The seventh-generation of Nissan's large sedan features new exterior and interior designs, along with enhanced performance from a revised 3.5-litre V6 engine.

The 2009 Nissan Maxima is unique in both appearance and driving feel, with renewed relevance for today's active and ambitious sedan buyers. High targets were established for the development of the new Maxima, including the goal of designing "the best performing front engine, front-wheel drive car in the world," along with the goals of class-leading acceleration, braking, handling, craftsmanship and cockpit design.

Maxima's new stance comes, in part, from a slight reduction in wheelbase and overall length, along with a wider front and rear track.

The new Maxima's interior design team developed an interior concept of "Super Cockpit" - imparting the feeling of sports car with controls ergonomically close, yet with ample roominess and comfort for both driver and passengers. The interior includes a special driver's sport seat, available leather-appointed seating, offset shifter lever that is closer to the driver, "Daylight Illumination" gauges and a wide range of available technology, including a premium audio system, RearView Monitor and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with XM NavTraffic(R) real-time traffic information (active XM(R) subscription required, which is sold separately), Voice Recognition and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.

The new Nissan Maxima offers a more powerful engine, quicker acceleration response and a performance-oriented tuned exhaust note. The 2009 Maxima again features a standard 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve VQ-series V6 engine, enhanced and refined to take driving performance to new levels. All 2009 Maximas come equipped with a revised standard Xtronic CVT(TM) with manual mode, tuned specifically for Maxima's sporty driving character, and available paddle shifters. A new "Ds mode" (drive sport) is added to the CVT for 2009.