I remembered reading the rumors about a possible awd drivetrain long ago on FreshAlloy, but didn't think that such a Max would do well. It wouldn't really have any competition, right? Well now, the competition is here.
Ford has plans for an awd crossover SUV. The thing is, a new awd sedan will be based on the same platform, and will take a slot between the Taurus and Crown Vic.
VW has the Passat W8 4Motion. Yeah, it weighs too much, takes 6.8 secs to hit 60mph in autotragic form, and understeers heavily, but having a 270hp 8-cylinder is still pretty cool.
What about the Subaru Legacy? It's been by itself for years. Oh, if only Subaru would offer the EJ20t from the WRX.
There's also the Jaguar X-Type. It has an awd split of 35% front/65% rear to give it great rear-biased handling.
If Mitsubishi got its act together and offered the Galant VR-4, it would give the Max a fair run for its money. With awd, a turbo 2.5L V6, split 6-spoke 17s, and monochromatic sport trim, it makes for a great sport sedan.
The Audi A6 2.7t Quattro would be a good(if a little unrealistic) benchmark.
Don't forget the BMW 330xi, too.

What do you guys think? We just need Nissan to make up its mind and step up to the challenge.

 

My cat smells like Bill's HICAS

if the maxima stays fwd and wants to up the power any more, awd would be the only logical platform unless they ditch this chassis all together and go rwd

 

 

They should have made the max a lighter, cheaper version of the G35, with a manual tranny for the next generation.

 

Buy a 1st gen RWD maxima with a SBC chevy and go kick all of those cars asses. The orginal maxima ownz all.

 

The X-Type is based on the Euro Ford Mondeo, so this is probably the AWD sedan/X over SUV Ford is planning to release.

 

yup. but Ford could use the unibody'd Escape chassis to do it too.

 

Huh? what RWD maxima? and why would a max have an SBC Chevy? I'm confused...

 

Mitsubishi's AWD Magna will be hitting showrooms here in Oz before the years end, so I imagine the US version (Diamante) won't be far off for you guys.

Theres no real future for the Maxima down here with its current FWD/Auto only/210hp spec, its dying a slow death. Not a car I'd consider or recommend to someone with 40K to spend. Slow, fat, dull, zero street presence or image. Considering the current US cars high power/torque drivetrain is a perfect match for the Aussie market, its a ****ing disgrace we get shafted. Black duco isn't even available as an option for gods sake.

With Ford/Holden/Mitsu/Toyota all set to locally release some impressive cars, I pray in the next 12/18 months Nissan Aust dump the A33 Maxima completely and replace it with the Skyline.

 

yes ironlord
there were days when nissan (aka datsun) had a rwd max.
it was the first gen (81-4). my 83 was pretty fun. it was a diesel and got 300 mi to a tank, but was sluggish. you can still find a very very few around.

 

Have you driven a new A4 Quattro? I thought the Passat was based on an A4, so why do you say it understeers heavily?

I think Nissan needs to build a car that can either sell in fair amounts or get onto a Ten Best list (looks, steering, rear suspension, they do matter). If they don't think that way they might as well continue to sell every model at invoice during the regular season and $1000 below at year-end.

 

It's a W8 not a V8.

However, you do make a valid point. Given that the 6th gen Max is going one class up some of those cars in your list will be direct competition.

Hopefully Nissan will get it right by putting in an all-around good performing engine on a lighter body that can handle the power well. And still manage to look good (e.g. esp the tails)

 

Where did I say the Passat has a V8? Right where you quoted me, it say "W8".

The Passat is based on the A6 I believe, which is a stretched version of the A3 platform(New Beetle, Jetta, Golf, A4, and TT as well). So basically, the Passat is based on the A4. However, Road and Track said that the Passat W8 undesteers a lot because of having such a heavy engine up front. Yeah, it helps that the W8 is shorter than a V8. Other wise, it probably wouldn't fit in the engine bay. But the W8 still weighs a lot. Think about it: They put an 8-cylinder in an engine bay originally designed for 4-banger and sixes. It's like trying to stuff an 8-cylinder in an Accord or something.

 

Hmm.. good point. I mistook 8-cylinder for a V8. That teaches me not to post anything after i just woke up.

 

The SUV will be called the CrossTrainer. There isn't a name for the car yet, but the platform is called the Five Hundred. It should be here in 2004-5 with a 3L V6(probably the Duratec from the Taurus) and a CVT. Awd might be available for the sedan later.

For those who don't know, there's a different Mondeo out in Europe now. The front looks a lot like the Focus. I think it was a new for 2k model, so this new platform in 2004 might replace it or something.

What does Bill's HICAS smell like anyway?

 

In the states it's quite the opposite. Mitsu is not catching on with the public as well as Honda, Nissan or Toyota. Here in DFW, I see a lot more Maximas, Accords, Camry's than Galant's; it would be rare if I would see a Diamante. They have no interest, no payment for a year program right now, maybe that helped some of their sales a little bit.

 

I totally agree, except for your inclusion of Nissan with Honda and Toyota. The reason Nissan is not in the A group is that they cannot make buyers wait in line for and pay list. The upcoming 350Z will be an exception, though.

Mitsubishi is offering 0% financing for life and no payments for a year. Though there's probably a limit to the term of the loan that's a bad indicator on how they're doin'. When I think of that car co. I think oil burner 3-4 years down the line. imho Mitsu and Mazda comprise the C group in Japanese cars.

 

I believe that IS the name for the new car (to replace the Taurus), named after the old Galaxie 500.