Nissan unveils 2009 Maxima and Denki Cube Concept in New York

According to Nissan, the all-new 2009 Maxima returns to "4-door sports car" roots. The Max will be available in two trim levels, the 3.5 S and 3.5 SV, and features a more-powerful engine than the outgoing 2008 model.

The venerable 3.5-liter V6, code-named VQ, gets internal revisions and a higher compression ratio to bump output to 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. A revised version of Nissan's Xtronic CVT transmission will equip both Maxima variants, and wheel-mounted paddle shifters will be available. The Xtronic also gets that Nissan calls a "Ds mode", which is basically sportier shift mappings and throttle blipping. The car will remain front-wheel drive, but Nissan promises that torque steer will be virtually eliminated.

2009 Nissan Maxima

The suspension setup of the 2009 Maxima is also new and improved for a sportier driving experience, and the steering system is similar to the one found in the 350Z. 18-inch wheels with P245/45R18 tires are standard, while the 3.5 SV's Sport package benefits from 19-inchers.

Inside, the cockpit is designed to bring instruments and controls close to the driver, yet offer appreciable interior space. The driver's seat gets a thigh extension cushion and additional side bolsters for better lateral support, and seat cooling will be optional.

Compared with the 2008 model, the new Maxima gets a slightly shorter wheelbase but it wider and has a wider track. The headlight design will be applied to all new Nissan products, including the upcoming 370Z. The 2009 Maxima should turn up in showrooms this summer.

The Denki Cube Concept is an electric vehicle powered by lithium-ion batteries, and is a preview of Nissan's plans to sell a production version of the Cube in 2009. The Cube will be sold in the United States and in Canada, and an electric version will follow in 2010.

Nissan Denki Cube Concept

With amusing lightning cutouts in the grille, and Denki Cube clearly flaunts its electric-car mission. While the production Cube will offer three rows of seats, the Denki has only two to make room for the battery pack. The upcoming Cube will be powered by a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Nissan also talked about their Green Program 2010 (called NGP 2010). Basically, the company plans to maximize CO2 emission reductions and introduce a "3-liter car" by 2010, which is a gasoline-powered vehicle that will achieve a fuel economy rating of 3L/100 km. They will also launch an aforementioned electric vehicle, but also a hybrid sometime in 2010. NGP 2010 will also emphasize development of plug-in hybrid technology and reducing assembly plant CO2 emissions.