Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima
Overview
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	1976–present 1976-1980 (Datsun 810) 1980-present (as Nissan Maxima)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car (1976–1988) Executive car (1989-2003) Full-size car (2004-present)
Chronology
Predecessor	Datsun 810 Datsun 200B

The Nissan Maxima is an executive car manufactured by Nissan, marketed as the "four-door sports car". The origins of the Maxima began in July 1976 as the Datsun 810, an upscale six-cylinder version of the Bluebird, and was spun into its own line in 1981, having been made continuously since then. The "Maxima" name was applied gradually, beginning in 1981. Most pre-2004 Maximas were built in Oppama, Japan, until the current North American Maximas started being assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The "Maxima" has also been applied to Cefiros and Laurels in various markets.

1976–1980

Datsun 810
Overview
Also called	Nissan Bluebird 2000G6
Production	1976–1980
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Nissan Bluebird
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L L20A I6 2.4 L L24E I6
Transmission	4/5-speed manual 3-speed automatic

The Maxima model line began with the six-cylinder Nissan Bluebird 2000G6, which was available in the US as the Datsun 810 from February 1977. With a longer nose than the regular Bluebird, to accommodate a longer inline-six engine, it was powered by two versions of the SOHC L-series I6 engine: a 2.0 L displacement for the Japanese market and a 2.4 L24E unit (as found in the Datsun 240Z) for the US market. The Bluebird G6 used a carburetor for the base model and fuel injection for the sporty version. The 2.0 L engine was good for 122 PS JIS (90 kW), while the bigger American engine could reach 125 hp SAE (93 kW). The sporty version channeled power through a four-speed manual transmission for the sedan and wagon, five-speed transmission for the coupe. These cars were rear-wheel drive and had a semi-trailing arm rear suspension. The station wagon variant, only sold in North America, had the rear live axle for load carrying reasons. Some fuel injected versions had automatic transmissions.

The 2-door coupé version was introduced in North America in 1979 along with an exterior refresh, but a coupé version was never available in later 810/Maximas. The new Datsun 280ZX did not share much of the 810's chassis as thought, though the 810 was not available with that Z car's larger 2.8 L engine. The first use of the "Maxima" name happened on a domestic Japanese market luxury version of the Stanza, in August 1977.

1980–1984

First generation (G910)
Overview
Also called	Datsun 810 (until 1983)
Production	1980–1984
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Nissan Bluebird 910
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L L24E I6 2.8 L LD28 I6 Diesel
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed Jatco L4N71B automatic

The first car to wear the Maxima name was introduced in 1980 for the 1981 model year. It was essentially a Japanese-market Bluebird 910 with a 3.9 in (99 mm) longer nose to accommodate the inline-six engine. The 810 Maxima was not sold in Japan. The car was offered as the 810 Deluxe or 810 Maxima that first year, and all 810s became Maximas for 1982. In 1984, the last year of the first generation Maxima, American Datsuns began carrying the "Nissan" badge as well. Only 1984 Nissans have both "Nissan" and "Datsun" badges on the back of the car, although earlier models had a "Datsun" badge with a tiny "by Nissan" section underneath.

The Maxima's introduction to North America followed the successful introduction of the Datsun 240Z, and used the same engine and transmission while offering luxurious accommodations and four doors, with a station wagon added later.

The second generation retained the same base engine as the previous Datsun 810. It was also available with the LD28 OHC 2.8 L I6 Diesel engine (available in the US from mid-1981 through 1983) with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Some of the power steering pumps were sourced from General Motors' Saginaw Gear division, while others were sources from Atsugi. This was the second Nissan to use US-sourced parts besides the Borg-Warner T-5 transmission used in the 82-86 Nissan ZX Turbos. The use of USA-made parts was phased in prior to the passage of local content laws imposed by the U.S. Government.

One interesting fact about this car is its phonograph-based voice warning system. Warnings like those for a door being open, etc. would be relayed through the mini phonograph and played for the driver to hear. A common thing to hear would be, "door is open, key is in ignition." 1981 models were the first 'talking car' sold in the US and offered only one voice warning, a female voice reminding the driver to "please turn off the lights".

