New Nissan Maxima Introduces a 'Shift' in Modern Elegance

DANDENONG SOUTH, AUSTRALIA – April 20, 2009: The new Nissan Maxima sedan defines the concept of Modern Elegance - at an affordable price.

It delivers a class-leading blend of bold styling and distinctive luxury that adds a competitive edge in both the Australian medium and large car segments. And with a new two-engine strategy, Nissan will attract new customers to the Maxima range.

The big news for the new Maxima is a new 2.5-litre version of Nissan’s international award-winning VQ engine. The VQ25 engine powers the ST-L variant which enters the market - priced at $33,990.

Equipped to a very high level, the Maxima ST-L offers a smooth and powerful 134kW six-cylinder engine, new 6-speed M-Mode X-TRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission, Xenon headlights, LED taillights and 17-inch alloy wheels, all wrapped up in a fresh, modern exterior. Importantly, the 250 ST-L returns a highly competitive 9.5 litres/100kms fuel economy (combined cycle).

The spacious, welcoming and luxurious interior is well equipped with standard black leather upholstery, dual zone climate control air conditioning, and a six-stacker CD player with AUX-in and MP3 compatibility. The driver is pampered with an 8-way power seat with lumbar adjustment (4-way power adjust for the front passenger) and pushbutton engine start.

In addition, the new Nissan Maxima delivers a full complement of safety features such as six airbags, including curtain airbags, active front headrests, and ABS with VDC dynamic stability control. The new Nissan Maxima utilizes the company’s new D platform and incorporates improvements in the key areas of ride and handling, NVH and safety.

Many features, including the rear spoiler, wheel design and seat trim, were designed exclusively for the Australian market. Nissan Australia product planners worked extensively with Nissan Japan to tailor the new J32 Maxima for the local market.

Medium 4 cylinder FWD Competitor
This high level of standard luxury features gives the new Maxima 250 ST-L a very compelling argument with which to compete in the busy and sizeable medium four-cylinder front-wheel drive market.

The VQ25 six-cylinder engine is as silky smooth as it is frugal and responsive.

The new Nissan Maxima ST-S and Ti premium sedans feature a further refined version of the critically acclaimed VQ35DE series V6 engine, again in 3.5-litre capacity, delivering a muscular 185kW power – up 15kW on the outgoing model. With its luxury-car specification, the new Nissan Maxima now has new-found impetus to make deeper inroads into the Australian large car market.

The VQ 3.5-litre engine gives the Maxima ability to appeal to customers who may previously have considered locally-made rear-drive or front-drive big-sixes, in addition to customers of imported front-wheel drive six-cylinder class vehicles from Japan, Asia and Europe.

Over and above the specification of the 250 ST-L model, the mid-range 3.5-litre powered 350 ST-S version adds rear parking sensors, rear boot spoiler, Intelligent Key keyless entry system and heated front seats priced at $37,990.

The top of the range Maxima Ti model adds DVD satellite navigation with 3D mapping, a large 7-inch full colour touchscreen, exclusive to Nissan in this segment DVD player, reversing camera with predictive path technology and an 11-speaker premium BOSE audio system with auxiliary MP3 player input jack.

Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone technology is also included, controlled by steering wheel buttons, and the package is topped off by an electric glass slide and tilt sunroof. The Nissan Maxima 350 Ti is priced at $46,990.

The all new model arrives in showrooms in early June, replacing the very successful fourth generation J31 Maxima launched in Australia in 2003. This was the most successful Maxima since introduction of the Maxima lineage in 1990; and Nissan expects the fifth generation will continue to grow its share in this market.

“We’re Doubling the Appeal of Maxima”
Nissan Motor Co (Australia) Chief Executive Officer, Dan Thompson said the new Nissan Maxima offers a significant opportunity for Nissan in Australia.

“The new Maxima will play an increasingly important role in the large and medium car market by offering the best blend of distinctive luxury - at an attainable price,” he said.

“We are doubling the appeal of the new Maxima in Australia with our new two-engine model strategy and a very attractive entry price. “The new 2.5-litre V6 engine, the sharp pricing right in the heart of the four-cylinder market and the unprecedented high level of luxury features as standard, makes the Maxima 250 ST-L unbeatable. For a start, no one else in this market sector offers leather upholstery as standard.

“We are making four-cylinder large car customers an offer they can’t afford to ignore in the Maxima ST-L,” he said.

“And with the elegant Maxima ST-S and Ti sedans, an impressive ride and luxurious appointments will give the new Maxima the muscle to grow its sales in the upper end of the large car market where there are many customers looking for unparalleled value,” said Thompson.