2014 Nissan Maxima in Hartford, CT - $21,550

Once known and often awarded for its unique and effective blend of luxury and performance at an attractive price, the flagship of the Nissan passenger car line-up had lost its way as of late. I am here to report there is GOOD NEWS for all Maxima fans out there! For 2016, the Nissan Maxima resets "4-Door Sports Car" positioning with a bold new design, authentic performance hardware and a bespoke interior that rivals luxury nameplates.

Created by driving enthusiasts for driving enthusiasts, the dramatically styled 2016 Maxima is a virtual clone of the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept. The new Maxima is 1.3 inches lower and 2.2 inches longer than the previous generation design. It is also lighter with greatly increased torsional rigidity.

Externally, the Maxima's bold front end combines Nissan's signature V-Motion grille and new lighting features, which add to its defining presence on the road. The boomerang-style headlights include standard LED Signature Daytime Running Lights. In the rear, two-piece taillights with their own integrated LED signature complete the distinctive lighting theme. The highly distinctive profile comes from its floating roof appearance with blacked-out A-pillars similar to the Nissan GT-R. Combined with the same blackout treatment applied to the B and C pillars, it creates a wraparound canopy appearance.

The futuristic appearance is finished with large dual exhaust chrome tailpipe finishers and 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels. Maxima SR adds 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that use a unique diamond-cut machined finish. One of the most distinctive design aspects of the new Maxima is the “4DSC” embossed within the taillight reflectors and headlights, a subtle reminder of Maxima’s signature 4-Door Sports Car heritage.

Available in S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum trim levels, power for the redesigned Maxima is generated by a completely revised 3.5L VQ35DE V6 engine. Torque is communicated to the pavement through a new performance-oriented Xtronic transmission. The engine utilizes more than 60 percent new parts (compared to the previous generation 3.5L V6), applying lessons learned from the Nissan GT-R such as sodium filled valves, to achieve a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/liter. The comprehensive re-engineering effort also resulted in a considerable 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy.

Well-matched to the new powerplant is a new Xtronic automatic transmission, which, with its lack of fixed ratios, affords the specific advantage of always being in the right gear at the right time. A wider gear ratio range allows for stronger acceleration from a standing start and an all-new D-Step shifting logic allows rapid shifts at high throttle openings. An all-new shift logic holds rpm when it detects high-G cornering, allowing for seamless re-acceleration on corner exit.

The foundation for the new Maxima's enhanced handling and ride comfort starts with a redesigned platform that features increased use of high strength steels, including the first use of 1.2GPa high strength steel in a Nissan sedan. This allows the 2016 Maxima to not only boast a 25 percent improvement in torsional rigidity, but also contributes to an 82-pound weight reduction (versus the previous generation

The suspension system consists of an independent subframe-mounted strut/coil spring design in front. In the rear is an independent multi-link double wishbone design with ZF Sachs dampers. The rear dampers features a monotube design often found in performance applications, for enhanced performance and fade resistance. Large stabilizer bars are found front (26.0 mm) and rear (26.5 mm).

Inside the passenger cabin the totally redesigned interior is anchored by a “command central” driver’s cockpit and a premium bespoke style crafted execution. The focus on the driver begins with a center stack angled seven degrees toward the driver (a lesson learned from the legendary GT-R) and a floating console that sits higher than the previous generation Maxima design, putting key controls within easy reach. The console also features luxurious padding on the sides with contrasted stitching. A new Display Commander control on the console allows fingertip control of the center display as befitting a premium sport sedan. The interior also features genuine stitching on the instrument panel, doors and console, available ambient lighting, available premium Ascot leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts, unique faceted finishers and a sporty D-shaped (flat-bottom) steering wheel.

Nissan's unique Zero Gravity front seats with sport bolstering are standard (eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat) and offer increased softness provided by a new three-layer foam design. They are offered in premium cloth, leather-appointed or premium Ascot leather-appointed seating surfaces. Heated and Climate-Controlled front seats and steering wheel are available depending on grade level. The rear seat now features a standard 60/40 split fold-down design.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 109.3; overall length: 192.8; width: 73.2; height: 56.5
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.5L V6 – 300 hp at 6,400 rpm and 261 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Transmission: Xtronic CVT automatic with manual shift mode
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city/30 highway
Cargo capacity: 14.3 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags with rollover sensor, tire pressure monitoring system, easy-fill tire alert, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, automatic headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, navigation system, NissanConnect, power automatic door locks, Nissan Intelligent Key with push button ignition, remote keyless entry, HomeLink universal transceiver, and rearview monitor. SV adds front/rear parking sensors. SL adds blind spot warning, intelligent cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, predictive forward collision warning, and forward emergency braking. SR adds LED projector headlamps, active ride control, active trace control, and active engine brake. Platinum adds around view monitor, moving object detection, and driver attention alert.

Optional safety features include full size spare tire.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Nissan Maxima sedan starts from $32,410 for the 3.5 S upto $39, 860 for the Platinum. Destination charges add $825.