04 maxima???

[del]

it's the nissan altima II!!!

not what i expected from nissan after beautiful cars like the 350z and g35's. what are they thinkin?

btw, sticks with a FWD 3.5L V6 altima FF-L (or something like that)platform.

[Moppie]

And more importantly its finnaly ment to be a global model.
Meaning the US, Europe, Asia and of course Japan all get the same car.
At the moment the US gets a smaller lighter Maxima than Asia and Europe, while Japan gets the same car as Asia Europe, but badged as the Cefiro, and with smaller engines as an option.

So no superfast V8 scaring Maxima for the yanks, which is a shame for them.

[TatII]

moppie the maxima's in the states are still no slouch. they have 255 hp and can dash from 0-60 in 6 seconds flat and can run the 1/4 mile in 14.7 seconds. not bad for a car that weights over 3200lbs. that speed is in a mustang GT category.

[Moppie]

Tat im talking about what is ment to be the next model, not the current model, which is an over powered light weight 4dr rocket.

[TatII]

well i thought that pic of the max was a hoax. it looks too much like a atlima with 350z lights and rims. and wasn't the new max suppose to run on the 4.5 v8 and suppose to be based on the Q45 chassis as well?

[del]

Originally posted by TatII
well i thought that pic of the max was a hoax. it looks too much like a atlima with 350z lights and rims. and wasn't the new max suppose to run on the 4.5 v8 and suppose to be based on the Q45 chassis as well?

that would be nice wouldn't it? but unfortunately, i think this pic is legit. it's from autonews.com, a pretty reliable source. it's also in car and driver's website. so like Moppie said, no V8.

[TatII]

ooooh noo~~ that sucks!! that means the max is still in around the class as the altima. hmmmm

[del]

Originally posted by TatII
ooooh noo~~ that sucks!! that means the max is still in around the class as the altima. hmmmm

well i don't think nissan would pit it against another of its own cars, again. so i would assume, like in the past, this maxima is more upscale, will have more features, more options, and a more luxurious appeal as opposed to merely a sporty alternative. i'd say it competes more with the infiniti i35 than with the altima. which makes me wonder the value of paying more for the infiniti when you can have the maxima with basically the same features and performance for thousands less. we'll see what the nissan marketing gurus have in store for us.

[Moppie]

Well everywhere else in the world the Maxima is considered a large Fammily sedan, in the same class as the Acoord, 5 series BMW, Holden Comodore, Camry, etc etc and generaly competes with the Accord as being the best in the class. (the low level 5 series dont have enough power, and the more powerful 5 series are considered in another class as luxury sedans).

[Jimster]

Originally posted by Moppie
Well everywhere else in the world the Maxima is considered a large Fammily sedan, in the same class as the Acoord, 5 series BMW, Holden Comodore, Camry, etc etc and generaly competes with the Accord as being the best in the class. (the low level 5 series dont have enough power, and the more powerful 5 series are considered in another class as luxury sedans).

'

*cough* Diamante 0wnz Accord *cough*

[TatII]

Diamante? your kidding right? those things are almost non existing anymore, and the sales are soo bad that even failed to reach europe and its sales are declining soo fast in austrailia that it might just cease to exisist. compared to its rivals, it has poor build quality, no power, no personality, lacks handling, and mushy brakes. the car inspires no temptation for speed, and its not even as nice in a old mans way as a camry.

[Moppie]

LOL nice summery Tat! and oh so true.

[Jimster]

Originally posted by TatII
Diamante? your kidding right? those things are almost non existing anymore, and the sales are soo bad that even failed to reach europe and its sales are declining soo fast in austrailia that it might just cease to exisist. compared to its rivals, it has poor build quality, no power, no personality, lacks handling, and mushy brakes. the car inspires no temptation for speed, and its not even as nice in a old mans way as a camry.

Actually- I can tell you from experience that the Build quality of the Diamante is in fact better than it's Australian competitors and up to JApanese standards- Diamantes were a favourite among the ASB bank managemnet to give thier accountants as company cars- So natually I knew a lot of people that had them and even drove them on a fairly regular basis.

As for personality- EVERY large sedan in the world lacks personality bar the Volvo S80, Lancia Thesis, Peugeot 6O7 and Alfa Romeo 166and the diamante has FAR more personality than the other rep-boxes- it actually looks damned nice- nice crisp lines that won't offend anyone, while still looking nice.

Power- Trust me from my experience with the 3.0V6 there is plenty of power- yet alone the 3.5 V6 and VRX models- the handling experience isn't exciting- but that doesn't mean it suxx0rs at teh handling. The brakes aren't teh best but they're acceptable.

BTW- Mitsubishi have given the South Australaian plant that makes the Diamante a cash boost and a new one is expected around about 2004-2005- Also the Diamante is out selling the Maxima in NZ last I checked.