Johnny

The 2.7T is very interesting--250 hp, 6-speed manual, 0-60 in 6 flat (9 sec with the 2.8 non-biturbo), Quattro, 40K base price. Unfortunately (but responsibly) governed to 130 mph. It's faster than the 4.2 V-8 which costs 10 grand more, but doesn't get the mean treatment body-wise.

What I think Nissan ought to consider is that a car like that with serious performance is only about 12 grand more than a 5th gen Maxima. Sure, some are overextending themselves as it is with the Max, so they are out of the equation. But if you got the dough, in my opinion there are lots of interesting cars coming in at 5 to 10 grand more than the Nissan. WAKE UP NISSAN!!

WoodEar

12k is not pocket change to most and if it is then you really have the dough then might well go M5 straight.

you are right about the wake up part, they should come out with some real performance sedan under Infiniti line, i know they have some XVL or whatever coming out, but still a sissy car. Lexus has GS430 along side of LS430, Acura is coming out with RWD RL powered by the new V8 that will be used in next gen NSX, Audi has S8 coming, Benz is stuffing every model they have now with the AMG thingy, BMW always has the MPower, Infiniti will have a new Q45, but that's more like a LS430 type.
they should do something to stay in competition.

Shingles

Wrong class of car... Maxima is family inexpensive oriented. Not the A6. They are awake... they are targeting a certain audiance. They are doing a fine job. Oh and if you got the dough, why buy a nissan? Think about it... If I wanted to spend $12k more, I would have bought a A6 not a beefed up nissan.

-Shing

Johnny

wrong class you're right, because I did an AWD 250 hp to a FWD 217 hp comparison. So let's go A6 FWD with 200 hp--now it's only 5,000 more than a Maxima SE. Yes, you'll lack the options that the Max has at these prices.

I think you've got a 4th gen like me--you see, no matter what price Nissan puts on the window, to me, a Maxima with every option is a 22,000 car. That's what I paid for mine, and I'm still burned at trade-in. So whether or not the dealer will let it go at that price, rebate or no rebate, that's all a 5th gen is worth in my mind. Every dollar you spend over (lets have some leeway) 23500 is a $ you could have applied toward the 5,000 more expensive A6 FWD.

When you're up to 27 you've got a lot of choices, and for 5 grand more the A6 FWD is certainly worth a look. I'm only guessing, but I'll bet your rattle headaches will be a thing of the past. Plus again, the snob factor which is non-existent in the Maxima!! :-)

WoodEar

I agree with you 100%.
I bought my fully loaded '98 because it's the best bang for $25k (I missed the ****ing $2500-$3000 rebate, so you are right a loaded 4th gen can be had for $22k). But now days some people here actually pay close to 30k for a '01 AE, I honestly think you might well look into entry luxury class when you spend that much.