Back in 1976, Japanese specialists from Nissan came up with the idea to create an upscale four-door sports car. Perhaps, in terms of luxury and interior space, it did not reach the full-size sedan, but it surpassed it in every way in terms of handling and dynamics. Five years later, a flagship model called Nissan Maxima appeared in the company's lineup, which fully met these requirements. Over the past forty years, seven generations of the model have changed. Among them were such examples as the Nissan Maxima A32, which was named the best import car in the US in 1995 and 1996 by Motor Trend, and its 3.0-liter engine took first place on the Ward list. True, in Russia the next fifth generation Nissan Maxima with the A33 index, which received the QX prefix, is better known. Unfortunately, it was from this car that the glory of the sports sedan gradually faded, in favor of the promotion of the cheaper youth model Altima. And, nevertheless, the idea of a four-door luxury sports sedan was not forgotten, and therefore the seventh generation Nissan Maxima with the A35 index, which debuted at the 2009 New York Auto Show, attracted increased attention of the general public. Realizing the importance of securing success, in 2011 Nissan presented an updated version of the Nissan Maxima.
The latest generation Nissan Maxima has a distinctive, non-standard appearance. Thanks to the peculiar false radiator grille and bifurcated head optics in the style of the Nissan GT-R, the "face" of the sedan looks sporty and aggressive. The overall silhouette is made in the proprietary Liquid Motion concept, smoothness and dynamics are noticeable both in the embossed sidewalls and in the shortened stern. The energetic appearance is complemented by LED rear optics and alloy wheels of the original form. The exterior of the vehicle may vary slightly from the trim level or tuning package. So if 18-inch wheels are available in the standard versions of S and SV, then with the Sport package the Nissan Maxima buyer gets 19 wheels, a rear spoiler and xenon headlights, and in the Premium package there is also a double panoramic sunroof.
Naturally, the level of equipment of the car's interior also changes depending on the equipment variant. However, since Nissan Maxima is the flagship of the company's lineup, even in the basic version, the buyer has the right to count on luxurious leather seats with contrasting stitching in the Infinity style, inserts and panels made of wood and polished metal, as well as dual-zone climate control, a keyless entry system , cruise control and six airbags. The seating position of the driver and front passenger is as comfortable as possible, because the first has a seat with eight-position adjustment and position memory, and the second has a four-position one. However, the sporty character is also reflected here, the landing is somewhat compartment. In addition, heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel are provided for their comfort. Below the steering wheel are the gearshift paddles, and behind it are three deep wells of the dashboard with white backlighting, and the main place on the center console is a seven-inch multi-function touchscreen. With it, you can control a lot of interesting and useful systems: navigation XM NavTraffic with voice guidance, communication (Bluetooth speakerphone), informational Zagat Survey, music Bose with eight speakers, 9.3 GB hard drive, satellite radio and iPod connectivity as well as a parking assistant equipped with a camera.
Due to the shortened wheelbase, the rear sofa of the Nissan Maxima A35 is not as comfortable as in a full-size sedan, and it is better to accommodate two people in width. Interestingly, in the Sport or Premium version, the rear seatbacks do not fold down, because there is a special panel that additionally increases the torsional rigidity of the body.
Despite the fact that Nissan Maxima as a flagship stands close to the models of the luxury division of the Japanese company Infinity, the technological difference is more than significant. Unlike Infinity cars, Maxima is built on a front-wheel drive FF-L platform with a low center of gravity, and this is felt in the behavior of the car. Independent suspension with transverse stabilizers, front strut, rear - "multi-link". Front and rear ventilated disc brakes with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. In addition, Variable Reverse Power Steering, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are responsible for driving comfort and safety.
Well, in conclusion of the speech about the technical characteristics of the Nissan Maxima - as a power unit, the only option is offered here - a 3.5-liter VQ35 gasoline V6 engine with a capacity of 290 horsepower. This motor is paired with the new Xtronic CVT with sport and manual modes.
In the US, the price of the 2012 Nissan Maxima ranges from $ 31,750 to $ 37,750 (depending on trim).
