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2008 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: STUD OR DUD? 2009 Nissan Maxima Leaks Out

Agent009 submitted on 03/18/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:07 AM
from: www.autospies.com

[151] user comments | category: New Cars

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2008 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: STUD OR DUD? 2009 Nissan Maxima Leaks Out

The four door sports car is back? Named so aptly when it debuted back in the later 70’s, the Maxima burst on to the scene with a powerful engine and handling to match.

However just as we all do, over the years as middle age has set in the Maxima became larger and lost its edge. A competent vehicle by all means however no longer leading the pack when it came to agility or gas mileage. Its one saving grace however was the power from the legendary VQ V6.

2009 is set for the release of the latest iteration of the Maxima and this time Nissan promises the sports car is back in the equation. While we are still shy of the official release and the specifications we have come across a few shots of the 2009 Maxima and wanted you to tell us.

Is the new Maxima a Stud or a Dud?

Be sure and check out our extensive photo galleries including the 2008 New York Auto Show and catch up on all of the latest news and models on AutoSpies.

2008 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: STUD OR DUD? 2009 Nissan Maxima Leaks Out

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montyz81 - 3/18/2008 11:15:26 AM

+6 Boost

Stud, I want one!

reply to this comment

silver1 - 3/18/2008 12:34:15 PM

+5 Boost

Me 2!

I have to admit, this Maxima has grown up.

Lets start with the back. Ver muscular and conservative, and looks fast and big body all at the same time.
This back styling give me Lexus IS 350. Nissan always knew how to shape the but of car.
But I hate that dip they have in the back fenders, that makes the car look ugly cause it's the same thing they did with the 2008 Honda Accord. Even the 2204-2008 Maxima's didn't have this which made the car looks more expensive. Cars that are price over $30,000 should have a smooth body all the way around. Even the 2007-2008 Altima's doesn't have that dip in the fenders either
Because of this the back styling gets a B-

Back Styling B-

Side Styling
Very muscular. Same looking design theme from the Infiniti G35 & G37. I also see lots of Lexus ES 350 side styling also even with those long chrome door handles.

Side Styling B+

Front Styling
Once again Infiniti G35 Muscular design theme with the hood. The Grill is PERFECT! GOOD JOB NISSAN ON THAT! WAY BETTER ON THAN THE CURRENT MODEL. The headlights is very different so it dares for attention therefore it will turn heads. I like them.
Front Styling is conservative, muscular, and has that low profile look all at the same time.

Front Styling A+

Interior Styling
Once again Infiniti! I'm pretty sure it's going to have the CD Gigabyte Hardrive that burns CD's like the Nissan Maurano. Steering wheel is excatly like the 2009 Infiniti FX. Love it. Interior styling kinda reminds me of the Maxima's old days back in the 90's.

Interior styling A-

Overall

Is this a Four Dour Sports Car? HELL NAL AND VERY LONG WAYS FROM IT! WHAT THE HELL THEY GET THAT IDEAL FROM? IS THIS WHAT NISSAN CALL A FOUR DOUR SPORTS CAR? I hope not, cause that will be funny. This no way near look like a Mercedes CLS or the upcoming 4 door sports car from BMW or the Audi A7.

But overall this is one great looking car, it's most sure a STUD. Does it have what it takes to compare against the Chrylser 300C, Toyota Avalon? Yes.

Over All Styling: B+
Nissan has created one great looking car inside and out

silver1 - 3/18/2008 12:37:21 PM

+1 Boost

****I meant the back styling gives me the Lexus ES 350***

only without the long tail lights, and without the spoiler, and that ugly chrome trimming, and of course those darn dents in the fenders.

abcd - 3/18/2008 1:08:46 PM

-4 Boost

it`s overall similar to infinity`s designs . nothing weird when they were designed by the same man . silver1-"Steering wheel is excatly like the 2009 Infiniti FX."-mistake , infinity fx50 have other steering wheel . car look very good .

silver1 - 3/18/2008 1:26:47 PM

-2 Boost

"abcd"

WHAT THE HELL!!!!

