finally some official data and pics....

http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/pro.../frameset.html

 

cool

 

"All 2002 Maxima GXE and GLE models come equipped with a standard 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (optional on SE), which has been strengthened for use with the
3.5-liter V6. The automatic features a gated shifter for better transmission control and a traction control system is optional on GLE and SE models with automatic transmission. "

shouldve gave it a 5 speed auto. o well, at least they beefed it up.. i hope it doesnt lag. and theres a 6 speed..

 

why would a gated shifter give you better transmission control? is it because you can automaticlly shift faster without pressing the button?

 

i always loved the look of the 5th gen max's front, but now it looks even better. the clear rears also look good in my opinion. they even made a lot of little changes, added detail actually, like the chrome emblem on the steering wheel, the aluminum around the shifter and even a little aluminum on the cover for the cup holders(look in the picture of the cabin. also look at the steering wheel carefully, there is a new button where the volume controls are, i think it says temp? the gauges, pedals, shifter, radio, even the seats look a little different. this looks to be a very promising max, i do feel a little cheated, i thought that my car would be hot for a few years, but i'm really not bitter. so, who's gonna be trading?

 

That is the nicest thing i have every seen in a long time

 

"3.5-liter DOHC V6 ? 260 hp at 5,800 RPM
246 lb-ft torque at 4,400 RPM"

Does that mean that we 5th gen'ers no longer have to manually shift our auto's to achieve the fastest time? 6400 vs 5800.
But then maxima torque's rpm is higher now, does it mean that the 2k2 loses more low end torque comparing to the 2000 and 2001s? (doesn't really mean lose but i mean it requires the engine to rev higher to get the torque out)

 

I don't like the big bars in the grill, everything else is real nice. The interior is especially nice, that shifter looks to be a new Nissan trademark. Those lights are going to be on every 2000-2001, I can tell.

 

oops, I forgot to look at teh pictures on top, now the front headlights looks kinda altezzakie too, kinda matches the back pretty cool, adn those new leather seats looks like those in BMWs. Do you guys hate the new nissan logo? I think its too big

 

to tell the truth, i am really f**king jealous of the new max!
i bought an AE in feb and now i feel like i kinda got ripped off
the new one offers so much more

 

i think I like the new altima better but the 6 speed is nicer. Makes me wonder where did they hide the extra 20 hp the maxima has that the altima dosent

 

I want that tranny + engine... you can keep the rest

 

Dont get to happy guys, i think the "6th Gear" is one of those stupid gas saving gears no power there guys. The 6th maybe a power gear because now the ratios are closer so that means faster gear change, and that also slows do the top end, because the gears are so close now. So all we have to look forward to is the new HID setup and the new bose and navigation system. Ok i'm done now proceed.

 

One word........Sweet!! Im trading up baby! Majestic Blue again!

 

but seriously how often do you max out your cars speed going to work and what not. I will be just fine with a 5 speed compared to my auto . God never again I buy auto

 

Variable intake runner, or something makes the extra horses. The TQ is the same though.

 

Im sure the altima is lighter than the maxima and thats always something extra

 

hey gtr dont forget the 3.5 motor. And as far as the 6 speed goes its a close ratio so that means a deep 1st gear and up so yes sooner shifts but more power out of the hole.

 

you guys have to remember now peak power is at 5800 not 6400, so I guess you'll have to shift sooner before redline with the manual

 

No bargain performance model anymore. Only way you can get a stick is to buy the SE. So much for buying a GXE and upgrading everything with aftermaket parts. Seems like a bad idea to me.

 

That's a sweet looking ride, I don't really like the grille but I do like the big emblem. It most likely will be my next car and I don't care about what cars it can or cant beat.

 

i'm fo sho getting the headlights.. i don't like em' better, but for the sake of hid.

 

Finally the SE is the lightest of the 3 Maxima models coming in at a sweet 3,236 lbs the 2k1 SE weighed 3,199 lbs so only a 37 lb weight gain w/260 hp . Looks like I won't be buying that y-pipe and RSB for my 4th gen after all.


Best of all I get to retire my automagic.

 

Of all the little details they added, there's one I HATE HATE HATE.

Instead of having a bracket that goes on to hold the front plate, there are now two ugly holes in the front bumper.

Why?

Otherwise, very very cool.

 

Personally, I don't like the front... (the grille + new logo + it looks a little bit "flatter")
Don't get me wrong, it doesn't look THAT bad, but I prefer the way the 2k + 2k1 looks... (also like our rear lights better)

Everything else is super cool, and I could live with those minor cosmetic changes if it meant I got 260hp

-Tom Z.

