MarcJD

I think All Wheel Drive is very possible. If they do this, they will probably tweak the engine a little to get another 20 or so horses out of it. Maybe somewhere between 280 and 300.

The tail end will change, but will still be ugly.

As they have done with the 2002, I think some of the features that were once options will become increasingly standard.

What do you think is most likely?

MarcJD

I think I would like to change my prediction a little bit. While I still think it will go All Wheel Drive with an extra 20-40 horses, I also think it will be a 5-Speed Automatic with the 6-Speed Manual as an SE option as it is in the 2002 model. Perhaps Side-Impact Air Bags will become standard. Hmmm...anything else. I can't think of any.

Doesn't anyone else have some predictions?

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

i think it will have awd more hp, 5-speed suto, 6-speed manual. 275hp, 4-wheel independent suspension
looks like the best max ever, almost perfect wieght ditrbution, full size car .

that is mine dream max

krismax

iTrader: (15)

Its starting to sound like a MAXLINE STR!

Cutler

iTrader: (3)

It will be AWD, Factory Twin-Turbo, 18" Alloys... 0-60 in 4.2 Seconds.......Top speed 155mph.....hehe

Ok, I will wake up now. I think AWD is possible, more power, may 280 or so. I may have to get one.

kaleb

I think it will be a quad-turbo V-12 with 750HP, AWD with a 6spd manual, a top speed of 220 MPH, weight of 2600 lbs and have a 0-60 time of 2.6 seconds.

Let's get real, folks. The Maxima being AWD is unlikely. The next Maxima will most likely be RWD and have a V8. Nissan will not keep the Maxima in the V6 category with the new Altima taking its place.

Nissan has been talking about V8/RWD Maxima since Maxus '99.

-Kaleb

rocketshipon19"

Let's see the Maxima will be V-8, will be based on the Q45 platform and body style, RWD w/ independent suspension and is going to be a luxury auto and no longer a 4dsc. Is it fair that my uncle works for nissan and he has this in a corporate memo? If it is fair did I win? I'm waiting for the 2003 myself, it is due to hit the showroom by next OCT.

emax02

iTrader: (1)

No more 5 or 6spd ? Say it aint so..

AznWontonboy

nissan

pmar

I think Nissan has shown some promise. The new Q45 is no slouch and the Altima looks pretty good, so there is probably hope for the 2003. We all have been wondering just what the **** Nissan has been doing for 4 full model years on the Maxima. It was as if they layed down and just died and let Toyota, Honda, Acura just take over their niche that they had sewn up in 95-96. I hope the 2003 is not ugly like you say the back might be, that will be the downfall of the Maxima. It needs to be good-looking first, and have all the technology 2nd.

Just remember, AWD does not change the characteristics of the car, be it FWD or RWD. That's one of the disadvantages of the new Jag, it's a FWD with AWD. A 330Xi is a RWD with AWD. The majority of the time the torque goes to the traditional drive wheels, so with the Max, that means the front, even when equipped with AWD. Hopefully they'll put in an independent rear susp.

Eric L.

Actually, I have a hard time believing that Nissan will radically change the Maxima for 2003. It's pretty bad economics to revise a model for 2002 and then replace it entirely for 2003 (especially since Nissan usually introduces the Maxima in June). That's less than one year for a model cycle. Too short in my opinion.

I'm guessing that the new Maxima will come in 2004! Everyone is saying new Maxima this and new Maxima that...Nissan has NO official announcement of any plans for an all new 2003 Maxima...there are rumors of a new 2003 model, but that's only in the mags.

mbcp_tdogg

The mags are often correct from what I've seen. Besides, with the 2k2 Altima being out, it does make sense to upgrade for 2k3.

I'm thinking RWD, V6 with V8 option with stick, hopefully keeping the 4DSC profile but just a tad bigger to play with the big boys.

RedMax95

i think nissan should come to me and ask me to design the new max, they can do the interior, engine, etc, just let old charlie design them a body

rocketshipon19"

From what I understand, the option for a manual transmission will no longer be available b/c it will compete along the lines of the Avalon, GS300,3.5RL and other luxury vehicles along that line. The V8 from what I understand will be standard equipment. They will probably do away with the GXE model and have only two models. Sport and luxury.

straight six

I just don't think the 6th gen will be as large as everyone thinks. The Altima has/is not being marketed as the new 4DSC it will be a volume seller just like the Camcords it will compete with. The next Max will have an AWD option, this has already been stated in an autonews interview here, the person interviewed was Chief Product Specialist for the Nissan Altima, Masami Yagata. Another interview also states that the next Max will be differentiated from the Altima not so much in size as in upgraded interior fittings and suspension components. There is a copy of that article here and the person interviewed was Kevin Lum, Nissan North America Product Planning Manager. I don't claim to have any type of inside info but i've owned three of these cars and I just don't think that nissan will give up the niche market that the Maxima occupies. The 02 Altima is already close to the size of an Avalon, it might even be a little bigger. But if you think the next max is going to be some bloated luxobarge, I got five on that bet

MarcJD

I very much doubt that the new Maxima will have a V-8 because it will start to cut into the Infiniti line, which would be counterproductive. They must improve upon the Maxima in order to distinguish it from the Altima without taking sales away from Infiniti.

black019

RWD...thats really all that needs to be done. Actually, Id like to see a big gulp sized cup holder too. Screw it. Leave the Max alone and bring us the cefiro.

mbcp_tdogg

Not to play devil's advocate all the time but I figure if we can reason ideas out, our guesses will more likely be close to the truth.

1) I think V8's possible without infringing on Infiniti territory. After all, the I30 and the Max are almost the same and yet it's the #1 selling model in the Infiniti lineup.

2) As for its size, going from the Max to Avalon-size is not that big of a jump IMO. It's very possible to move the Max up a class by increasing its size but still keeping it from being considered gargantuan.

Just my $.02.