Now you look again, maybe you need glasses or something!

here is the pic of the 2009 FX 50 Steering wheel:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0803_2009_infiniti_fx50_first_look/photo_04.html

Now u look at the Maxima's. Only thing thats different is the symbols!!!!!
same buttons same design, excalty 100% the same except the symbols!

silver1 - 3/18/2008 1:28:40 PM

-3 Boost

2009 Infiniti FX50:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/
suvs/112_0803_2009_infiniti_fx50_first_
look/photo_04.html

EnnNorak - 3/18/2008 6:27:00 PM

-3 Boost

I hope it has a conventional automatic instead of the dreaded CVT. Also, where is the protective side molding to prevent door dings.

abcd - 3/18/2008 7:00:52 PM

+1 Boost

silver1 - I don`t see this same steering wheel , yes it`s similar .

silver1 - 3/18/2008 7:55:57 PM

+1 Boost

"abcd"

Since you don't see it, then tell me whats the difference on it except one says infiniti and the other says nissan?

raschitakochangwenya - 3/18/2008 10:54:28 PM

+1 Boost

Stud ,Stud ,Stud , I am definately going to buy the diesel one to replace my 2000 maxima can't wait

abcd - 3/19/2008 3:01:21 AM

+1 Boost

silver1 - maxima has concavity where is symbol .

Eman171 - 3/18/2008 11:17:05 AM

+3 Boost

The new Maxima has a very classy and sporty appearance, I like it!

Any infos on the specifications?

reply to this comment

Agent009 - 3/18/2008 12:17:16 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Not yet, probably will release in the next 24 hours

golfer38 - 3/18/2008 12:12:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I agree. Dud.

reply to this comment

M35MT - 3/18/2008 12:43:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Agree somewhat.

Front End looks odd and high around the wheels.

Side profile looks good, rear looks good.

Interior...oh boy
First, in the 90's, Infinitis had mostly Nissan parts-bin interiors. Now, in this decade, the Nissans seem to get the new Interior designs in the Infinitis. This is watering down the Infiniti label.

Let's hope its not massively oversized and that there's an AWD option, or AWD standard for that matter.

reply to this comment

BMW4me4ever - 3/18/2008 12:54:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

i dont care for it either. I think They confused when designing the car. it is curvy and yet robotic looking ... I think the interior is very sharp, although looks almost a twin to the Infiniti M35. Nissan and Infiniti have to distinguish their cars more differently. Why buy a G35 vs the new Maxima? Especially since the interior of the New Maxima from pictures at least looks more luxurious. I just dont get it.

reply to this comment

M35MT - 3/18/2008 1:05:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

Now I'm seeing the Q45 in the front...

reply to this comment

GTR35 - 3/18/2008 3:31:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

BMW4U: Instead of asking: "Why buy a G35 vs the new Maxima?" (The performance of a RWD cannot be compared to that of a Fwd), but ask: Why buy a Lexus ES330 when you can have the new Maxima.

reply to this comment

Hyundai - 3/19/2008 1:53:20 PM

+1 Boost

This is what I have to say about the new Maxima...

How is the Maxima a design we have never seen before? The hood is the G37, the headlights are uglified Q45 headlights, the grilled is from a Skyline GT-R, and the rear tailights are uglified versions of the new Toyota Venza.

Barf.

The interior is pretty nice, but its cues are DIRECTLY from the new G37. Look at the audio control knobs, etc on the centre stack. Wtf???

I agree with you M35MT, the headlights remind me of the Q, even the grille a little bit.

reply to this comment

Hyundai - 3/19/2008 1:56:15 PM

+1 Boost

Well, the ES330 isn't being sold anymore unless you are shopping in used car lots. You are really talking about the ES 350. So in answer to that, the ES350 has MUCH more luxury than the Maxima and is not as damned ugly!!!!!! The quality of the ES 350 cannot be compared to a Nissan. C'mon! What planet do you live on!?

reply to this comment

_43LE - 3/18/2008 11:25:47 AM

+8 Boost

Looks like a mish-mash of other cars put together, with an Infiniti interior.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/18/2008 12:03:41 PM

-2 Boost

Right on!