• 
  1981 Datsun 810 Wagon
• 
  1983 Datsun Maxima, rear view

1984–1988

Second generation (PU11)
Overview
Production	July 1984–August 1988
Assembly	Oppama, Japan
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Related	Nissan Bluebird U11
Powertrain
Engine	157 hp (117 kW) 3.0L VG30E V6
Transmission	5-speed manual (RS5F50A) 4-speed automatic (RL4F02A)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Sedan: 100.4 in (2,550 mm) Wagon: 100.3 in (2,548 mm)
Length	Wagon: 184.8 in (4,694 mm) Sedan: 181.5 in (4,610 mm)
Width	66.5 in (1,689 mm)
Height	Sedan: 54.7 in (1,389 mm) Wagon: 55.7 in (1,415 mm)

In the fall of 1984, the first front-wheel drive Maxima (based on the Bluebird U11) was introduced. This Maxima was available with a 157 hp (117 kW) 3.0 L VG30E V6 engine and a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. In Japan a smaller two-litre version of this engine was fitted. These engines were shared with the 300ZX/Fairlady and the Japanese market Nissan Cedric /Gloria, and was the first V6 engine to be mass produced in Japan. The second generation was assigned compact status in the US market. This was the last generation to be available as a station wagon, a version which had been offered since the Datsun 810 days.

1987-1988 Nissan Maxima wagon (US)

U11 series Nissan Bluebird Maxima hardtop (Japan)

In late 1986, the 1987 Maxima was introduced with a freshened exterior and interior. Automatic shoulder belts were now found on both the 1987 sedan and wagons built after February 1987. Luxury amenities were offered on both the "base" GL, later renamed GXE and SE trim levels. Such features for the GL/GXE included digital touch entry system on the driver and passenger side door panel, power windows, locks, antenna, power seats, remote trunk release, voice warning system, optional leather seating, optional heated front seats, an optional Electronics Pkg (a sedan exclusive, it included a digital instruments and a trip computer) and an optional power sunroof (sunroof was standard on Maxima wagons). 15" alloy wheels are standard for the Maxima. An exclusive option for 1988 was the Sonar Suspension System -which was part of the Electronics Pkg- replacing the trip computer that was previously offered. This feature used sonar waves to monitor the road conditions ahead and adjusted the shocks accordingly for the most controlled ride. 1988 was also the year that the previously standard digital touch system offered on the GXE sedan became part of the 'Electronics Package' option as well. The SE (and some GXEs) offered dual power seats, a five-speed manual transmission, three-way shock adjust suspension, front and rear windshield defroster, and a factory-installed security system. The SE also has a small rear spoiler, all-wheel disc brakes, black side rear view mirrors, and body molding (GXE got body-color side rear-view mirrors and matching body molding). Again, the Maxima's prime competitor was the similarly specified Toyota Cressida, which remained rear wheel drive. The Maxima provided a combination of luxury and sporty features while the Cressida was generally seen as being softer and more luxurious.

The Japanese market "Bluebird Maxima" received a four-door hardtop bodywork and a two-litre V6 engine (with an available turbocharger). It received the smaller V6 engine so that it would comply with Japanese Government dimension regulations that tax larger vehicles. Neither the pillared sedan nor the station wagon bodywork was available in the home market, with the hardtop exclusive to Nissan Bluebird Store Japanese dealerships.

1988–1994

Third generation (J30)
Overview
Production	August 1988–March 1994
Assembly	Oppama, Japan
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	160 hp (119 kW) 3.0L VG30E V6 190 hp (142 kW) 3.0L VE30DE V6
Transmission	5-speed manual (88-91 RS5F50A) (SE 91-94 RS5F50V) 4-speed automatic (88-94 RE4F02A) (SE 91-94 RE4F04V)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	104.3 in (2,649 mm)
Length	187.6 in (4,765 mm)
Width	69.3 in (1,760 mm)
Height	1988-91: 55.1 in (1,400 mm) 1991-94: 53 in (1,346 mm)

The Maxima was redesigned for the 1989 model year as the J30 (not to be confused with the unrelated Infiniti J30) model. Bigger dimensions made it the second Japanese sedan sold in the USA to qualify as a "mid-size" (after the Mazda 929). Nissan marketed this generation Maxima in North America a 4-Door Sports Car and even gave it a "4DSC" window decal showing this, while this generation was not sold in Japan. A refresh occurred in August 1991 for the 1992 model year (July 1991 production), adding a driver's side SRS airbag.

