2018 Nissan Maxima – A Sports Car in Sedan Clothing. 2018 Nissan Maxima – Drive, Interior and Exterior. Color: Carnelian Red, Subscribe.
While the 2018 Maxima exterior projects a distinctive upscale look through its low profile and wide stance, the heart of this latest generation 4-Door Sports Car is its 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine and performance-oriented Xtronic transmission. The engine applies lessons learned from the Nissan GT-R, such as sodium filled valves, to achieve a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/liter. Torque is rated at 261 lb-ft.
Well-matched to the engine is an advanced Xtronic transmission, which, with its lack of fixed ratios, affords the specific advantage of always being in the right gear at the right time. A wide gear ratio range allows for strong acceleration from a standing start and the D-Step shifting logic allows rapid shifts at high throttle openings. The shift logic holds rpm when it detects high-G cornering, allowing for smooth re-acceleration on corner exits.
The 2018 Maxima also features a Drive Mode Selector (Sport and Normal modes) that adjusts throttle response, transmission tuning, steering feel and Active Sound Enhancement tuning. In Sport mode, the engine throttle response increases, the Xtronic transmission programming changes for more aggressive shifting under braking and gear holding, the steering weight increases and the Active Sound Enhancement system further amplifies the engine note in the cabin.
The foundation for Maxima’s refined handling and ride comfort starts with a platform that features use of high strength steels, including 1.2GPa high strength steel. This allows the Maxima to not only boast strong torsional rigidity, but also contributes to a lighter overall weight (versus the previous generation).
The suspension is an independent subframe-mounted strut/coil spring design in front. In the rear is an independent multi-link double wishbone design with ZF Sachs dampers. The rear dampers feature a monotube design, often found in performance applications, for enhanced performance and fade resistance. Large stabilizer bars are found in the front (26.0 mm) and rear (26.5 mm).
Responsive braking is provided by 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Steering is provided by a vehicle speed-sensitive hydro-electric power-assisted steering (HEPS) steering system. Maxima comes with standard 18-inch machined finish aluminum-alloy wheels with painted inserts and 245/45R18 all-season tires.
Taking the sporty look and feel to a higher level is the SR trim. The Maxima SR-exclusive hardware starts with unique suspension damper tuning and a larger front stabilizer bar. In addition, the Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof offered on Maxima SL and Platinum grades was eliminated to help lower the SR’s center of gravity and further enhance torsional rigidity (versus moonroof-equipped models).
Along with special Alcantara® seating inserts and steering wheel insert for high-grip at key touch points, Maxima SR’s Integrated Dynamic-control Module (IDM) system adds an extra element of electronic chassis management. For example, Intelligent Ride Control (I-RC), a feature within the IDM system, uses targeted brake applications after the vehicle encounters a bump or undulation to immediately improve the level of the body, allowing the SR to offer a ride quality that defies its sporting intention.
The distinctive Maxima exterior stands out in a field of cookie cutter sedan designs. The body is low, sculpted and streamlined to achieve a sweeping aerodynamic profile that has more than a little jet fighter look to it. To bring all this inspiration to life, a special metal stamping technique was developed, adding the distinctive powerful gesture to its bodyline and deeply scalloped doors.
The bold front end combines Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille – with new black accents for 2018 – and lighting features that add to its defining presence on the road. The boomerang-style headlights include standard LED Signature Daytime Running Lights. In the rear, two-piece taillights with their own integrated LED signature complete the distinctive lighting theme. The highly distinctive Maxima profile comes from its floating roof appearance with blacked-out A-pillars similar to the Nissan GT-R. Combined with the same blackout treatment applied to the B- and C-pillars, it creates a wraparound canopy appearance. The upper canopy look is accented with an available Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof (standard on SL and Platinum grades), which gives front and rear occupants an uninhibited view of the sky.
The appearance is finished with large dual exhaust chrome tailpipe finishers and 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels. Maxima SR adds 19-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, with special gloss black wheels on the Midnight Edition.
