NICO drives the ALL NEW 2009 Nissan Maxima

The new 2009 Maxima first debuted this year at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and has finally been making it to dealerships nation-wide. The new redesigned Maxima is available in 2 trim levels: 3.5 S, 3.5 SV.The 3.5SV may be had with Sport or premium Packages. There are two additional packages available as well: Cold Package and Technology Package.

A trip to the local dealership revealed the 2009 Maxima had arrived and the 3.5 SV Sport Package model was in rare form. At first glance the stance of the Nissan Maxima caught me off guard as internet photos do this car no justice. The stance is aggressive at certain angles due to its wide fenders and the lines of the car give it a subtle stance in other angles. I knew one thing for sure, I had to take it for spin to see if the angry stance was all show or was there some go?

So, with keys in pocket its time to venture out and see what this Super Black beauty is all about. Push button start and the 290hp VQ35 comes to life with a gentle growl. The memory driver seat system positions the seat and the race inspired steering wheel with paddle shifters. As I select the reverse gear, I notice the outside mirrors tilt downward to allow greater visibility, excellent touch. I then instinctively select the Manual mode transmission setting, which allows for use of those perfectly positioned paddle shifters, and we are off.

As we make it out onto the roadway, I let the right foot do some work. The engine comes to life, steady feel of torque pulls you back in your seat up to redline. Each flick of the paddle shifter changes into each gear of the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) smoothly. You feel connected to the car and the roadway, as the 19” sport wheels wrapped in all season 245/40 tires provide a sporty ride along with the sport tuned suspension, which includes re-tuned struts/shocks, stiffer springs and a larger front stabilizer bar (26.5mm). The car handles well in the corners and use of the paddle shifters to gear down add to the driving excitement. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) is standard equipment for all models.

Now, this car is no lightweight by any means and the brakes brought the car down from 60mph with ease. Steering mounted controls allow you to navigate the radio system and cruise control functions. The digital Bose audio system w/6-CD changer, 9 speakers, two subwoofers and center channel provide a crisp clear sound. Interior is spacious, the driver seat is 8-way power with manual lumbar support and manual thigh support extension, which definitely is a plus in my book.

The passenger seat has 4 way power but doesn’t have lumbar or thigh support. All seats are leather with parallel-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. A 60/40 split fold down rear seat with lock is standard equipment, but on this particular model there is a rear-seat trunk pass through and fold down armrest with dual cup holders. All models are equipped with power sliding moon-roof and a dual panel moon-roof with power retractable sunshades is available on the 3.5 SV premium package. The trunk definitely provides enough room and comes with a cargo net on the 3.5 SV Sport and Premium Package models.

To answer my question, is the 3.5 SV Sport Package Maxima all show and no go? That is absolutely not the case. With the New Maxima’s D-Platform, you can have the best of both worlds: The sophistication of a sedan or exhilaration of a sports car.

Huge thanks go out to Larry Wise, Sales Manager, of Bill Collins Nissan and Donny Hardin, Sales/Leasing Agent, for taking time out to allow me to test drive the 4-DSC.

Review by: Michael Henderson (RED_DET) – NICOclub Moderator