2009 Nissan Maxima

Nissan redesigned its popular Maxima sedan for 2009. The automaker hopes this vehicle will return to its glory days as the "Four-door Sports Car."

The 2009 Maxima features a low, squared-off grill, swept-back, split headlamps and an aggressively curvy rear end. Its interior clearly draws inspiration from the Infiniti M35 and M45 sedans, including a round control knob mounted high on the dash. Subtle chrome touches inside and out also follow current Nissan and Infiniti design trends. The innovative dual sunroof from the outgoing model is carried over to the new model.

'Maxima has always enjoyed a certain 'duality' - a unique fusion of sedan practicality with the soul of a sports car,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

'In recent years, however, competitive vehicles have caught up with Maxima in 'sporty' looks and performance. For 2009, Nissan is reclaiming its rich 4-Door Sports Car heritage with an infusion of emotional design, driving excitement and advanced technology - creating a silky, stimulating sports sedan like no other on the road today.'

Like the 2009 Skyline parked next to it during the press conference, the new Maxima's suspension was tuned on Germany's vaunted Nurburgring race track. It features a 290-horsepower V6 engine and, despite a 35 horsepower increase, Nissan says that fuel consumption will remain close to the outgoing 2008 model.

The Maxima features a three-mode Xtronic CVT with available paddle shifters and optional 19 inch wheels. Two models will be on offer - the entry-level 3.5S and the feature-laded 3.5SV.