Nissan is Banking on New Maxima’s Domination

Whenever a new variation of a popular model comes out, it’s pretty big news and implies a great deal of faith that the company has in the new design. After all, redesigns have helped cars shoot to the top of a segment before (Corolla) and they’ve been so bad that a once-popular model was completely discontinued (Taurus). For Nissan, they’re better the farm on the success of their brand new Maxima.

This definitely is not a series of tweaks or adjustments. The redesign is a true redesign taking the popular midsized sedan into a completely new aesthetic direction. It has always been popular but has never really reached its full potential because it’s a “tweener.” It costs more than standard midsized sedans but less than most luxury vehicles. It isn’t quite a sports sedan like a Dodge Charger Hellcat or a Chevy SS, but it’s definitely peppier than its competitors. Perhaps the biggest challenge it has faced comes form within; the popular Altima model is very similar for less money.

Based upon the specs and the reception after its surprise release during the Super Bowl, this could propel Nissan to the next level. That’s they’re hope, anyway.

Here’s their press release:

2016 Nissan Maxima “4-Door Sports Car” makes global debut at New York International Auto Show

President and CEO Carlos Ghosn unveils Nissan’s totally redesigned flagship Maxima “4 Door Sports Car”
All-new Maxima features a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and new lighter, yet more rigid chassis, bringing sports car-like acceleration and handling to large sedan segment
2016 Maxima is set to arrive in U.S. Nissan showrooms with a starting M.S.R.P. of $32,410*

NEW YORK – Nissan today unveiled the all-new Nissan Maxima during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show. Making the presentation was Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn, who addressed a range of topics including Nissan’s $10.1 billion investment in the U.S. in the past three decades.

The dramatically styled 2016 Maxima, created by driving enthusiasts for driving enthusiasts, looks like nothing else on the road today – and drives like nothing in the segment. It not only resets Maxima’s iconic “4-Door Sports Car” positioning, it sets a new standard for style, performance and technology in the large sedan segment.

Maxima’s styling showcases Nissan’s new design language –including V-Motion front end, signature boomerang lights, kick-up C-pillars and unique floating roof appearance. Inside, Maxima’s premium class-above, bespoke interior is anchored by a driver’s cockpit that rivals luxury vehicles.

The new Maxima’s 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 has been redesigned with more than 60 percent new parts (compared to the previous generation 3.5-liter V6). With 300 horsepower, Maxima has a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/liter. The revised engine helps Maxima achieve an anticipated 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy to an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon**.

Complementing the revised powerplant is a new, performance-oriented Xtronic transmission featuring a wider ratio range, which allows for stronger acceleration from a standing start and an all-new D-Step shifting logic that provides rapid shifts at high throttle openings.

Maxima’s next-generation technology features include a standard NissanConnectSM with navigation, featuring an 8.0-inch touch-screen display, along with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link™ applications (Sirius XM subscription required, sold separately), Online Search with Google® and other connectivity features. The NissanConnect system is paired with a standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) within the instrument cluster.

The new Maxima also offers an extensive range of safety, security and driving aids, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW). These features are available on Maxima SL, SR and Platinum grades. Maxima also offers an available Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system***, which monitors steering input patterns to establish a baseline and helps alert the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected (Maxima Platinum only).

The all-new Maxima, now offered in five grade levels including new SL, SR and Platinum grades, goes on sale in early summer 2015 with a $32,410 starting MSRP* – including standard NissanConnect with navigation, 8.0-inch touch-screen display, Remote Engine Start, RearView Monitor and more.

Public days for the 2015 New York International Auto Show, which is held at New York City’s Jacob Javits Center, are April 3 – 12, 2015.

For photography and additional information about the 2016 Nissan Maxima, along with the complete lineup of 2015 Nissan vehicles, please visit www.NissanNews.com.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.