2018 Nissan Maxima

2018 Nissan Maxima adds standard Android Auto™, premium Carnelian Red exterior color

•Nissan's flagship 2018 Maxima offers Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as standard equipment on all grade levels – provides easy, convenient control of music, navigation, phone, texts and more than a dozen popular third party apps
•The popular Maxima SR Midnight Edition returns for 2018 (details to be provided later)
• '4-Door Sports Car' Maxima features a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and responsive suspension, bringing sports car-like acceleration and handling to large sedan segment
•Standout styling showcases Nissan's dramatic design language – including black-accented V-Motion front end, signature boomerang lights, kick-up C-pillars and unique floating roof appearance
For the 2018 model year, the Nissan Maxima once again receives additional enhancements to its award winning design. Now in its eighth generation, which was completely revised just two years ago, Nissan's flagship sedan features standard Android Auto™ (in addition to standard Apple CarPlay™), new Carnelian Red color and new black accents added to its dramatic V-motion grille.




The 2018 Maxima is available in five well-equipped models: Maxima S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum.

A Sports Car in Sedan Clothing
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. (posted on conceptcarz.com) 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.



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) 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.

A Design Masterpiece, Inside and Out
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.

The 2018 Maxima is available in six exterior colors: Super Black, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Deep Blue Pearl and two premium exterior colors – Pearl White and the new Carnelian Red.

The performance luxury-style interior of the 2018 Maxima is anchored by a 'command central' driver's cockpit and a premium bespoke style crafted execution. The focus on the driver begins with a center stack angled seven degrees toward the driver (a lesson learned from the legendary GT-R) and a floating console that sits higher than the previous generation Maxima design, putting key controls within easy reach. For example, the standard Nissan Intelligent Key™ start switch is located on the console and pulses when the driver enters the cabin. The console also features luxurious padding on the sides with contrasted stitching. The Display Commander control on the console allows fingertip control of the center display as befitting a premium sport sedan. (concept carz)

The Maxima interior is designed to rival those of luxury vehicles. It offers genuine stitching on the instrument panel, doors and console, available Interior Accent Lighting, available premium Ascot leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts, unique faceted finishers and a standard sporty D-shaped (flat-bottom) steering wheel. The interior includes unique material choices like available Alcantara®, typically found on high-end exotics, to deliver on the premium promise.

Nissan's unique Zero Gravity front seats with sport bolstering are standard (8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat) and offer increased softness provided by a three-layer foam design. They are offered in premium cloth, leather-appointed or premium Ascot leather-appointed seating surfaces. Heated and Climate-Controlled front seats and steering wheel are available depending on grade level. A power passenger seat lifter is added to the Platinum grade for 2018. The rear seat features a standard 60/40 split fold-down design.

As with the exterior, interior colors were carefully considered to fit with the exclusive sports-premium personality. While most large sedans stick with black and beige motifs, the Maxima SR is offered with an additional deep, rich Camel interior. Even the standard Charcoal color seating features blue contrasting stitching and the Cashmere (beige) seat color is lighter than usual, offering a higher contrast with the black surface areas.

Next-Generation Technology – Standard, of Course
The next-generation premium-level Maxima technology features include NissanConnect with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ on all trim levels. The system includes an 8.0-inch color display with multi-touch control, two front illuminated ÚSB connection ports for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, SiriusXM® Traffic™ and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.

The NissanConnect with Navigation system, featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, features 'swipe to meter' functionality, which allows the driver to swipe the navigation map from the center display to bring it up in the standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) within the instrument cluster.

Maxima Platinum models include standard NissanConnect with Navigation and Services featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. The system's wide range of features includes automatic collision notification, remote start via smartphone, emergency call, stolen vehicle locator and more (six-month free trial; services subscription required, sold separately).

Convenience Services range from Connected and Assisted Search, destination directions downloaded right to the navigation system and even journey planning – with routing of up to five waypoints and destination. Remote Access4 is another key feature, with help accessible through a compatible computer or smartphone. Services include remote door lock and unlock, remote engine start and remote horn and flashing lights to help find the Maxima in a garage or parking lot.

