Motor Authority - blog Category: Maxima

Diesel engine sales have stagnated in the U.S. due largely to lingering perceptions of the clattering, foul smelling contraptions of the 1970s and earlier. It hasn’t helped that many carmakers have been reluctant to even offer them because of the relatively high cost of emissions certification and small profit margins. This has had the compounded effect of artificially inflating the price of diesel models and nixing any savings made from reduced fuel consumption (in the short term at least).

Several carmakers are starting to offer diesels, taking advantage of recently introduced tax incentives, but many like Nissan and Acura are... Diesel engine sales have stagnated in the U.S. due largely to lingering perceptions of the clattering, foul smelling contraptions of the 1970s and earlier. It hasn’t helped that many carmakers have been reluctant to even offer them because of the relatively high cost of emissions certification and small profit margins. This has had the compounded effect of artificially inflating the price of diesel models and nixing any savings made from reduced fuel consumption (in the short term at least). Several carmakers are starting to offer diesels, taking advantage of recently introduced tax incentives, but many like Nissan and Acura are still undecided. Both companies promised to bring new diesel models to the U.S. by the end of the decade, but one has already pulled out and the other is reconsidering its plans. Nissan first confirmed to launch a clean-diesel Maxima sedan in the U.S. as far back as 2007 but those plans may be in jeopardy. Speaking with AutoObserver, a spokesman for the company said the original plans are under review and that there will be potentially some "delays or cancelations". The diesel engine in question is a 3.0L V6 turbo developed jointly with Renault for roughly $245 million. It’s rated at 235hp (175kW) and offers fuel-economy of about 33mpg (7.2L/100km) in a sedan similar in size to the Maxima. In Europe, Nissan is expected to use the engine for the Pathfinder and Navara as well as the Infiniti FX, EX and G37.2009 Nissan Maxima Read More

Renault is the latest carmaker to succumb to the pressures of the global economic crisis, announcing this week a massive 78% drop in profits - down to $769 million - as well as a 4% drop in global sales. Speaking at the profit warning press conference, CEO Carlos Ghosn described the economic situation as a “profound crisis” and conceded that “drastic actions” will need to be taken.

Renault’s single priority for the year ahead is to aim for positive free cash flow and to achieve this management is considering dropping several models or replacing them with cheaper alternatives. One of the likely victims is the ... Renault is the latest carmaker to succumb to the pressures of the global economic crisis, announcing this week a massive 78% drop in profits - down to $769 million - as well as a 4% drop in global sales. Speaking at the profit warning press conference, CEO Carlos Ghosn described the economic situation as a “profound crisis” and conceded that “drastic actions” will need to be taken. Renault’s single priority for the year ahead is to aim for positive free cash flow and to achieve this management is considering dropping several models or replacing them with cheaper alternatives. One of the likely victims is the midsize Laguna, which will reportedly be culled at the end of its current product cycle in roughly three years. Other models likely to be axed include the Espace MPV and Vel Satis tourer, according to Auto Motor and Sport. Instead, Renault will look at adding a new hybrid vehicle to its lineup as well as source a low-cost sedan based on the Nissan Maxima platform and manufactured by its South Korean partner Samsung. Renault is also expected to use the former Espace and Vel Satis production lines to start build a new range of commercial vehicles from as early as next year. Read More

Diesel engine sales have stagnated in the U.S. because of lingering perceptions of the clattering, foul-smelling contraptions of the 1970s and earlier. Many carmakers have been reluctant to even offer them in America because of the cost of emissions certification and small profit margins, but Renault-Nissan have just announced their first-ever V6 diesel engine and it will be coming to the U.S. in the Maxima sedan.