It now featured a 160 hp (119 kW) 3.0 L V6, with a 190 hp (142 kW) VE30DE engine standard on the SE model starting in 1991. The VG30E was an engine that had been used in the previous Maxima, as well as the first generation Nissan 300ZX. An interesting feature was the digital touch entry system on the GXE (in conjunction with the new Luxury Package), which allowed the windows to be lowered and the moon roof opened without the key in the ignition.

In the United States, the VG30E engine, which featured a variable intake manifold on both automatic and manual transmission models, was used on all 1989–1994 GXE models and 1989–1991 SE models. This generation Maxima was fitted with an independent rear suspension.

1990–1992 Nissan Maxima (J30) M sedan (Australia and South Africa)

1992-1994 Nissan Maxima (US)

The VE30DE engine was exclusively offered on the 1992–1994 Maxima SE. It was a 3.0L, 24 valve, DOHC motor. Its iron block was topped with aluminum cylinder heads and featured a dual length intake manifold (5-speed model only), variable intake valve timing, coil on plug ignition, plus a limited-slip differential. The VE30DE was rated at 190 hp (142 kW) at 5600 rpm and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm, and had a 6500 rpm redline. The SE models can be further distinguished from the GXE by their white-faced gauges, twisted-spoke turbine wheels (.5 inch wider than GXE wheels), body-colored grille, twin-tip mufflers, factory-tinted tail lights, black trim replacing chrome, firmer sport suspension, and optional 5-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission on all GXEs (RE4F02A) was an innovative compact unit from Jatco, which featured 'sport' and 'comfort' modes that shifted at different points. The 1992–1994 SE received an optional automatic transmission (RE4F04V) that had stronger internals, but kept the 'sport' and 'comfort' modes. The SE also had a rear spoiler and black side mirrors, whereas the GXE has body-color side mirrors.

During this year, the Maxima was first introduced to the European market, replacing the Laurel. For European markets, the model range was: 3.0, 3.0 S, and 3.0 SE.

All Australian and the three variants assembled locally in New Zealand had automatic transmissions and the VG30E Engine only. Versions sold in Japan and Europe had manual transmission option as an alternative to the automatic transmission that was standard in North America and Australia/New Zealand. The Maxima SE was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1990.

Another Bluebird Maxima continued on as a Nissan Bluebird U12 and solely as a station wagon with the VG20ET engine during this period until the introduction of the Nissan Bluebird U13, and the Avenir replaced the Bluebird wagon altogether.

1994–1999

Fourth generation (A32)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Cefiro (A32) Nissan Maxima QX (EU)
Production	February 1994–March 31, 1999
Assembly	Oppama, Japan Rosslyn, Gauteng, South Africa
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF
Related	Infiniti I30
Powertrain
Engine	1995 cc VQ20DE V6 2988 cc VQ30DE V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2,700 mm)
Length	1996-99: 189.4 in (4,811 mm) 1994-96: 187.7 in (4,768 mm)
Width	69.7 in (1,770 mm)
Height	55.7 in (1,415 mm)
Curb weight	2,870 lb (1,300 kg)

1995-1999 Nissan Maxima (US)

Designed in 1991, the fourth generation Maxima arrived in May 1994 for the 1995 model year as the A32. A new VQ30DE 190 hp (141 kW), 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) 3.0 litre V6 was the only engine option for the North American market. The VQ30DE earned a first spot on the Ward's 10 Best Engines List, and the VQ has now been recognized consecutively for every year since its introduction (as of 2012, 18 years running). The independent rear suspension of the previous generation was replaced with a lighter and cheaper torsion bar solid axle system, part of a general trend of cost cutting by Japanese manufacturers in the wake of the bursting of Japan's economic bubble.

The Maxima's primary competitor, the Toyota Cressida, was discontinued after the 1992 model year, with Toyota touting the front-wheel-drive Toyota Avalon, a stretched version of the Toyota Camry introduced in 1994, as its replacement.

In October 1996, the Maxima's exterior was refreshed for 1997, with new five-spoke alloy wheels, plastic (clear-lens) headlights vs. the previous glass headlights, a slightly different front and rear fascia with new redesigned tail-lights, the rear-facing part of the trunk was smoothed out to match the tail-lights, re-designed fog-lights and badge designs, and a chrome grille insert for GLE's (body color for SE models) was added. Among interior changes were a different steering wheel and CD player. Front seat-mounted side impact airbags were added as an option for 1998 and 1999 SE and GLE models. There were also structural modifications to improve crash worthiness for the 1997 to 1999 models. The 1999 Nissan Maxima also saw some minor changes: an Anti-Theft Engine Immobilizer was standard using a chip in the ignition key, as well as some minor body trims.