07G35J - 3/18/2008 11:32:14 AM

+1 Boost

STUD!!!!
Now, I'm having mixed thoughts about the headlights. I guess I'll grow into them because I do like the rest!

reply to this comment

NISSANINFINITI - 3/20/2008 4:01:23 PM

+1 Boost

JUST A THOUGHT:...FOR EVERYONE WHO DISLIKES OR HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHT DESIGN...MAYBE THE BOTTOM PART THAT ACTUALLY SHOWS ON THE SIDE FINDER OF THE CAR COULD BE THE FRONT TURNSIGNAL OR EVEN A CORNERING LIGHT (I30 &I35's USED TO HAVE THEM)I THINK IT HAS A REASON THAT THAT ONE PART WRAPS AROUND TO THE SIDE FENDER......I PERSONALLY DONT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT THOUGH.....

mini22 - 3/18/2008 11:32:14 AM

+5 Boost

It is a mishmash but a successful one. The design of the car works in my opinion.And whats wrong emulating a bit of Infiniti style. The Maxima is supposed to the flaggship sedan of Nissan's car division. It needed to be more upscale and separate itself from the Altima. I hope they reduce the torquesteer issues of it's predessesor.

reply to this comment

SHOWTIME - 3/18/2008 11:33:20 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

What the heck does nissan want this to be? a truck? The height needs to be lowered and i always hate how nissan flattens our their fenders at the edge way too thick.

Anyhow, overall it looks like a cheap design and has nothing over the less expensive camry or accord IMO.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/18/2008 12:04:53 PM

-9 Boost

Because they have the need to push the sheet metal out as far as possible to look like the biggest car on the road :-)

zorbeeze - 3/18/2008 1:31:01 PM

0 Boost

"nyhow, overall it looks like a cheap design and has nothing over the less expensive camry or accord IMO"

Do you even know what you're talking about? The MAxima does not compete with the Accord nor the Camry. The Altima does that.

"A competent vehicle by all means however no longer leading the pack when it came to agility or gas mileage."

Seriously agent009, what are you talking about? What car in this category has better handling than the Maxima?

This is a very well thought out design. Props to Nissan for a job well done.

SHOWTIME - 3/18/2008 3:28:40 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

zorbeeze, save the basic info on cars for someone else...besides, i already stated that it looks cheaper than the less expensive (meaning lower class) camry and accord. so yea, they're not in the same class but they still look better. get my point now??

For the record, this car was never known to have great handling. In fact, there are many reviews that state the car has way more torque than the FWD chasis can handle, aspecially on turns. The Acura TL is the leader in it's class for that.

zorbeeze - 3/22/2008 1:29:34 PM

+1 Boost

"The Acura TL is the leader in it's class for that"

Now you'll get all the Acura fans angry for putting the TL, a supposedly Luxury car, in the same category as the Maxima.
Although, i do agree that they belong in the class.
Though, the TLs handling is similar to the Maximas not better not worse. If you think the TL is a good handling car than i'm afraid to inform you that you have no clue as to what a good handling car is.

SHOWTIME - 3/25/2008 3:56:00 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

For a FWD 4 door family sadan, yes the TL has great handling. It also has better handling than the Maxima but I don't care for either car. I'm just making a point here since you tried to defend the wack maxima so much. Do some research and you'll find out for yourself wise guy.

As far as knowing how cars should handle, hmmmm lets see here...I've only owned cars that CAN handle, such as 325Ci with coilover suspenssion and G37S 6-spd.