Many other Renault-Nissan vehicles will also get the powerplant, which is rated at 235hp (175kW) from its 3.0L displacement. Estimates put the diesel engine's fuel consumption at around 32mpg (7.2L/100km). Among the vehicles the... Diesel engine sales have stagnated in the U.S. because of lingering perceptions of the clattering, foul-smelling contraptions of the 1970s and earlier. Many carmakers have been reluctant to even offer them in America because of the cost of emissions certification and small profit margins, but Renault-Nissan have just announced their first-ever V6 diesel engine and it will be coming to the U.S. in the Maxima sedan. Many other Renault-Nissan vehicles will also get the powerplant, which is rated at 235hp (175kW) from its 3.0L displacement. Estimates put the diesel engine's fuel consumption at around 32mpg (7.2L/100km). Among the vehicles the new six-pot diesel will call home are the Renault Laguna, Nissan Pathfinder and Navara (Europe, other markets), Infiniti FX, EX and G37 as well as an upcoming large sedan jointly built by Renault and Samsung, reports Automotive News Europe. Whether the Infiniti diesels will also eventually become available in America as well as their debut market of Europe is unclear. Previous reports indicated that Infiniti did not have any plans to bring diesels to the U.S., but the Maxima could be used as a way to test the waters before bringing the option to its luxury Infiniti line. Competition from BMW and Mercedes diesels is also a possible justification for the move. At any rate, Europe will have the Infiniti diesels by 2010. A $245 million joint development project between the allied carmakers birthed the engine, and production is expected to ramp up from current levels involving small teams building 25 engines each week to full-scale assembly of 100 engines per week during the first six months of this year. About 10,000 of the V6 diesels could be produced annually at Renault's Cleon factory.2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible Read More

Nissan is not only celebrating its tenth year at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Auto Show, as 2008 also marks the carmaker’s 50th anniversary of selling cars and trucks in North America. As part of the celebrations, Nissan has unveiled 12 new specialty vehicles at this year’s SEMA event that it has built together with a number of aftermarket vehicle suppliers and customizers as well as its own engineering staff.

The 12 vehicles, ranging from the GT-R supercar to a Nissan employee-built ’32 Ford Highboy hot rod powered by a Nissan 300ZX engine, were unveiled today in Las Vegas. In addition, Nissan’s... Nissan is not only celebrating its tenth year at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Auto Show, as 2008 also marks the carmaker’s 50th anniversary of selling cars and trucks in North America. As part of the celebrations, Nissan has unveiled 12 new specialty vehicles at this year’s SEMA event that it has built together with a number of aftermarket vehicle suppliers and customizers as well as its own engineering staff. The 12 vehicles, ranging from the GT-R supercar to a Nissan employee-built ’32 Ford Highboy hot rod powered by a Nissan 300ZX engine, were unveiled today in Las Vegas. In addition, Nissan’s official in-house tuner, Nismo, has also brought out a number of performance components and accessories for show. Some of the highlights include the ‘Stillen’ Maxima, which has received the full aftermarket treatment from well-known Nissan race driver and builder Steve Millen. Modifications include engine airflow management improvements, rear roof and deck lid spoilers, custom wheels and tires and a two-tone black-and-silver paint treatment. Steve Millen has also payed tribute to the National Guard with a transformed Altima Coupe called the Citizen Soldier. The vehicle, complete with military themed paint and custom interior upgrades, was the centerpiece of the National Guard recruitment display at Hot Import Night events in 2008. The current 350Z was also on show, tuned by the Westside Group and legendary Japanese tuner Mines Performance, who together have created a wide range of body and powertrain modifications. Another vehicle worth mentioning is the Z Highboy Roadster, which Nissan employee Jack Taylor built using a 300ZX drivetrain and inspiration from the classic 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster.2008 Nissan SEMA lineup Read More

Having teased the new Maxima for several days before its New York Auto Show debut earlier this year with hints of bringing back the 4DSC - Four-door Sports Car - moniker, Nissan has finally released full pricing information on their new sedan. Starting at just under $30,000 in the U.S., the car offers upgraded power and features while actually lowering the price.

