Nissan's Chief, Carlos Ghosn, Introduces the 2016 Maxima at The New York Auto Show

The 2016 Maxima

By Mark West

In his no-nonsense, get-to-the point style Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn introduced Nissan's totally redesigned flagship Maxima, 4-door sports car during a press conference on April 2nd at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. Mr. Ghosn highlighted the many new features of the Maxima, which has fueled more than 30-years of growth in the U.S. market. 

The 2016 Maxima is designed and engineered here in America primarily for the U.S. consumer. Mr. Ghosn stressed that the 2016 Maxima is 2.2 inches longer, 1.3 inches lower, and 82 lbs. lighter than the previous model producing an estimated 30 mpg highway driving. Adding its all-new sheet metal structure produces 25 percent more rigidity in the body and "moves the Maxima's performance closer to its bigger brother the Nissan GTR". Mr. Ghosn described the new exterior as sleek and distinctive with front and rear LED lighting, a V-motion front end, deeply sculptured fenders and unique floating roof treatment. Next he explained its exterior cockpit design achieves a fighter jet inspired look that improves its aerodynamics to a low efficiency of drag of 0.295.

The new Maxima's 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 has been redesigned with more than 60 percent new parts (compared to the previous generation 3.5-liter V6). With 300 horsepower, Maxima has a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/liter. The revised engine helps Maxima achieve an anticipated 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy to an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon. Complementing the revised power plant is a new, performance-oriented Xtronic transmission featuring a wider ratio range, which allows for stronger acceleration from a standing start and an all-new D-Step shifting logic that provides rapid shifts at high throttle openings.

His description of the Maxima premium leather interior stressed its signature zero gravity front seats, a center stack angle arranged around the driver featuring a racing car V shaped steering wheel. Its new interior offers luxury quietness achieved by its laminated windshield plus BOES Active Noise Cancellation or the driver can with the push of a button let in a little racing noise sound  of the engine. Mr. Ghosn  is confident the 2016 Maxima has the finest interior in its class.  

Mr. Ghosn said the new 2016 Maxima will challenge cars costing thousands of  more, is the sportiest most powerful Maxima ever. The SR model offers high performance tires and panel shifters. Its 3.5 V-6 liter engine produces 300 hp with 61% new parts it is essentially a new engine. Like the GTR the Maxima uses sodium filled valves reducing weight and quickens response to produce greater performance and increase fuel efficiency.

Maxima's new 2016 model is infused with greater safety and security features adding its new Driver Attention Alert System to its already existing Forward Breaking system and its Blind Spot Warning system. With Mr. Ghosn's concise and direct presentation of the 2016 Maxima he said it is set to arrive in U.S. showrooms this June with a starting M.S.R.P. of $32,410.