The 1999 Maxima SE was also available with a Limited Package which consisted of Titanium tinted SE-Limited emblems on the front doors, titanium tinted trunk emblems, and titanium tinted 16" alloy wheels. The interior gauge cluster was also titanium tinted and the optional leather seats were preforated and embossed with SE on the backrests. The front floor mats were also embossed with SE-Limited logos.

The North American 1995 Maxima included a Bose Sound System on the GLE (optional on the SE) which had a 6 speaker sound system, a Clarion system was also an option (non-Bose). The fourth generation Maxima was highly praised for its roomy interior.

This Maxima was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1995. The Maxima SE again made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1995 and 1996.

The 1995 VQ30DE (3.0 litre) engine produced 220 hp (164 kW) and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) of torque. With the manual transmission 0-60 mph took 7.2 seconds with a quarter mile time of 15.2-seconds at 92.4-mph. A top-of-the-line 1994 Maxima GLE equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission turned in a 8.0-second 0-60-mph run with a 16.0-second/89.4-mph quarter mile time.

At the time, the Maxima was one of few four-door, six-cylinder cars sold in North America with a standard manual transmission. The automatic was a no cost option, which most Maximas were equipped with.

As the Maxima badge was retired in Japan, this particular generation was sold there as the Nissan Cefiro A32. The Cefiro badge had previously been used on a Nissan Laurel-based, higher specification model with rear-wheel drive (see A31 Cefiro). For the Japanese market, a Cefiro-badged station wagon was also available. One version of the Cefiro (Brougham VIP spec) was sold in the US as the Infiniti I30, yet the Cefiro had subtle differences including different fog light arrangements, one-piece headlights and a few assorted engine options (VQ20/25/30DE). The Cefiro was actually introduced first, in August 1994, and was originally available with 2 and 2.5 liter V6 engines with 155 or 190 PS (114 or 140 kW) JIS.

This generation was also sold as the Maxima QX in Europe and other parts of the world, and was mostly identical to the Japanese Cefiro except for minor trim differences. In Europe a smaller, two-litre V6 engine with 140 PS (103 kW) was available in addition to the larger 3.0, to suit local taxation structures.

1999–2003

Fifth generation (A33)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Cefiro (A33) Nissan Maxima QX (Europe)
Production	1999–2003
Assembly	Yokosuka (Oppama), Japan Tehran, Iran (Pars Khodro)
Designer	Jerry Hirshberg (1997)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Related	Infiniti I30/I35
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L VQ30DE-K V6 3.5 L VQ35DE V6
Transmission	6-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.3 in (2,751 mm)
Length	1999-2001: 190.5 in (4,839 mm) 2001-03: 191.5 in (4,864 mm)
Width	70.3 in (1,786 mm)
Height	1999-2001: 56.5 in (1,435 mm) 2001-03 GXE: 56.3 in (1,430 mm) 2001-03 SE: 56.7 in (1,440 mm) 2001-03 GLE: 57.1 in (1,450 mm)
Curb weight	3,245 lb (1,472 kg)

Introduced in May 1999, the 2000 Maxima (designated A33) was a refresh of the previous car, designed at Nissan's La Jolla, California design studio during 1996-1997 under Jerry Hirshberg. The engine was a 222 hp (166 kW) (227 hp SE) 3.0 L VQ30DE V6. The vehicle has a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. This variant of the VQ30DE was referred to as the VQ30DE-K. In this variation, there were three models (GXE, GLE, and SE). The "GXE" was the base Maxima. The GLE was the "luxury" variant and had 16 inch wheels.

This generation was used for the Infiniti I30, (Nissan Cefiro). The 2001 Maxima had a special edition of the SE model which commemorates the 20th anniversary of this particular Nissan. In addition to the usual SE content, this car has the Infiniti I30's engine, special side skirts (ground effects) all around the lower perimeter, and a few special touches to the interior. The last addition includes drilled metal "brushed metallic" pedals, a brushed metallic shifter, and stainless steel door sill plates that bear the name Nissan Maxima. The optional leather is perforated, unlike that in the regular SE. Finally, the "SE Comfort and Convenience Package" which includes a sunroof, 17" wheels, and a few other things is standard.