Maxima entertainment systems include an available 11-speaker Bose® audio system, which was created to deliver the ultimate premium audio experience befitting Nissan's flagship sedan. (concept carz) The system includes Bose® Center Point® Surround Stage technology, which can deliver a surround sound experience from even a two-channel audio source, and a driver's seat optimization mode that allows for a driver-centric audio stage.

All Maxima models are equipped with two illuminated ÚSB inputs with music playback capability enabled through either port. These ports are housed in the media bin on the console, which is large enough to fit an iPhone® 6 Plus. For 2018, a pair of rear ÚSB charge ports is also added on SL, SR and Platinum grades.

The luxury-level interior quietness is enabled by the application of laminated glass, not only on the windshield but also on the front door windows – the latter being a hallmark of upscale luxury vehicles. An Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system works much like noise cancelling headphones and helps reduce unpleasant low-frequency sounds (included with Bose® audio system only).

To help provide an authentic engine note in the cabin during spirited driving, while simultaneously reducing unwanted noise, Maxima incudes an Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) system that works by enhancing existing engine sound from the legendary VQ35 V6 powerplant into the cabin, delivering a stirring experience. Engaging 'Sport' mode takes the stirring engine note a step further with the system allowing even higher engine note amplitude in the cabin.

Convenience features befitting a luxury vehicle are part of the suite of available equipment – including a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with an 'Easy Entry' system, heated steering wheel, Around View® Monitor5, Remote Start via Key Fob and a power rear sunshade.

Advanced Safety, Security and Driving Aids
Maxima offers an extensive range of safety, security and driving aids – many included as standard equipment. For example, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW)2 and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)3 are standard on all grade levels. In addition, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) are standard equipment on the SL, SR and Platinum grades.

Additionally, the Maxima Platinum grade features Nissan's innovative Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM)5 that provides a 360-degree 'surround view' of the vehicle.

Maxima Platinum also offers standard Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA)1 system, which helps alert the driver when drowsy driving is detected. Studies have shown that drowsy driving is involved in as much as 21 percent of fatal car accidents (Automobile Association of America Study, Nov. 2014). The I-DA system provides an audible and visual warning if the system judges that the driver may be drowsy (using analysis of steering inputs to detect changes in the driving behavior).

Maxima comes equipped with standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) for the driver and front passenger seats, which includes supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

Also standard are 3-point rear seat belts for all seating positions, front seat belts with dual pretensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, emergency inside trunk release, Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy-Fill Tire Alert. Maxima also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).

Five Models, Three Accessory Packages
The 2018 Maxima is available in five well-equipped models: Maxima S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum.

The Maxima S includes standard NissanConnect with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, with 8.0-inch display paired with the 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display in the instrument cluster, Remote Engine Start4 via Intelligent Key, dual illuminated ÚSB ports, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and SiriusXM® Traffic™ and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ applications (Sirius XM® subscription required, sold separately), LED Signature Daytime Running Lights, 18-inch machined finished aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-way Power Driver Seat and 4-way Power Passenger Seat, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with front and rear vents, HomeLink® Úniversal Transceiver and more.

Maxima SV adds leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, driver's seat power lumbar support and manual thigh support extension, front and rear parking sensors and heated outside rearview mirrors with turn signal indicators.

Maxima SL adds the Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, Bose® audio system with 11 speakers, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW), heated steering wheel and LED Interior Accent Lighting.

The Maxima SR offers a sport-tuned suspension, Integrated Dynamics-control Module (IDM), premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted Alcantara® inserts, Climate-controlled front seats, Ascot leather-appointed steering wheel with Alcantara® insert, paddle shifters, aluminum sport pedals, Liquid Chrome faceted finishers, LED low beam headlights, 19-inch machined finish aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/40R19 all-season tires developed uniquely for Maxima.

The Maxima Platinum grade includes an extensive array of premium equipment, including Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, power tilt and telescoping steering column with easy access feature, premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted leather inserts, power passenger seat lifter, premium Ascot leather-wrapped steering wheel, Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM)5, rear window power sunshade, driver-side memory seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel, rain detecting windshield wipers, Driver Attention Alert, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ (services subscription required, sold separately), mahogany wood-tone faceted finishers, auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror, and outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature.

Available accessories include splash guards, illuminated kick plates, premium spoiler, sport spoiler (SR only) and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2018 Nissan Maxima is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, with engines assembled in Decherd, Tennessee.

Source - Nissan