The new car will be offered in two trims, the 3.5 S and 3.5 SV, both featuring the award-winning 3.5L V6 found throughout Nissan's lineup. Both cars are also fitted with the company's Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Power from the V6 is up 35hp (26kW) over the... Having teased the new Maxima for several days before its New York Auto Show debut earlier this year with hints of bringing back the 4DSC - Four-door Sports Car - moniker, Nissan has finally released full pricing information on their new sedan. Starting at just under $30,000 in the U.S., the car offers upgraded power and features while actually lowering the price. The new car will be offered in two trims, the 3.5 S and 3.5 SV, both featuring the award-winning 3.5L V6 found throughout Nissan's lineup. Both cars are also fitted with the company's Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Power from the V6 is up 35hp (26kW) over the previous generation car to 290hp (216kW), while fuel economy also improves by a point in highway driving to 19mpg city/26mpg highway (12.4L/100km city, 9.0L/100km highway). Base price for the S model is $29,290, while the SV starts at $31,990. New features include an enhanced interior with a more driver-oriented 'super cockpit' - ergonmically close and sport-oriented controls. A full complement of technological features including a RearView monitor, hard-drive nav system with XM NavTraffic information, voice recognition capability and 9.3GB of storage for music. Optional upgrades include a Sport package, available on the SV models, that adds 19-inch wheels and more tautly tuned suspension, leather seats and paddle shifters. A premium package, also available on SV models, adds a dual-panel moonroof, 7-inch color screen RearView Monitor and Eucalyptus wood-tone trim. Nissan says the exterior design of the new Maxima is intended to impart a feeling of 'liquid motion' more common to exotic sports cars than family sedans. A slightly shorter wheelbase and wider track than the outgoing model add to the aggressive stance and lend credibility to the revival of the 4DSC nameplate. With 290hp (216kW) on tap, the car should certainly accelerate with adequate verve to deserve the appellation. 2009 Nissan Maxima2009 Nissan Maxima Read More

Although we saw several images of the new Maxima just a couple days ago, no details of the new car were yet available. Now that Nissan has officially revealed the car at the New York auto show, we can bring you the full story - and a full gallery of high-res photos - on the Maxima's return to its four-door sports car roots.

Powered by a 290hp 3.5L V6 generating 261lb-ft of torque, the new Maxima shares power specifications very close to the original 350Z, gaining 35hp and 9lb-ft over the 2008 Maxima. Nissan says the exhaust is tuned to balance sporty sound with comfortable cruising. Use of technology like a six-point engine mounting system... Although we saw several images of the new Maxima just a couple days ago, no details of the new car were yet available. Now that Nissan has officially revealed the car at the New York auto show, we can bring you the full story - and a full gallery of high-res photos - on the Maxima's return to its four-door sports car roots. Powered by a 290hp 3.5L V6 generating 261lb-ft of torque, the new Maxima shares power specifications very close to the original 350Z, gaining 35hp and 9lb-ft over the 2008 Maxima. Nissan says the exhaust is tuned to balance sporty sound with comfortable cruising. Use of technology like a six-point engine mounting system to control noise, vibration and harshness means smooth, quiet travel. All new Maximas come equipped with a CVT with manual mode. A special Ds mode enhances sporty performance even further by allowing variable manual mode ratios through clever use of the CVT, as well as optional paddle shifters. Designers focused on bringing back the heritage of late 1980s and early 1990s Maximas by halting development of the new Maxima half-way through the process, scrapping everything, and starting over at the Nurburgring. In the process, Nissan set a very high goal for itself: to produce “the best performing front engine, front-wheel drive car in the world." That would be no mean feat, with fierce competition ranging in size from cars like BMW's Mini Cooper all the way up to Acura's sports sedans, and myriad others. Nissan says the body rigidity, suspension and steering of the new Maxima are competitive with Europe's sports sedans. Appearance of the new car was addressed also. The previous generation Maxima won several awards for its generally excellent nature, but it left a bit to be desired in the design department. The new Maxima takes some very aggressive steps to remedy the blandness of its predecessor, especially in the headlights and front fascia. A dual-panel moonroof adds visibility and light to the interior of the car, and out back new LED taillights in a dramatic L-shape bring the Maxima to the cutting edge of design.2009 Nissan Maxima Read More