Nissan Banks on Racier Maxima to Draw Younger Buyers

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.