Nissan Banks on Racier Maxima to Draw Younger Buyers
8 years, 10 months ago - 5 June 2015, Automotive News
Nissan gives its eighth-generation Maxima, redesigned for 2016, racier exterior styling, with a floating roof, a beefier beltline, an enlarged front grill and a fastback rear design.
The car receives an upgraded interior that features a cockpit angled 7 degrees toward the driver, and a list of options that includes premium seat stitching, leather trim, a heated steering wheel and a dual-panel moonroof. Positioned to intercept younger premium-segment consumers, the new Maxima will re-emphasize the “4-door sports car” marketing tagline of years past. Nissan has redesigned the model’s standard V-6, kicked up the power to 300 hp at 6,400 RPM, and reduced the friction of its Xtronic continuously variable transmission. The car is now 79 pounds lighter, sits on a more rigid chassis and boasts a 14% improvement in fuel economy.
| 2016 Nissan Maxima | 2015 Toyota Avalon | |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in. | 110 in, |
| Length | 192.8 in. | 195.3 |
| Width | 73.2 in. | 72.2 in. |
| Height | 56.5 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Curb weight | 3,471 lbs. | 3505 lbs. |
| Base engine | 3.5-L DOHC V-6 | 3.5-L DOHC V-6 |
| Horsepower | 300 @ 6,400 rpm | 268 @ 6,200 |
| Torque, lbs.-ft. | 261 @ 4,400 | 248 @ 4.700 |
| EPA mpg | 22 City/30 Highway | 21 City/31 Highway |
