2009 Maxima discussion!!! UPDATED: Full pics inside!

[ckeegan]

I was planning on buying the 08 Altima 3.5SL at the end of May, but this could be interesting. Anyone can take/enhance a picture to make anything look good, so I'm not making any determination until I see one in person. Now the questions are...when in June, and how much?

[mtcookson]

NissanUSA.com is saying:290 hp (estimated) 3.5 with new, more advanced variable valve timingIntelligent CVT with 4, driver selectable modes, two of which include:Drive Sport for aggressive shift points and sportier feedbackManual Mode to shift gears by tapping the shift knob or by using new, F1-style, paddle shifters.

I personally think the CVT is cool and all... but... its still an automatic and unless it were a twin clutch transmission like what the GT-R has, the paddle shifting does nothing for me. I'll wait till they get in their heads they need a manual transmission before calling it a 4DSC.

Other random specs include:

Mechanical- New, lighter, more rigid chassis- 18" or 19" wheels with high performance tires- Variable steering system, easy to use at low speeds and adjusts at high speeds- Sport tuned suspension for sport models (includes: high performance shocks/struts, stiffer springs, and a larger front stabilizer bar)

Interior- Smaller diameter steering wheel stitched with improved hand grips- 8-way driver's seat with adjustable thigh support- Climate controlled driver's seat with heating and cooling functions- Dual paneled moon roof- Interior ambient mood lighting- Power rear sunshade- 2 grades of leather and 3 interior accents- Intelligent key with push button ignition- Touch screen navigation with XM NavTraffic and voice recognition- Custom Bose audio system with: - 9.3GB Music Box hard drive (stores up to 2,900 songs) - Seamless iPod interconnectivity with steering wheel control

Lastly... using the word shocks makes me wonder if they don't have independent rear suspension again. They don't mention what type of suspension it has so it just makes me wonder. Surely it has independent suspension calling it a 4DSC...

[audtatious]

290hp is better. Detuned HR? It should have multi-link independent rear suspension also

[maxhopper]

I do like the over all design. Sure the headlights are a bit goofy looking with the protrusion at the bottom. I like the body lines as well as the front end. I was hoping that the raised center of the hood was needed for clearence for a longitudinally mounted VQ35, but you can't have everything.

If this new Max was RWD and had a manual transmission, I'd be in love.

[rbsileighty]

If this new Max was RWD and had a manual transmission, I'd be in love.

I'm right there with ya on that comment... modern day A31 Cefiro would be the shhh... but she is hot in my opinion... best pics I've found are on Nissan's website:

Gotta love a factory widebody

http://www.nissanusa.com/09maxima/index.html

[jsmithsole]

This was quoted by Motor Trend:

No official word yet, but you can bet a six-speed manual Maxima SE version is in the works if Nissan is bold enough to put the 4DSC sticker in the window.

[jsmithsole]

Another updated photoshop, coming along. I see a lot of petential!!

[davskins97]

I am going to have to say since no one else will. WTF have they done to the Maxima? This thing could pass for a new Tiburon or G6. When I heard they were going back to the 4DSC roots I was excited, but what I didn't want was a 4-door sedan that looks like a low level sports car. The only other thing they could do is make it rear wheel drive so it is completely useless to those of us who live in the snowy areas of the US.

[mtcookson]

As far as snow... seeing those pictures of them testing in the snow, I actually wouldn't be surprised if it were offered with AWD. There are SO many manufacturers offering AWD these days that it would make sense for Nissan to follow suit with their flagship sedan.

[davskins97]

They are getting to the point with the horsepower that if they really want it to hook up and perform AWD is the way to go. RWD is going to cut down on it's marketability IMO. The looks could grow on me like the 6th gen did, but right now I can't say anything good about it.

[the converted]

I saw it at the auto show today and it looks a lot better in person to be honest. Still not feeling the headlights on it but as a whole its a good looking car. I'll upload photos later.

[audtatious]

What you need to know about the '09 Maxi

http://www.maximaclub.org/2009-maxima.shtml

[NissanDriver84]

I'm trading in the I35 ....I think it looks sweet!!!!!Can't wait to test drive it....

[DConrad2007]

I like the new look, but looking at the specs I expected Nissan to upgrade to a 3.7L engine for horsepower in the 300's.I expect they will introduce a newer engine probaly in the 2011 Maxima.Didn't see alot of new features except for the Music Box Hard Drive system, I think the backup camera was introduced for the 08's?I like the turn signal indicators for the side view mirrors, not new technology though.A upgraded suspension system and bigger tires should give this generation a better ride.The rear looks all most the same if not a little like the Altima.But I like the hood and front grill.I will wait about two years to upgrade to the newer Max.

