by Paul A. Eisenstein

(2008-03-19)

Click for High-Res Photo Gallery: 2009 Nissan Maxima

Few cars have suffered more of an identity crisis, through automotive generations, than Nissan's Maxima sedan. In its various iterations, the automaker has intentionally or otherwise positioned it as luxury car, sporty car, mainstream mobile - but now, with the New York Auto Show debut of the 2009 Nissan Maxima, the automaker is bringing the sedan back to its roots.

There are reasons for the confusion, of course. Maxima has been the largest and most costly, and generally the most lavishly-equipped passenger car in the Nissan line-up. Even after the advent of the Japanese company's Infiniti luxury brand, Maxima has been a step-up from more mid-market offerings, such as the Altima.

But take a closer look at the 2009 Nissan Maxima and what you'll see is a newly-reinvigorated product that, at least from initial impressions deserves the sobriquet "four-door sports car."

In a market where bigger normally equates to better, Nissan has actually downsized the 2009 Maxima, both in terms of wheelbase and overall length.

What hasn't been trimmed? Start with some numbers that matter, like the 290 horsepower the refined 3.5-liter VQ V-6 engine pumps out, a whopping 35 more than under the hood of last year's Maxima. Torque is up nine pound-feet, meanwhile, to 261. Yet mileage holds at last year's 19 city and 26 highway, no small achievement.

The VQ, one of the most highly-rated engines on the market, is mated to an updated version of the Nissan Xtronic CVT, which offers improved manual shifting mode, Nissan claims. Among optional features, a buyer can opt for paddle shifters - and 19-inch wheels and tires, the better to put all that torque to the pavement.

While the 2009 Nissan Maxima may be a bit shorter, it does gain width and added track, and we're expecting that to translate into a bit more stability, especially on tight corners.

The overall look of the '09 will come as no surprise to Maxima fans, though a closer inspection will show how sporty translates into sheet metal, notably with the sweeping roof line that flows into the high, broad rear shoulders.

Like most new products, Nissan has put plenty of emphasis on in-cabin electronics, with iPod connectivity standard. A premium system is among the many options, as well as a 9.3-gigabyte hard-drive audio package, a voice-controlled navigation system, with real-time traffic and a rearview camera.

Expect the 2009 Nissan Maxima sedan…oops, sports sedan…to reach dealer by June.

2008 New York Auto Show Coverage by TCC Team (3/14/2008)
New Nissan Maxima, Acura TSX, Pontiac G8 and more.