Comments on: Nissan Bringing Back 4DSC!

By: Lichtronamo

Lichtronamo — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:48:08 +0000

Zerofoo:

If you are in the market for a V6 powered sedan, why would you spend $4,090 more on a Maxima VS the Altima?

Because the Maxima is slightly bigger, has a nicer interior and better exterior, IMO.

If you are a driving enthusiast, and you like Nissan’s V6, why wouldn’t you spend $3,580 more on a rear-drive car with more power, better interior, and a better dealer experience?

Because its too small and too expensive with AWD.

Those two questions make it hard for Nissan to justify the existence of the Maxima.

Nissan sells plenty of Maximas (like Toyota sells Avalons) to justify its existence.

By: Sajeev Mehta

Sajeev Mehta — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:09:39 +0000

The old 4DSC wasn’t this big and cursed with crazy torque steer. The DOHC version was a blast, both the Maxima SE and Taurus SHO were the high watermark for mid-market family sedan fun.

In that spirit, maybe I’ll take those stickers and slap them on a Mazda 6.

By: frontline

frontline — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:58:02 +0000

I remember the dealer show in LA in 1988. I saw that little 4 door sports car sticker in the window of the all new Maxima for 1989. That was a great looking and well made car. It was a much better car than the 85-88. We sold the heck out them.

By: zerofoo

zerofoo — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:40:34 +0000

Base prices from “build your own” on the websites:

Altima SE 3.5 V6 – $24,180
Maxima SE 3.5 V6 – $28,270
Infiniti G35 – $31,850

If you are in the market for a V6 powered sedan, why would you spend $4,090 more on a Maxima VS the Altima?

If you are a driving enthusiast, and you like Nissan’s V6, why wouldn’t you spend $3,580 more on a rear-drive car with more power, better interior, and a better dealer experience?

Those two questions make it hard for Nissan to justify the existence of the Maxima.

-ted

By: Lichtronamo

Lichtronamo — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:15:32 +0000

The car is completely redesigned on the new “D” platform. AWD would be feasible without changing to the FM platform given it exists on “D” in the form of the Murano. There will be a diesel in 2010 and some at FreshAlloy believe this model will be accompanied by AWD to manage the torque.

Nissan manages to sell 60-70K Maximas a year, which is a reasonable number given that it shares platform/plants with the Altima, Murano and Quest. I think there is room for the Maxima in the Nissan/Infiniti portfolio for those who feel the Altima too pedestrian or the G35 too small or don’t want RWD.

My guess is that the new model will be to the Avalon what the M is to the GS. How this fits the old 4DSC tag line I don’t know (especially with paddle “shifted” CVT in lieu of a true manual or DSG type transmission). I think I would have avoided use of it.

By: Strippo

Strippo — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:54:55 +0000

They should make the Maxima RWD and turn it into the poor man’s M35. And rename it the Japanther.

I kid (except for the affordable RWD part).

By: crackers

crackers — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:35:27 +0000

not have much space in the market, like the current Maxima

Nissan has made serious mistakes with marketing and product placement for the Altima and Maxima. I had always equated the Altima as a Civic competitor and the Maxima as an Accord competitor. Next thing I know, they are selling the Altima as an Accord competitor and the Maxima loses its purpose.

By: Jeff Puthuff

Jeff Puthuff — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:06:42 +0000

The Maxima gallery has pictures of the Hyundai Genesis coupe, guys… I couldn’t figure out why the Maxima was a two-door and had a Hyundai logo on the steering wheel.

By: AKM

AKM — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:06:26 +0000

Making it 4wd may be a good idea, to handle that torque. On the other hand, that would mean a change of platform for their FMdship platform, thus being even more of a competitor to the G35.