PS... why bother trading in your current max?? it's the EXACT same friggin' car. (yeah, yeah, i saw the specs) For the same amount of money it would take you to trade in your current max (you're gonna take a BIG HIT), you could add some serious performance mods (like an S/C).. + an aftermarket Navigation system (if that floats your boat).
Anyone doubt that an S/C'd, modded 2k or 2k1 could take a stock 2k2 maxima?

Only reason I see for upgrading would be if you loathe your current slushbox, and wanted the 6spd... (+I hear it's significantly harder to S/C an automatic) I've learned to live with my automatic (haha, i'm reminded of this every day sitting in traffic), and will continue to enjoy my car regardless of the fact that there's a new maxima out there.

 

I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed.

I don't like the exterior very much. The front just looks kinda funky compared to the 2000-2001 style, which looked better IMO. Also, I don't like the back at all. It does look better than the 2000-2001 models though. The new 6-spoke wheels look wierd compared to the current ones.

I have to give Nissan credit on the interior though. It is gorgeous. The dash look beautiful and the new leather seats and shifter look great. But, why didn't Nissan make the temperature and fuel gauges white like the speedometer and tachometer?

I also think Nissan did great with all the new features they're adding. Navigation System, HID headlights, Majestic Blue, 260hp 3.5-liter VQ, 6-speed, Heated Steering Wheel...etc. etc. etc.

All in all, the new Maxima has a lot more features and the interior is beautiful. I think I'll wait for the redesign to see what's next for the exterior though. In the meantime, I'd rather sacrifice 20 ponies and buy the 2002 Altima instead.

-Nick

 

At least the minor changes to the 2K2 make the Maxima go with the times since the new Alty's come into the picture. True, some of the frills are neat (nav, hid) but IMO some are not all that (altezzas, large grill/emblem like the 2K2 TL). As a 5th gen owner, I'm with tomz17 on keeping my car and making it better. However, this would be pretty tempting if I was a 3rd or even 4th gen owner looking to upgrade.

mingo: You're working on the hid's for us right?

 

When I used to drive an S Class, it had the gated shifter. It was silky smooth when shifting and I think it looks exotic. It keeps you from over dropping gears too.

 

that is one beautiful car,
damn 1/4 mile times are gon be quick

 

not really, as a 4th generation owner, I would pick the new altima

 

No Traction Control System (TCS)

No helical limited-slip differential

No Navigation System with 3-D Birdview™ display and touch screen control

No Meridian Edition with heated seats, outside mirrors and steering wheel

 

so do u mean it lags even more? i thought it would shift harder kind of like a vb recalibration but not as strong?

 

I guess it in what you want and need. I love the 4th Gen Max. I wouldn't give it up for anything(I think I just have a problem with parting with things I own). I am sure there are others out there that agree with me but as a retired professional driver, my GXE is the best highway car I have ever driven other than the Merc S Class(there is no other ride like it). The Max has no problems carry loads of luggage and people. I could still power down the road at 80 with the AC running and the....car.....just......goes!

Now, my Toyota Truck......another story.

 

As a 4th gen lover I won't fall out of love because of the power of 02 Max. Now my mine kinda fall toward the 02 Alti. It's a good bang for buck. And with some mods the Alti could be same as the new Max (in hp).
If the 02 Alti is out to compete with Accord and Camry. The G35 is out to compete with 3-Series/IS300/GS300 then the I35 and 02/03 Max will have no one to compete with. IMO, Avalon is a piece of crab, not a worthy opponent. It's just a expensive piece of sh*t.

 

u never know, the maxima might respond to mods better. for instance, some people thought turnin off the VTEC for certain mods in hondas would help.. in fact it didnt. they turned it back on, and they found a larger amount of power gained..

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AznWontonboy


u never know, the maxima might respond to mods better.

Ofcourse if the 2 are modded then definitely the Max will surpass the Alti. But if compare the look, volume, etc.. the Alti is better for less money. Either I get the Alti or wait for the 03 Max. When the 03 Max will be release or at least have some glime ?

 

i never forgot, thats the whole aspect of the 2k2 really!!!

 

I like the new maxima but not sure if I like it enought to race to get one. I like the idea of shifting into 6th gear yet I bet its gonna be around 35,000 for this car. I'd rather have the altima for 10,000 less. We should just wait though to see all the info from like car and driver about the car or motortrend. It may look good in the pics yet not drive a nimbly as the current maximas.

 

I think the "nimbleness" will get MUCH better when the whole platform changes to the 4 wheel independent suspension(2003 Model). The front end will feel easier to turn when cornering in which the rear suspension does effect.

 

I think the "nimbleness" will get MUCH better when the whole platform changes to the 4 wheel independent suspension(2003 Model). The front end will feel easier to turn when cornering in which the rear suspension does effect.