Now don't waste my time anymore trying to prove an uninteresting subject.

zorbeeze - 4/2/2008 1:28:08 PM

+1 Boost

"As far as knowing how cars should handle, hmmmm lets see here...I've only owned cars that CAN handle, such as 325Ci with coilover suspenssion and G37S 6-spd."

So you're one of those dump punks who come to my shop to modify their cars and then crash because they think they can drive. Cool.

07G35J - 3/18/2008 11:38:22 AM

+4 Boost

I also like the hood's wave-like form as on Infiniti's G35. It's a great transition from Nissan's flagship to Infiniti's entry-level model.

reply to this comment

NISSANINFINITI - 3/20/2008 4:22:29 PM

+1 Boost

NISSANINFINITI - 3/20/2008 4:29:13 PM

+1 Boost

I AGREE 10000% WITH THAT ....THE MAXIMA (NISSANS FLAGSHIP) IS SUPPOSED TO BRIDGE THE GAP FROM NISSAN OVER INTO INFINITI, BUT KEEP ITS DISTANCE AT THE SAME TIME (FWD)WHICH IS WHY THEY DISCONTINUED THE I35(WHICH I OWN AND LOVE) IT WAS ESSENTIALLY THE SAME CAR AS THE MAX. SO THE TOP OF THE LINE NISSAN (MAX) PICS UP WHERE THE ENTRY LEVEL INFINITI (I35/37) PICKS UP (WHICH IN THIS CASE MORE THAN LIKELY MEANS SHARING THE INTERIOR) REMEMBER THE I USED TO BE A FOUR CYLNDER BUT THEY HAVE IT CORRECT NOW......

NISSANINFINITI - 3/20/2008 4:36:02 PM

+1 Boost

LOL

91z4me - 3/18/2008 11:40:32 AM

-7 Boost

Love the rear.

But I am not digging the headlights. They just don't flow w/ the rest of the design.

Overall I would choose both the Accord and the Malibu over this.

reply to this comment

91z4me - 3/18/2008 4:44:57 PM

+2 Boost

Obviously you haven't seen the new Malibu. Also the Malibu since it re-introduction in 1998 has been a pretty dead nuts reliable car. Might want to do some research on that.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/18/2008 10:49:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

This doesn't compete with the Accord, nor the Malibu... the Altima does, and handily beats both.

pushrod27 - 3/19/2008 1:02:29 AM

+1 Boost

says you (s4 re: altima vs. malibu) Motor Trend said the Malibu was more refined and ulitmately the better car than Altima. I don't particularly care for the Malibu (it's just a bit too small for me) but i think it looks better than this.

I'll have to see it in person and get used to it. Maximas are like that, they always look weird at first. i remember when the '95 version came out. the rear end was really weird at first, but people got used to it.

daytonaviolet - 3/18/2008 11:44:01 AM

0 Boost

Stud, I like the muscular appearance of the car. I wasn't very fond of the last generation's design, so I'm glad to see this one looks so good.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/18/2008 11:46:09 AM

-6 Boost

That car looks like a freakazoid!

HAHAHA ROTFLMAO!!!...what's going on here? :-D

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/18/2008 12:01:11 PM

-7 Boost

I knew one of these days you would agree with me.

Welcome to the real world ;-)

reply to this comment

montyz81 - 3/18/2008 12:06:02 PM

+5 Boost

That car doesn't compete with the Camary.

reply to this comment

Kinger - 3/18/2008 12:43:41 PM

+3 Boost

"better designs if they want to compete with the Camry."