This generation of Maxima also saw Nissan introduce a Bridgestone-made engine mount with sensors that communicate with the ECM. Many transmission-like problems such as 'unable to shift into higher gears' resulted from worn engine mounts triggering signals to prevent the vehicle gaining higher speed. This problem was not often detected by the diagnostics conducted on the transmission and ECM as they were not the cause of the problem.

2002-2003 Nissan Maxima GLE (US)

In 2001, the engine was replaced for the whole lineup with a 3.5 L VQ35DE that produced 255 hp (190 kW) and 246 lb⋅ft (334 N⋅m) of torque. In addition, the model got a slight refresh with a larger grille opening, headlamps with high-intensity discharge (HID) low beams, a six-speed manual transmission with optional helical Torsen limited-slip differential borrowed from the Japan market Nissan Skyline GT-R, revised 17 inch six-spoke wheels on the SE models, new 17 inch seven spoke wheels on the GLE models, clear taillights, and some interior and exterior refinements over the 2000 to 2001 models.

For 2003, there was a special package called the Titanium Edition with special wheels and interior treatment, as well as a Meridian Edition package which included heated seats and steering wheel (usually leather, although some were available with heated cloth), and a GPS navigation system. The Titanium Edition was available in all colors, but a new color was available only with the Titanium Edition (Polished Titanium). In Russia and Europe, the Maxima is being sold as Nissan Maxima QX.

2004–2008

Sixth generation (A34)
Overview
Production	January 2003-April 2008
Model years	2004–2008
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee, USA (Nissan USA)
Designer	Shiro Nakamura (2000)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Nissan FF-L platform
Related	Nissan Altima Nissan Teana Nissan Murano Nissan Quest
Powertrain
Engine	265 hp (198 kW) 3.5L VQ35DE V6
Transmission	6-speed manual 4/5-speed automatic CVT (Ratios: 2.371-0.439)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.2 in (2,824 mm)
Length	2003-2006: 193.5 in (4,915 mm) 2006-2008: 194.4 in (4,938 mm)
Width	71.7 in (1,821 mm)
Height	58.3 in (1,481 mm)

The sixth generation Maxima, code-named A34, was only sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It was introduced in production form as a 2004 model at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. In the US, it came with the venerable VQ35DE, a DOHC V6 engine that produced 265 hp (198 kW) at 5,800 rpm, and 255 lb⋅ft (346 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm and a standard SkyView fixed glass paneled roof that ran down the center of the roof (from front to back) or an optional traditional style moonroof. Sixth generation Maximas were available in two trim levels, SE and SL. The sporty SE model came standard with 18 inch alloy wheels, P245/45R18 V-rated tires, stiffer suspension, rear spoiler, and an optional 6-speed manual transmission. The luxurious SL model came standard with 17 inch alloy wheels, P225/55R17 H-rated tires, wood interior trim, 6-disc CD changer, Bose stereo, leather seats, and HID headlights and optional heated front seats. The manual transmission was never offered in the SL model and the suspension is tuned for a softer ride. For all models, the rear independent suspension returned, this time using a multilink setup similar to the Altima.

2007-2008 Nissan Maxima

For 2007, the U.S. Maxima became available with a standard Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) (similar to the CVT found in the Nissan Murano) as the only transmission choice; a manual transmission was no longer offered; however the CVT featured a manual mode. It featured a freshened front fascia (lacking the center block, the new grille closely resembled that of the 2007 Altima). Headlights were also more squared around the edges. New interior changes included an Intelligent Key system with integrated ignition tab, new center console, and new white-and-orange gauges as opposed to the older pure orange ones.

For 2008, the Maxima's fuel economy dropped from 21MPG-City / 28MPG-Highway to 19/25 due to new EPA measurement methods. A Platinum Edition package of convenience features was added for 2008 on both SE and SL trim levels.

In Australia, the Maxima had the same engine, but Nissan set the maximum power to only 170 kW (228 hp). The Australian version was code-named J31, shared the VQ engine, initially only came with a four-speed automatic transmission, and had quite noticeable styling differences to the North American version as it was based on the Nissan Teana. In 2007, it received a minor mid-life facelift and an all new CVT automatic transmission.

In Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Singapore, Brunei, Latin America & the Caribbean, it was sold as the Nissan Cefiro. It was built on the standard FF-L platform of the Altima/ US Maxima combined with certain pieces of the JM Nissan Presage design same as the Nissan Teana previously mentioned. The American Maxima was known for a balance between sport and luxury; other models tended to focus more on comfort.

