Five versions: S SV SL SR and Platinum. SL and above for pano roof. SR is the sport tuned model. Platinum doesn't seem it would be worth the $3k more than SL ... IMO. What am I missing that would justify the Platinum model?

S $32,410
SV $34,390
SL $36,890
SR $37,670
PL $39,860

Build yours here with pricing. Looks like you can't select any options...

http://www.nissanusa.com/cars/2016-m...reserve.button

Additional info:

http://www.nissanusa.com/cars/2016-m..._Int#_interior

 

Is it really WYSIWYG? No available options?

 

Some dealer installed options from an "accessory catalog".

 

It is definitely WYSIWYG on the preorder menu. I am not sure that will be greatly relaxed when cars begin arriving at dealers. Of course there will be options available from the dealer, but these will be mostly easy-add accessories we usually get from dealers. Locking lug nuts, spoilers, floor mats, etc.

 

how do you get the sport tuned package WITH moon roof?

 

The moon roof is not available with the sport tuned SR, because it not only puts extra weight up high, raising the center of gravity for the car, but also makes the body not as rigid as with the solid roof. Nissan wants the SR (sport) version of this 8th gen to be a car that handles extremely well, especially on winding, curvy, hilly roads.

 

I plan on getting the SR and won't really miss the sunroof. My current car has one and I barely use it and I am always paranoid that I have left it open when it is raining, lol. So no big loss for me. I would much rather have the lower center of gravity, decreased weight, and rigidity.

 

There are a lot of things to like with the SR. I suspect you will be very pleased with the way it handles. Nissan has definitely taken a step back toward a 4DSC with this SR. At my (ancient) age, I will be sliding into the cushy Platinum, but I will be very interested in your experiences with this SR.

 

....i guess if it'lll save 10lbs but, i thought that had metal frame around them which the sheet metal welded too. i wonder if one could be added later, it's been done with cars in the past.

what is a 4DSC? also the platinum doesn't have the sport tune correct?

EDIT: i use it on 5th gen all the time too cool the car off, open the rear windows half way and click the switch and moon roof automatically opens and closes all the way. i always click the switch.

 

Anything can be done if enough money is available. But adding a moonroof to the SR is probably not a good idea. The innovative system that produces frequencies to neutralize unpleasant sounds in the cabin is encased in the ceiling liner. The moonroof assembly is large, and takes up much of the ceiling. I would advise against such a task.

A 4DSC is a Four Door Sports Car, which is a four door sedan that has some of the attributes of a real sports car.

We have TWO 'sports' things going here, and unless we read carefully, they can be confusing.

#1 - The SR is Nissan's version of the 8th gen Maxima that is most like a sports car. It has special suspension, larger wheels (19" instead of 18), larger tires (19" instead of 18), a low center of gravity, more rigid body, etc, etc. It is built for aggressive driving and maximum performance on curvy roads.

#2 - ALL FIVE versions of the 8th gen Maxima have a switch on the center console that allows the driver to push the 'SPORT' button, and immediately, the driving characteristics of the car change. Acceleration is quicker, engine revs are higher, shift simulation gives a good feel, less of the sound of the engine is blocked, giving a nice sound of power inside the cabin, and even things such as steering are changed to give more of a sporty feel.

I think you might be very happy with one of the four non-SR versions, in that you could have a moonroof with the lower levels or a double-panel roof with the upper levels, yet still tap the SPORT switch and stir up some real dust.

 

Just realized the Maxima won't have the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system from the 5th Gen Altima. Curious, especially given that the system uses only the backup camera that Maxima has.

 

This may be because LDW systems are having problems, in that, depending on road conditions, road marking systems, etc, they can frequently go off when you are perfectly in your lane. I have also read of drivers who simply turn the LDW system off because they change lanes frequently in the routes they take. I think a really good LDW system will be difficult to design.

 

Market research shows that most consumers don't like LDW systems because they find them intrusive, and therefore many folks disable them altogether. There's no LDW on the Z52 Murano, it was missing when additional safety features (blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert) were added to the SL and Platinum Pathfinders in '15 and I'm pretty sure it was absent from the Quest when that vehicle gained BSW and AVM in 2013. The T32 Rogue was the most recent new Nissan design to receive LDW and will likely be last.

 

Good info.

There is one more point. One of the basic purposes of the LDW system was to alert drivers who may be drowsy or sort of drifting inattentively. Nissan has a Driver Attention Alert System that comes standard on the Platinum version of the 8th gen Maxima that will detect those situations, often even before the LDW system would.

EDIT - As an afterthought, these type systems are absolutely going to become more common, and will help with safety until most vehicles on the road are driverless. I feel over-the-road semis should be required to have some kind of automated safety equipment. Within the past month, TWO semi drivers drifted off just west of Savannah on I-16. In the first incident, five young nurses, just completing training, were killed. In the second, five more innocent young folks were killed. There were also critical injuries in both incidents. Safety equipment already existing could have prevented all that tragedy and heartbroken families.

 

The future is in beta. I think we will see Infiniti offer the first autonomous car from Nissan.

 

That would seem most logical. It would be almost counterproductive for Nissan to introduce any meaningful step up in technology in their Nissan brand instead of their luxury Infiniti brand.

CS_AR - I always notice the 1991 Q45 in your info. That car, especially in off-white (a creamy pearl), almost moved me from my Maxima habit to Infiniti. Very beautiful vehicle, but just a tad more money than I had available at that time. Still find my head drawn whenever one passes.

 

Thank you LOTH.