NEW YORK—From the eye-candy of concept cars to all of the details on basic models, the New York International Auto Show has something for everyone as it runs at the Jacob Javits Center through this weekend.
One standout this year is the new 2009 Nissan Maxima. For what had been a big disappointment in design the last couple of years, Nissan has come back with the newest Nissan Maxima, which is certain to bring back the Maxima lovers of old.
Nixing the fad-driven rounded out cabin-top (that seemed to be a poor execution of the Audi A6 / Volkswagen Passat design sense strapped onto a Nissan Sedan,) the new Maxima sports a sharper and more aggressive exterior cabin style, one that does have similarities to other auto manufacturer designs.
Scrapping any derivatives of the old design, the headlights wrap around the sides and pull back for a more aggressive style, combined with a front grille and headlight frames reminiscent of a Volvo-esque Maxima, while the trunk line bares similarity to its cousin, the Inifiniti G35. Lines are sharpened, with a wide "snout" for a face and edgy tail lamp lights in the rear, while still allowing for what Nissan calls a feeling of "liquid motion" with a deeply sculpted body and fenders.
Vice president and general manager of Nissan North America Al Casignetti said, "Maxima's breathtaking new exterior gives it a commanding, almost coupe-like appearance with plenty of driveway appeal."
"It's one sedan that will definitely be noticed by the next door neighbors, along with a lot of other people," he added.
Regardless of what the individual components are similar to; combined, they make for one beautifully design sports sedan and the best-looking Maxima in years.
And that's just the outside. Horsepower and torque are beefed up to 290hp and 261 lb-ft, respectively, to give it the clout the four-door sports car label is due (an increase of approximately 35 hp and 9 lb-ft of torque).
And to give an extra feeling of sport, all standard 2009 models are equipped with a revised Xtronic CVT, allowing the driver to shift to lower gears for increased rpm's and torque when needed.
Overall, there is no doubt the Maxima will turn heads of passersby—that is, if they can manage to pass by.
The New York International Auto Show runs through Sunday March 30, 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.
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