thanks for the shot of the rear seat console. This is the 1st pic I have seen of it and it looks very clean and like it belongs there. I see this as a very advanced feature only found in much higher priced luxury cars. Can't wait to play with it in person.

citykids

I think the new Maxima looks better every time I see it yet most folks I talk to seem divided on that. I still love my '08 though!

citykids

Oh, and am I the only one that can see the Nissan Stagea in the new Maxima?

1997 GA16DE

iTrader: (3)

Stagea is nice. I caught a glimpse of a discussion of Nissans being badged as Infiniti. Pretty simple, the American market sometimes has trouble selling nice cars under the same name as a cheap car. For example, in other parts of the world, you can buy a Nissan Sunny and a Nissan Presidente at the same dealership and no one cares because in Japan, Nissan is a universal name.

Over here, we're snobs. You have to go to a Nissan dealership to get something cheap like a Sentra, and Infiniti to get something elegant, like a Q45. Same with Honda, Toyota, hell, GM and Ford do it like crazy, on the other hand, this is also practiced with domestic companies in the UK.

Now, to disagree with most. I think 290 is plenty, it just came from 265, right? I'm sorry, but for a FWD family sedan, I draw the line at 300hp. I think they should think about increasing performance without the need for a monster of an engine in there. Maybe cutting back on some of the bloat. If you want more than 300hp out of your car, you should do it yourself or buy a real sports car. I'm ****ing sick of cramming 200hp into sh*t like Sentras only to achieve marginal performance to the average granny. It's almost the very definition of polishing a turd, Well, better yet, strapping a rocket to a car-sized piece of lead.

lightonthehill

Chad Valk - Thanks for the great pic of the rear seat fold-down console. I had been looking for that. It looks very nice, and puts the rear cupholders (under the closed lid in pic) where they can easily be accessed from the front seats. On long trips with infrequent stops, my wife and I sometimes find ourselves with the remnants of two carry-out cokes and two unopened milkshakes, we will now have easily-reached cupholders for all four.

citykids - 'Steagea?' Interesting. I'll need to think about that before commenting.

citykids

I only meant as far as the shape of the grille was concerned! lol

jcalabria

Either the 6.0g rear cupholders are deeper than the 6.5g units, or you corner, shall we say, "less vigorously" than I do... unattended drinks would flying out of those puppies in hearbeat.

Frank Fontaine

Having owned a Maxima since March 1998, this feels like late 1999 all over again, very disappointing to see the next gen come out. I've gotten to like my 4th gen more over time because it just keeps driving and driving. But there's nothing special at all about a Maxima anymore, it's been that way for a long time. I guess it will continue to make sense to get the Altima if you want a sporty, V6 Nissan.

For a 2009, that torque is on the weak side....

ROCKART

iTrader: (23)

Nismo4life07

iTrader: (1)

i lloovee the carrr..... 290 hp... wooo!!!! haha. it resembles the infiniti sooooo much.. i like that about it.

Kobra_Klutch

On 20 Mar 08, I dipped off to a PC bar to log in and finally see what I've been wanting to see, the New Maxima, and there it was. My first thought, was ol, this is some Bullcht! The thoughts of how many hours I wasted looking over countless websites for the past 3.5 months wondering if this is going to be my next car, began to enrage me. Needless to say, the initial pictures pissed me off, but then my wife found some pics from the Auto Show, and I paused. I began to see all the sexyness in that side rear end. I'm like many of you, who saw the first pics in disqust then when the other pics came out, most of us did a 180. I like it, I like it a lot. This car is sexy. I've owned a 280z, 87 300z non turbo, 05 Titan, 04 Maxima, my wife had a 06 350Z, and we now have a 08 Armada. I'm very fond of Nissan. I love the brand. When I bought our Armada in December, one of the salesman told me he saw a flash of the new Maxima that was coming out...and said it was going to be nice... I hadn't even though about the Maxima at the time because I wasn't in the market for one. Well I still wanted to know what it would look like and I'm impressed. I bought the initial 6th generation Maxima and when I saw it I knew I had to have it. It had a few flaws...but the engine/the interior room, I'm 6'4 240lbs, complimented me just fine.

I've read more posts that I can count from many different forums and magazine sites and I must give my two cents when it comes to the "4DSC" moniker. One of you guys posted it correctly, it should read "4 door sporty car"... which I think that's all it'll ever be... sporty... For instance, what makes a Sport Utility Vehicle...Sport-ish. Is it because you can throw some Sports gear in the rear easier or take rugged roads with ease? Do they look like Linebackers (atheletic) sporty... If so, then this Maxima is indeed sport-y. I don't expect for it to be M3ish or the likes. Just the same as I don't expect the Dodge Challenger or New Camaro to compete with the M3 or Audi A5 in driving ability. It's just a term, that synomomous to sexy, athletic, fresh, daring, etc... "SPORT" is a very broad term and is used very loosely in the auto industry, just bring up Golf around athletes and see where that conversation goes. Back to the car, I truely believe most of us will be impressed with the way this car drives once the stats are out and when we actually get to drive them ourselves. I'm going to give this car a look myself in June and I hope it's what they say it'll be. If all is holding true about the New GTR this car should be on par with what Nissan is saying it will be, the best handling front end drive car in the world.. Oh, and I love manual shifting..but I have another car for that... I know some of you want the Manual and I really feel for you. Hopefully Nissan will come out with one soon. I won't be buying a manual, I'll take this auto and roll.. I have another car I shift in and it's a fun daily driver 1971 Super Beetle with a 1914, dual weber carb setup/Scat shifter/phatboy exhaust with lots of vroom vroom.. oh and 17 inch wheels, with disc breaks on the front*they call it a German Looker*......

