Nissan Maxima: The Fugly is in the Details

Prior to the millenium, the Nissan Maxima was a mid-size sedan known for it's sporting intentions but not it's stunning looks.


For 2000, Nissan attempted to change that. However, what was previously a slightly boring looking and anonymous everycar instead became an awkwardly proportioned everycar. And what's up with the rear end? It looks as if during the clay model stages someone kiboshed the rear end design by slicing it off with a clever, and attaching the rear end design from another car two sizes too small.


For 2004, the car grew in size but gained an attractive new wedge-like shape. But there was still something strange about the rear end.


What exactly are these small pieces of body panel between the tail lights and the trunk? They've always bugged me, as the mess up the body lines. Are they to make rear end repairs more expensive? Why not just have the tail lights meet the bumper cut line?


Nissan again reworked the Maxima for 2009, this time restoring some of the sporty flavour lost with the Maxima grew in 2004. It's a taut and muscular design (although some might argue it's a bit too curvy to the point of looking overweight) that gains more than a few details from the 370Z. Including another strange detail - the L-shaped headlights. Although I've grown to them over the past couple years (I don't think I would personally classify them as fugly after seeing them a few times), they're still a very polarizing design detail.

2009 Nissan 370Z

The new Nissan 370Z is a replacement for 350Z which was developed under the code name C53D and has the general shape of the current 350Z. The new 370Z will have LED headlamps, similar in design to the 2009 Maxima.








The new 370Z comes with a stubbier and sharp crease at the edge of the hatch and is available in 2 trim levels, the base and the Touring.








The 370Z now has a shorter wheel base and is made up of more light weight materials. Also, acceleration, braking and cornering has now improved with the lighter curb weigh. Suspension of the 370Z is handled by a double wishbone setup front with a multi link setup on the back. Also part of the 370Z package is the Brembo brakes as well as 18 and 19 inch wheels.






There is improvement in the power as the 370Z is powered with a V6 3.7-liter unit from Infinity G37, capable of producing 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.







Nissan updated its 6 speed manual transmission with automatic features such as downshift rev-matching. The 370Z will automatically respond with a blip of the throttle once the river selects lower gear and clutch has been lifted up resulting in a perfect heel to toe shift. For those who would rather not use the clutch pedal, they can opt for the 7-speed automatic with manual feature which comes with a paddle shifters.









Upgrades can be seen on the 370Z compared to the 350Z in terms of material and components on the interior though there is resemblance to the G37. Also, with the relocation of the car's trunk mounter support member, the 370Z offers buyer more cargo room. Comes standard are the Anti-slip cloth seats and eight speaker Bose audio system with aux input although only cars equipped with navigation system will enjoy the iPod compatibility feature.