LOL

reply to this comment

zorbeeze - 3/18/2008 1:41:16 PM

+3 Boost

"Nissan needs better designs if they want to compete with the Camry"

To compete with the Camry in design?????
ahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

That was funny. Seriously have you thought of a career in comedy?
The Camry a leader in design. ahahahahaaaaaaa

First off, the MAxima DOES NOT compete with the Camry. The Altima competes with the Camry and the Altima is ten times the car the Camry will ever be.
Second, the MAxima competes with the Avalon, it's just that Toyoto built the Avalon for old boring american man, whereas Nissan built the Maxima as a sedan with good performance that can rival cars with a higher price tag.

reply to this comment

eric452 - 3/18/2008 11:09:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

it competes wit the Avalon

reply to this comment

NItePhire - 3/20/2008 11:19:05 AM

+2 Boost

Yeah I keep forgetting that the Camry is world class..boring POS

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/18/2008 11:49:09 AM

-3 Boost

Watch out, don't poke your eye out with one of those tail lights ;-(

reply to this comment

answer - 3/18/2008 11:50:47 AMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Maxima is looking good again!

And you know if EL34 doesn't like, it is definately a stud.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/18/2008 11:59:50 AM

-6 Boost

Why must you be Spies drama queen?

lol

answer - 3/18/2008 12:21:20 PMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

Drama queen?

I just enjoy making fun of autospies' village idiot.

poison_427 - 3/18/2008 11:52:41 AM

+4 Boost

not that great.. sorry..

reply to this comment

carE10 - 3/18/2008 11:53:38 AM

+4 Boost

nice improvement over the old one. The interior actually looks really good!

reply to this comment

drakarula - 3/18/2008 11:58:03 AM

+1 Boost

It is an improvement over the current design. As prices continue to rise this is a nice alternative to a G35 since it is bigger and had a very nice lookig interior. Lets hope that they woke up and put an engine with more power than the Altima!!! I don't know if I would call it a stud but it is far from a Dud. The Lines Flow nicely and the headlights are cool. It is nice to see a company try some new style instead of the same old BS.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 3/18/2008 11:58:27 AM

-7 Boost

Folks, Nissan needs to go back to copying Mercedes-Benz.

lol!!!

reply to this comment

GTR35 - 3/18/2008 12:28:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

You have more posts here than anyone else. And lately you've been bashing Nissan constantly. I sense fear. Be cool dude, stop crying.

Htay7500 - 3/18/2008 3:34:06 PM

+1 Boost

you know, I don't know what BMW or VW was thinking when they were going to look more asian. especially the toyota jetta.

GTR35 - 3/18/2008 12:00:18 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I had to see it many times before responding but I'm gonna go with Stud. The more I looked at it the more I realized the extra lines in the hood and in the rear, whcih looks a little busy but it makes sense and I think nissan finally has it right. What about that interior? Maybe straight out from an Infiniti but who's complaining? It's gorgeous.

reply to this comment

Tonee - 3/18/2008 12:10:19 PM

-3 Boost

WOW THIS CAR IS A DEFINITE STUD. Nissan has done a good job. I would go out and buy one today if I could. Looks great!

reply to this comment

Chip - 3/18/2008 12:12:39 PM

0 Boost

DUD!!!!

This thing looks more confused than Ryan Secrest.

reply to this comment

7msynthetic - 3/18/2008 12:22:29 PM

+8 Boost

Dud - rear end looks better than the front - like the interior though.

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PlanB - 3/18/2008 12:23:08 PM

0 Boost

Nissan design-wise have been risk takers lately IMO, separating themselves from the rest of the japanese pack, but it looks really good to me. I just love that little kink in the headlights, which I also believe will be a design trait on the 370Z. Much better interior also. I think its pretty much a given that it'll have the 3.7 liter engine also, so I'll go ahead and say its a STUD.

reply to this comment

gkearns - 3/18/2008 12:23:28 PM

+2 Boost

UGLY - Look at the rear end. Does anyone see an older Pontiac Grand AM that had the spoiler looking like a tongue sticking out. I've owned an '88, '95, '98 and 2004 Maxima. This by far is the worse looking rear end. When they increased the size back in 2005 model, it looked like another fat "American" car. I now own a 2008 Infiniti G35. I was hoping they would have taken a knife to that fat-a#% but I guess not.

reply to this comment

1970toyotamarc - 3/18/2008 12:25:07 PM

+4 Boost

Best looking Maxima since the 4DSC of '89. (Am I wrong in thinking that that moniker was first usd in '89, not in the '70s as the article states?)

