I wonder how ell the new Maxima will sell for Nissan? It's been on the back burner and out of the limelight for so long I wonder how relevant it is to consumers.

It's selling about 2,400 units per month and -50% YTD vs. last year. The Altima for example sells about 29,000/mo.. -3%.

In any case it's looks like an interesting car and I hope it does well for Nissan.

 

I'd still take an entry level G37 over this any day of the week, they're about the same price. You get RWD, a conventional automatic(can't stand Nissan's CVT), and the base G37 handles nice because the stupid drive by wire steering is optional.

That being said, I love the design on the Maxima. Exterior is a knock out, interior is nice if a bit ho hum in that black/grey scheme

 

The Q40 (previously G37) never had drive by wire steering as an option. Assuming you meant Q50...

 

Q50 is not "about the same price" as a Maxima. The Q40 is an 8 year old design, so I would rather have a Maxima, personally.

 

The grille and headlights are an incongruous mess. The interior is nice. Rear is okay. At first glance, it looked like a lowered Murano.

IMHO Nissan is doing robo-grilles just like Acura has been doing "beaks".

 

it looks unique.

But it has bad camera angles, like the rear-back-heavy one below especially. Looks hunchbacked

I would get a mazda6 over this for thousands less, minus the power.

We are sorely missing RWDs in the $30k range.

 

Best way to get RWD in that price range is probably pony cars (Mustang, Camaro, Challenger), or the Dodge Charger and entry-level versions of the Chrysler 300.

 

I'm not sure that FWD or RWD configuration has anything to do with it. Some vehicles have a "D" shaped flat-bottom steering wheel simply to make it easier for those who are portly or have big legs to more easily get in and out.

 

Wow diamond stitches on a 40k car! It looks interesting and way better than the current one.

 

 

When I first saw the pictures of it yesterday, I didn't like it. Today it's starting to grow on me. :-)

 

LOL...thats not why cars have a flat bottomed steering wheel :roll eyes:

Its like having staggered wheels on a FWD car...its for show, not for go.

 

Granted, this is an ad, but sums it up pretty well:.

http://dtmfiberwerkz.com/access/flat...0mm-p-398.html

"A unique feature of this steering wheel is its flat shaped bottom section which allows the driver easier entry and exit to and from the vehicle and does not interfere with the knees or thighs during steering work."


Of course, your point about it being for show may also be true. Some people simply like the looks of it.

 

Flat bottomed steering wheels come from F1. The purpose of them in a street car is to look like they come from F1 cars. Its like a spoiler...serves no practical purpose.

 

Sorry, forgot about the name change at Infiniti, the new Q50 is the model I am referring to.

As for price, they're a lot closer than you'd think. New Maxima is $32k base, Q50 is $37k base. Loaded Maxima is like $40,000. So I'd say you're crazy not to cross shop them IMO.