Photos

(Photo courtesy of Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.)

SMYRNA, Tennessee — Sporting a bold new look, the first production model of the 2009 Nissan Maxima rolled off the assembly line on Tuesday.

The importance of the moment was not lost on Greg Daniels, senior vice president of Nissan\’s U.S. manufacturing. \”The Maxima is an important car for Smyrna and for Nissan,\” he said. \”It\’s our responsibility to build a high-quality vehicle each and every time.\”

Built on Nissan\’s new D platform, the eighth-generation Maxima features the company\’s 3.5-liter VQ V6, now rated at 290 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a new Xtronic continuously variable transmission with both manual and DS (Drive Sport) modes for more choice in vehicle control.

The new model has a more aggressive-looking exterior, coupled with a roomy and user-friendly interior. Fuel economy numbers are similar to the 2008 Maxima figures; an estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2009 model will be offered in two variants: the Maxima 3.5 S and the 3.5 SV. Pricing will be announced early this summer just before the new flagship four-door arrives at dealers.

John Schilling, senior manager for Nissan product PR, told
Inside Line that Maxima enthusiasts will get a first look at the vehicle later this week, when Nissan will offer tours of the Smyrna, Tennessee, plant.

What this means to you: Stay tuned for pricing on this sporty four-door in the next month or so. —
Mike Lysaght, Correspondent