I was right and wrong in guessing that Nissan would adopt Infiniti's wonderful 5-speed sequential shift automatic transmission. Of course, most would concur that the choice to stuff this gearbox in the Max is a no-brainer, but optimizing something designed for rear-wheel drive for the opposite end can have engineering problems. In the end the gated 4-speed automatic will continue in the standard SL model while the new manual-mode 5-speed unit gets the nod in the sporty SE, with the option of a 6-speed manual just like in previous models. Good news for Maxima devotees.
I also guessed that traction control (TCS) will still be standard on automatic equipped 2004 models while the 6-speed manual will continue with a helical limited slip differential. The official word is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and TCS will be available on all automatic equipped versions.
It doesn't take a degree in applied discernment to figure out Nissan would improve handling, already one of the Max's most revered attributes. As expected the Altima's FF-L architecture has been adopted increasing overall rigidity by 40%. An independent front suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar will continue more or less unchanged from the previous car but the rear setup is all-new, incorporating a multi-link design which will no doubt improve turn-in, emergency lane change response and high-speed stability while providing a smoother ride overall. Also the SE now comes with standard 18-inch alloy rims mated to 245/45R18 tires. The Maxima also continues with 4-wheel discs with 4-wheel ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).