[DConrad2007]

I hope someone can answer this question.Nissan states that the 09 Max horsepower is estimated at 290 horsepower.Estimated?Is it 290 or not.I have a 04 with 265 horsepower,is that estimated too?

[dallasmax]

I was at the Dallas Auto Show this weekend and got a good look athe the 09 Maxima. I have chaged my mind after seeing the first pictures. The car is very nice. Nissan is importing the GT-R (Skyline) in June. This is the Car that stole the whole show. It is supposed to carry a $68,000 Sticker and bust out 470ish H.P. WOW!!!

[jsmithsole]

I was at the Dallas Auto Show this weekend and got a good look athe the 09 Maxima. I have chaged my mind after seeing the first pictures. The car is very nice. Nissan is importing the GT-R (Skyline) in June. This is the Car that stole the whole show. It is supposed to carry a $68,000 Sticker and bust out 470ish H.P. WOW!!!

Good to hear, i was at a show this weekend and they were supposed to have the 7th gen there but did have a couple of GTR's....it is amazing. We got to see it run a crappy autocross course as well.

[blackmax23]

Well, I was saying everything you guys were saying...the looks are awkward, hope it grows on me, until I saw it firsthand at the Albany Auto Expo. This Max was easily top 5 nicest cars there. When I saw pics of it on maximaclub, I had reservations, thought the front end grille and overall stance resembled that of the new Honda Accords and coupes, but for real, I'm not gonna lie, it totally reversed all of my original opinions of it once I saw it firsthand. Complete harmony between sports car stance and feel, family sedan/daily driver, and class. It looks like it could drop the kids off at practice before you go race a full day at the drag strip, then leave to get some groceries and park in VIP section next to the benzos and bimmers later that night!

[HigherRhymes]

The new Max' is teh hotn3ss!!

Its interesting they left it FWD and no m/t...

Even though Acura's plans for a RWD V8 TL (or TSX??) were cancelled, those seem to be the only Luxo/performance cars in the class..

I'd buy one of these before I thought about a Bimmer or Audi that's for sure.

It's a real looker and I'm quite fond the front and rear design.Never saw it coming.

But for the boys and girls wanting an AWD max, I say it's only a matter of time.Once the sales go up and they can feesably meet the CAFE regulations I see no reason for them not to if the market was big enough.But you must remember, their supply can only meet the demand.If nobody but enthusiasts want it, it's probably not coming.

But I'd still love to give one of these bad boys a spin!

[HigherRhymes]

but I had to LOL at their plans to make it the best performing FWD in the world..

Unfortunately for Nissan, Hondata has that segment sewn up, the Mugen Civic, RSX Type S, and TL Type S are the pinnacle of FWD performance..[granted, 'fwd performance' doesn't say much to some people]but they are awesome cars, they can achieve.

But it seems to me, the longer the wheelbase gets, the less sporty fwd cars get.

Take the Tiburon and Altima coupe for example..You can't fool me into believing they perform in anyway better than any car at similar length with a different drive train layout.

[tigersharkdude]

just to let everyone know production begins the day after labor day, the last 08 max's will be made on thursday. we go on break this thursday and when we come back the day after labor day, its a tuesday, we launch the 7th gen.the smyrna plant will only make approximately 500 more 6th gens

ATTN: ITS NOW OFFICIAL THERE WILL BE NO MORE 6TH GEN 08 MAXIMAS BUILT!! THE LAST ONE WAS BUILT AT 12:15am THURSDAY MARCH 15th.
Modified by tigersharkdude at 7:00 PM 5/15/2008

[tokidokiid]

heres a few pictures from the stillen openhouse last saturday

[Timmbo]

Wow, nice job on the '09 Maxima pictures! I love that color!

[Canadian Coupe]

The 09 Maxima is hot.

[guitarpro_1st]

wow its going to be a sharp looking car cant wait to own one........kepp saving my pennies

[DevonD]

ok ok everyone is talking about how it looks but whats the performance supposed to be like? 0-60, 1/4 mile, anything?? im worried its going to be slow off the line becasue of the CVT. My Dad has a murano and the CVT sucks off the line, but for how big and heavy the murano is its pretty quick once its up to speed!! Almost quicker than my max.. but it doesnt change the CVT is horible for "more spirited" driving..

[jsmithsole]

Here's some of my pics from Stillen as well:

And one of my car at Stillen...

[spinyones]

the new maxi looks sexy as hell. i'd leave my girlfriend for this one. definately worht waiting for!

[loxm86]

I test drove the 09 Maxima.....yesterday.ITs amazing.....kinda made me want one.

It definetly has the power!!

[jsmithsole]

Yes, they are arriving at dealers all over the US and you can now build one up on the Nissan site, finally!!http://www.nissanusa.com

Here's what I came up with, pretty high end...