Thanks Nissan. Now I have to pick a color... hmmmmmmn decisions....decisions...

SLPMAXDuP

The front end on that Max is ATROCIOUS. It looks heavy as hell. Those 3d renderings make it look as good as it ever possibly could. They ****ed up this time, I hope they don't make it. And i'm a loyal fan, but thats NOT a 4 door SPORTS CAR.

bonzelite

iTrader: (2)

You're entitled to your opinion even though you're incorrect

They've gotten back to what the Maxima should be.

scrui

Well everyone, I was at the auto show yesterday (Sat 3/29 ) and let me tell you it is as ugly as the pics. Nissan F@#ked up royalty. I wish I saw a big excutive around I would've given him a piece of my mind. As a big fan of Nissan products, Nissan has gone to the dogs. They seriously need new designers. I actually saw american cars that looked better.

I think nissan should've went the Cadillac CTS way . Those caddies looked awesome.

Nissan should've improved on the 6th generation's model.

Oh well, looking forward to the 8th generation. how long is that 4yrs. i'll wait.

bb700092

At least 4 yrs, maybe 5 yrs.

I was hoping we would get something different in the design when the 2010 diesel Maxima comes out. But thats just my wishful thinking. At least Nissan should give this Max something new to the design after 2 yrs for the 7.5 gen. I am waiting for that.

jwaters943

The refresh typically happens after 3 years (e.g. the 4th model year of each generation is refreshed to help boost sales). This was true of the 6th-gen Maxima, the 1st-gen Murano, etc. A new generation usually comes out every 5 years.

Slickismax

iTrader: (4)

I'm with ya Matt! I was driving a Murano around for a while and I don't care much for the CVT.

xorbitman

iTrader: (1)

As if the new Maxima needed more bad news....the fat cats for GM have introduced the Australian designed Holden as the "new" replacement for the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP....the G8 and at the same price point of the new Maxima...this rear wheel drive beast comes with a "watered down" version of the new Vette engine! 6 liter with close to 400 HP and 400 TQs! and easily moded for more! 0 - 60 in the low 5's and 1/4 mile in the high 12's low 13's.....it's just that you need to like the Pontiac interior....and every bit as fast as any Chrysler SRT8....for a lot less $. Yes....there is a lot of competition in the new Maxima's price range.....and that's good....as it will hopefully wake up the managers responsible for marketing the Maxima at Nissan....if they have any design influence.

OutMaxxed

iTrader: (7)

i went to the auto show this weekend and spoke to the announcer who presented the new 09 maxima. He said that they ARE offering a 6MT for the new maxima releasing this June. I asked why they didnt offer the 6spd for the 07-08 maxima's... he told me that that decision was made up in corporate and that he just worked for the manufacturer. I dont know if this was covered in this thread....i didnt feel like reading threw all of it.

jwaters943

The engine in the G8 GT produces 361 hp & 385 lb ft of torque. The upcoming G8 GXP will have 400hp & 400 lb ft of torque along w/ brembo brakes, FE3 (sport) suspension, sport seats, etc. You can't find a better value in the performance sedan segment and the interior is much better than any other Pontiac interior.

With that said, I don't see how it competes w/ the Maxima. First off, it's RWD. Second, it's much larger and thirstier than the Maxima. If that's not enough, it doesn't offer any of the following:

-Nav w/ rear-view monitor
-HIDs
-Push-button start/smart key
-Dual sunroof
-Cooled drivers seat
-Hard drive music storage
-Memory seating
-Rear HVAC/Audio controls
-Auto-dimming rearview & sideview mirrors
-Paddle shifters w/ the automatic
-Bluetooth wireless cell-phone connectivity
-Full-power seating (the G8 has manaul adjustment ***** for the backrest)
-Power operated rear window shade
etc.

bonzelite

iTrader: (2)

Holy **** are you serious? IF that is true, then I've just found my new Maxima. Hello, 3rd gen upgrade.

syntax182

You better not be lying!

OutMaxxed

iTrader: (7)

i WOuldnt lie!!! http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ima_first_look
check the last paragraph.. ALSO i picked up the brochure for the new 09 max and it said that the 6MT was an option. the thing is...i threw out the brochure.....yeh.....sorry guys....

syntax182

Ha ha. I'm just kiddin you dude, but you need more proof than some writer saying his opinion that nissan is going to be offering it. Anyone else seen this "brochure"?