2009 Nissan Maxima pics leaked a day early.

[nickdrinkwater]

Here is the all new model:



Can't say I care much for the grille, but other than that it looks quite nice (on first impressions).

But I will reserve judgement for the time being - I've not yet seen it in the metal.

There's no info about engines yet, as all will be revealed at the NY Auto Show.  Speculation suggests the new diesel engine co-developed with Renault will be part of the line up.

I guess this car will be sold in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Middle East markets only.

[Yawn]

Does not look that bad.. Now I know those new Z pics roaming around are not fake with the same light config..

[2o6]

Love it. Looks much more distanced from the Altima.

[Lazerous]

"Forums are fast becoming the bane of automakers that've spent a lot of time, energy and money coordinating a new car's debut. Nissan was hoping to debut the all-new 2009 Maxima tomorrow during the New York Auto Show, but forum Supernissans.net has burst this carmaker's bubble a bit early. Six pics of the new 2009 Nissan Maxima were posted on this forum, which we've included in the gallery below, and more have begun showing up on other sites around the web. We'll have details on the car, as well as more live shots and high-res official photos, tomorrow morning when the new Maxima rolls out on stage in the Big Apple. Until then, we're sure you're eager to check out the pics and discuss this polarizing design in the comments."









The front looks like it was designed by a Chinese automaker. Those headlights bring in a new daring design but I don't think they look good at all. Something looks awkward in the side profile shot, can't put my finger on it. The rear taillights remind me of a Yaris. I feel like the wheels are too small and ugly.

I do, however, like the interior a bit.

Your thoughts?

[Vinsanity]

I like the new shape; it's sleeker and looks less bulky than the 04-08 model, although more anonymous (the body flare in the rear helps alot; it's agressive, but I don't think it's over the top).

I kind of like the new grille; it's distinctive.

I really don't understand the headlights, though. That hangnail on the bottom part is really bothersome, but I might get used to it (it bothers me in the same way the "eyebrow" used to bother me on the 5-series).

[Laconian]

I love the curves and the seams, but the headlights... WTF...

[Danish]

You know what I miss?

A good looking Maxima

[chevyguy06]

Overall I like it, the front kinda reminds me of the Q45. But the tail-lights look straight off of the current-gen Civic coupe.

[afty]

More shots:

[Raza]

It seems like every Japanese car (and the Jag XF) have really similar profiles nowadays.

But, those headlights are funky, and fuck it, I kind of like it. 

*crosses fingers*...RWD and stick?

[omicron]

See, it's not "general" automotive.  It's very specific automotive; it's about the Nissan Maxima. 

It should go in Mainstream. 

Ten points for Mr. Drinkwater, then.

[nickdrinkwater]

The interior looks really nice in that picture.

I wonder if that spoiler is optional.

[FordSVT]

Glad to see they've moved away from the Altima styling-wise.

I'm guessing this will get the 300+ hp version of the 3.5L as found in the G35/350Z? Pretty sad that the current Altima makes more power than the Maxima...

[the Teuton]

The grille is kinda new Accord-ish, but otherwise, it's gorgeous.  I'm not sure what to think about the headlights, but the interior is great.

[Hondaboy9602]

I like it expect the headlights. It would look better if the bottom of the headlights didn't extend so far.

[omicron]

The past four generations of Australian Maxima have been the '89 North American Maxima, the 2nd generation JDM Cefiro, the 3rd generation JDM Cefiro, and the current JDM Teana, so who knows what comes next for us.

[CJ]

Where's that projectile vomiting smiley when you need it?

[Raza]

Where's that projectile vomiting smiley when you need it?

[Catman]

Not bad.  I kind of like my 07 better though.  This one looks a little soft like the Camry.  My wife says it looks like a Taurus.

[SVT666]

I really like it.  Hell, I even really like the headlight treatment.  Styling-wise, this car makes my list for sedans.

[Hondaboy9602]

*crosses fingers*...RWD and stick?

Wouldn't a RWD Maxima be too close to the G35?

[ChrisV]

Love everything but the headlights, which strike me aas too Japanese (they love funky design details that don't mesh with the rest of the car, just to be interesting). I especially like the muscular bulges over the wheelwells and the coke-bottle shape that that creates.

[Atomic]

i'm picking up my new 2008 maxi se this week. the deals are too great to wait for the '09 imo. also, i will never buy another 1st year car ever again. i like the all new one. finally, it looks un-altima like. good move, but i still love my 2000 and 2004 se's.

[SVT666]

i'm picking up my new 2008 maxi se this week. the deals are too great to wait for the '09 imo. also, i will never buy another 1st year car ever again. i like the all new one. finally, it looks un-altima like. good move, but i still love my 2000 and 2004 se's.

You're boring.  You always buy the same car.  What would you say about a patient who always played it safe by buying the same car all the time?

No offence intended.

[CJ]

I'd say that he justt really likes his car.  There's nothing wrong with that.

[Vinsanity]

I just noticed how the front fender flare continues forward to form the cavity for the headlight. Very nice

Although the taillight shape does need to blend in with the body better. That was also a problem with the 04-08 Maxima.

[Cookie Monster]

That thing is so ugly. I laughed when I first saw it because I thought it was a joke, like a photoshop or something.
WTF were they thinking when they designed those headlights?? And the rear end is really ugly too.

[Catman]

I like the new shape; it's sleeker and looks less bulky than the 04-08 model, although more anonymous (the body flare in the rear helps alot; it's agressive, but I don't think it's over the top).

I kind of like the new grille; it's distinctive.

I really don't understand the headlights, though. That hangnail on the bottom part is really bothersome, but I might get used to it (it bothers me in the same way the "eyebrow" used to bother me on the 5-series).

I agree with your take here.  Not a fan of the headlights from the side, not sure what the deal is.  Overall, I think it lost a little edge from the old one.  It's more Camry-like which might be a good thing to some.  I was hoping for a car that was a bit bigger, more like an A8 stance/presence.  I don't expect an A8 so don't misunderstand but something large (to further move from the Altima) and at the same time project an air of performance.  I'm not sure this does that. 

I'm curious as to the technical specifications.  It safe to assume it's FWD.  Seems like Nissan is content with leaving the RWD stuff to Infiniti.  Maybe an AWD option here?  Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see more power.  But, I'm wary of too much power in this car for the same reason I believe my 07 has enough.  The FWD just doesn't allow for the same comfortable power transfer as the G35.  Under hard acceleration it can be unsettling and distracting where a G35 is rock solid. It doesn't bother me much though because of the role it fills. It's roomy and comfortable and can still move out quickly.

[hotrodalex]

I'm lovin' the interior, sadly that's one of the only things I love about it. I won't even comment on the headlights. They suck ass, no need to delve deeper. The taillights look almost exactly like a Civic's. I'm not sure about the grill yet. It's really blocky and makes the front end look flat. Not sure if that's good or bad though.

[MX793]

I really like the overall shape, especially in profile.  It's leaner, more muscular and the back end looks less droopy.  However, like a number of Bangled BMWs, it suffers in the details.  The headlights in particular look terrible and I'm not keen on the hood design.