2014 Detroit Auto Show: Nissan Sports Sedan Concept
Nissan’s next Maxima set to be a stunner
By Imthishan Giado
Don’t be fooled by the ‘Sports Sedan Concept’ monicker – this is very much the next Nissan Maxima. Good, because it’s a handsome looking thing.
The previous Maxima was heavily influenced by the blocky superheroics of the R34 GT-R; this concept shows that Nissan is now moving its design language into the realm of the more traditional ‘four door coupe’, as first envisioned by the Mercedes CLS all those many years ago. On the front, it wears what is rapidly developing into Nissan’s corporate face, reverse rake headlights flanking the trapezoidal Nissan grille which mirrors into an enveloping lower valance, itself bordered by two massive air intakes.
The greenhouse definitely echoes the current GT-R and as usual there is the expected collection of fecund scoops and slashes comprising the lower bodywork. The tail is interesting, clearly echoing the head light design.
Look inside and you’ll see a big hint towards the next generation of Nissan interiors, eschewing the current butt0n-heavy fascia in favour of glass surfaces, touchscreen design and cockpit-style hoods. And look! Diamond quilted seats! Now if they were only made of velour…
Now for the bad news – Nissan have all but confirmed that this next Maxima will once again be a V6-powered front wheel drive only, with the connection supplied by – ugh – a CVT. Seriously Nissan, you are capable of making great cars; why do you insist on stuffing horrible CVTs into all of them?
