Redesigned 2009 Maxima

With fresh new styling, a more aggressive stance and improved performance and handling, Nissan describes the all-new Maxima as returning to its roots as a "4-Door Sport Car" performance sedan.

A slightly shorter wheelbase than the previous model, wider track and wider, more sculpted fenders add to a more aggressive stance. The wide grille, raised hood and large wraparound headlights show a definite influence from the GT-R sports car and the look is completed by standard 18-inch and available 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. At the rear the design includes a high trunk lid, new L-shaped taillights with 12 LEDs, dual exhaust with chrome tips and an available rear spoiler.

Offered as either the Maxima 3.5 S or the Maxima 3.5 SV, both are powered by an upgraded and refined version of Nissan's heralded VQ-Series V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower (estimated) and 261 lb-ft of torque (estimated), an increase of 35 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over the previous model. A revised Xtronic CVT transmission with manual mode, available paddle shifters and a new "Ds mode" (drive sport) is the only transmission offered.

With the goal for the new Maxima to create "the best performing front engine, front-wheel drive car in the world," the development team tested prototypes at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, where much of the performance development work for the GT-R was also carried out.

Inside, the cockpit design is oriented toward the driver, designed to enhance the feel of a sports car, with a special driver's sport seat with available manual thigh extension and heating and cooling, offset shifter lever that is closer to the driver, and "Daylight Illumination" gauges. For more tailored and refined interior styling, premium materials including available metallic-link trim and Eucalyptus wood-tone trim are offered. The 2009 Maxima is scheduled to go on sale in June 2008.

Nissan also showed the Denki Cube Concept, a lithium-ion battery-powered electric vehicle, to reinforce the company's commitment to produce an electric vehicle but also as a preview of plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered next-generation Cube in the U.S beginning in spring 2009.

Based on the production Cube, the 1.3-liter gasoline engine is replaced in the Denki Cube Concept with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power and stability with a more compact size and packaging flexibility than conventional cylindrical batteries. Nissan confirmed plans to have an electric vehicle in fleet use by 2010 and commercially available by 2012.

Based on the current production Cube, the Denki Cube Concept features new front and rear styling including an "electric themed" grille design that incorporates an AC power charging port, a "lightning" headlight design and new bumpers and turn signal lamps. At the rear, the signature Cube asymmetrical rear quarter area (with wraparound glass on one side) adds a new bumper with hidden taillights. The roof sheet metal has been replaced with a full fixed glass panel.

While the wheelbase was increased 9.4 inches to accommodate the battery cells, the Denki Cube Concept includes only two rows of seats rather than the three rows of the production vehicle. The front and second row seats are joined by a revised instrument panel with an IP-mounted shift button, a special steering wheel design and new door panel and cargo area trim.