The Nissan Maxima is all-new for 2009 and goes on sale this summer.

Nissan hopes the all-new seventh-generation Maxima will resurrect its position as a true flagship sports sedan in the company's lineup of cars. The Maxima used to be revered as a desirable car for those looking for a more stylish sedan with sporty looks without having to pay a premium for a European sedan. Unfortunately, in the eyes of earlier Maxima fans, the recent versions were nothing special.

The 2009 Nissan Maxima is slightly shorter in length but has a wider track than the old model, giving it a much more aggressive stance. The Maxima features what Nissan calls liquid motion in its styling. We think the unique L-shaped headlights and distinctive fenders set it apart from more ordinary four-door sedans of a similar size.

What's more, Nissan set a high goal for the new car, saying it will be "the best performing front-engine, front-wheel-drive car in the world." That's a tall statement, but Nissan is known for building strong V6 engines and we're expecting a hot sedan.

The 2009 Maxima is powered by a revised version of the award-winning 3.5-liter DOHC VQ-series V6. The power output is now rated at 290 horsepower, an increase of 35 horsepower over the old model. Torque is also up, to 261 pound-feet from 252 lb-ft in the previous generation. (Nissan says a diesel-powered Maxima will be available in 2010.)

As before, the transmission is an Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmissions), but it has been "tightened," according to Nissan engineers, for a more responsive feel. Paddle shifters will be offered and a new Drive Sport mode should appeal to those who like a more spirited response in shifting. Sadly, there will be no manual transmission version (because no one buys them).

Suspension has been refined all round: an independent subframe-mounted strut/coil spring front suspension with extensive use of lightweight aluminum parts and an independent multi-link double-wishbone rear suspension. Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System is standard. The Maxima comes standard with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 19-inch split five-spoke wheels are available as an option.

The interior features a sports car-like cockpit with an optional premium audio system, rearview monitor (camera), and Nissan hard drive navigation system with XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information, voice recognition and a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive. As Nissan's flagship model, the Maxima comes loaded with standard features and plenty of options.

Full details will be made available in the summer when the car goes on sale at a starting price around $29,000.

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