2008–2014

Seventh generation (A35)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Maxima
Production	May 27, 2008–2014
Model years	2009–present
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee, USA (Nissan USA)
Designer	Shiro Nakamura (2006)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Nissan D platform
Related	Infiniti JX Nissan Altima (L32) Nissan Elgrand (E52) Nissan Murano (Z51) Nissan Pathfinder (R52) Nissan Quest Nissan Teana (J32) Renault Laguna III Renault Latitude Renault Samsung New SM7 Renault Samsung SM5 (L43)
Powertrain
Engine	290 hp (216 kW) 3.5L VQ35DE V6
Transmission	CVT (Ratios:2.371-0.439)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	109.3 in (2,776 mm)
Length	190.6 in (4,841 mm)
Width	73.2 in (1,859 mm)
Height	57.8 in (1,468 mm)
Curb weight	3,565 lb (1,617 kg)

The Maxima was redesigned for the 2009 model year and made its debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The newest Maxima (A35) is built on the Nissan D platform sharing this platform with the fourth generation Nissan Altima and second generation Nissan Murano. The exterior and interior design are somewhat similar to the Infiniti G and Infiniti M, with an updated navigation interface and optional USB interface system that works with the main console monitor and steering wheel controls. It serves as Nissan's North American top front wheel drive sedan at Nissan dealerships.

It comes equipped with a revised version of the VQ35DE engine producing 290 hp (216 kW) and 261 lb⋅ft (354 N⋅m) of torque. A revised version of Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuously variable transmission) with paddle shifting is the only transmission offered, with no manual or regular automatic available. A diesel version was expected to be released for the 2010 model year, although those plans were not realized. The new Maxima is offered in S and SV trims with several premium and technology packages available. The current Maxima's design trades height and length for a sleeker styling, although the width has been increased slightly. The keyless ignition uses a push button to start and stop the engine . In the U.S., the seventh generation Maxima went on sale in late June 2008.

Performance:

• 0–60 mph: 5.8 sec.
• Skid Pad Lateral acceleration: 0.85 g
• 1/4 Mile: 14.5 sec. @ 99 mph (159 km/h)
• 60–0 mph: 128 feet (39 m)

2012

2012 Nissan Maxima S

For 2012, Nissan modestly freshened the Maxima's exterior, with a new grille, taillamps and new alloy wheels in 18- and 19-inch diameters. Two new exterior colors, Java Metallic and Dark Slate, are available.

The cabin receives a few small trim changes, but is mostly carried over from 2011. A new $710 Limited Edition package on the Maxima 3.5 S bundles smoked xenon headlights, a compass in the rearview mirror, 18-inch dark-silver-finish alloy wheels, rear spoiler, dark satin chrome grille, foglamps, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and metallic trim.

2013

The 2013 Nissan Maxima still remains the same for the most part and will be available with three new option packages for the new model year. There is the Bose Audio Package, a Bose audio upgrade with SiriusXM Satellite Radio functionality. The "SV Value Package" includes the premium Bose audio setup along with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated outside mirrors. The Sport Package includes alloy wheels and a climate-controlled driver’s seat, combined with the Maxima Monitor Package (a rearview camera system, seven-inch color monitor, USB port and an iPod storage net). One new exterior color, Pearl White, is offered for the new model year on Maxima.

2014

Nissan's flagship Maxima sedan entered the 2014 model year in late August 2013 with the addition of a new S Value Package. This has smoked appearance HID Xenon headlights, a compass in the rearview mirror, rear spoiler, fog lights, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and metallic trim treatment. The Monitor and HID Xenon Packages were no longer available, while the SV received most of the Monitor package as standard. There were two new exterior colors: Gun Metallic (replaces Dark Gray) and Midnight Garnet (replaces Tuscan Sun); for eight available exterior colors total. The 3.5 S and 3.5 SV were the available models, each powered by a 290 hp (216 kW) 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an Xtronic CVT.

2015

According to Nissan North America Chairman Jose Munoz, the 2015 Maxima is going to arrive with an exterior that is nearly identical to the Sport Sedan Concept that was unveiled earlier this year.

References

• "Datsun 810 and Nissan Maxima". Edmunds.com. Retrieved March 25, 2005.
• "New photos of Nissan Maxima".
• "2011 Nissan Maxima Specifications".

External links

• Official Nissan Maxima Website