reply to this comment

gooch - 3/18/2008 1:01:41 PM

+5 Boost

1970toyotamarc,
You are NOT wrong. I was wondering where they came up with that as well, since the Maxima debuted in what? 1982 or something?
This car is hard to call. It may look better in person and in a different color. The reason Nissan is using the same freaking interior with every car is economies of scale. I liked the second and third generation designs and bought a fourth generation Max with my ex-wife. We regarded them as a step above Accord and Camry, but not quite Audi or BMW. Maximas were their own niche, really. Not so much anymore, but in the 80s and 90s.

EL34 - 3/18/2008 12:39:31 PM

-9 Boost

It looks like a peanut.

reply to this comment

07G35J - 3/18/2008 1:17:29 PM

+2 Boost

So looking at these pictures is like looking at yourself in the mirror, isn't it?

pchera01 - 3/18/2008 12:59:03 PM

0 Boost

but where is poll for stud or dud?

reply to this comment

PerformanceGuy - 3/18/2008 1:16:50 PM

0 Boost

Stud. Looks pretty good, much better than the current generation. Good job Nissan! Just make sure the performance is there.

reply to this comment

tattedtwice - 3/18/2008 1:18:16 PM

+2 Boost

This car is no better looking than the RL or the Genesis, but I dont see all the hate that those two got.

reply to this comment

dbrebel - 3/18/2008 1:21:54 PM

+1 Boost

Major DUD. Headlights are a mess and they tried way too hard with the design details. The fender sculpting reminds me of a last generation Tiburon... wasn't a good look there, nor is it a good look here.

As Nissan continues to refine the Altima, it's hard to fathom why they continue to bother with the Maxima.

reply to this comment

M53R - 3/18/2008 1:28:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Looks nice! I say stud! But I hate the Toyota Yaris inspired rear lights...

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MtlMotors - 3/18/2008 3:36:59 PM

0 Boost

Agree.

KZ258 - 3/18/2008 1:29:30 PM

+1 Boost

STUD STUD STUD!

reply to this comment

finishline - 3/18/2008 1:54:54 PM

+4 Boost

It's not for me, but it's a class-leading STUD, looks-wise, especially the interior. Nissan/Infiniti is turning into the benchmark company for interiors.

reply to this comment

FitzLA - 3/18/2008 1:55:24 PM

-7 Boost

This is exactly why I did not buy another Infiniti. Exactly same use of materials. No difference between Nissan and Infiniti for the money. Yes, most Nissans are front wheel drive and Infinitis are rear, but other than that, there is no difference. This is why I just got a BMW 535i. Nothing else like it!

reply to this comment

GTR35 - 3/18/2008 2:45:19 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

There is something else like it, in fact according to most reviews it's way better than the 5er- it's called the Infiniti M.

BMW4me4ever - 3/18/2008 5:12:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

GTR - I have a 535i and it is the best sedan on the market for performance balance and feel. I have driven the M35 and M45 on an actual track at a driving event for BMW, but there is no comparison.

I dont like this New Maxima at all. It doesnt work for me, but that is my opinion. Interior is very nice, but it is so much like the M35 & M45 that I just dont get it. The Maxima should be a step below the Infiniti equivalent in regards to interior and exterior fit and finish. It looks like Nissan has put in on par with the Infiniti M.

FitzLA - 3/19/2008 1:29:59 AM

+1 Boost

Are you kidding me? The M better than the 5er? Laughable. I owned a M35, an '06 that I bought when they came out in '05. And i can honestly tell you that there is NO comparison. BMW is better in every way. Power, handling, on and on and on. I loved my Infiniti M, but all the interiors look the same as the new nissans. You are not getting anything better for the money. And the power in my twin turbo 300 hp, 300 lb ft of torque 535i FAR exceeds the power in the M or even the g35/37. It is just a much better car. I have owned both. Have you?