Nissan releases 2009 Maxima teasers

Hype surrounding the GT-R supercar-killer is just mellowing to a dull roar, the 350Z successor is generating renderings and rumors at a fever pitch and now Nissan has released 2009 Maxima teasers into the wild. The new car is expected to be a complete refresh and these teasers, though they don't reveal much, do give us hope.

The wheels are attractive polished alloy numbers, but to be realistic, wheels are one of the most easily and frequently replaced parts of any car. The C-pillar line and side rear-window curve don't look too far off the current model's dimensions, nor does the side-view of the rear fascia. In general, the lines of the current car seem to be softened and made rounder, but not drastically different in basic form.

The headlights, viewed from above, do give us a taste of what's to come, however. The highly angular design strongly resembles those seen in the latest batch of 370Z - the likely successor to the 350Z - renderings to hit the web.

Also of note is the 4DSC sticker in the window of the new Maxima. The acronym stands for Four Door Sports Car, and brings back the 1989-1994 third-generation Maxima, which bore a similar sticker and prided itself on its sporty performance and demeanor. Bringing the sports car back to the four-door Maxima may be just what Nissan needs to help keep the otherwise solid but sedate flagship sedan competitive in its class.