Just a few short months ago, Nissan’s head honcho, Carlos Ghosn, was on hand in blustery Detroit to show off some new models, fresh and appealing examples of what he believed to be the reason for his company’s success – building cars people want to buy and drive. Fast forward to April and the 2006 New York International Auto Show, where Ghosn opened festivities with a speech again about the need for innovative and desirable vehicles. He put it quite succinctly by stating, “Generic may be a good idea when buying medicine, but it is a guaranteed prescription for losing customer passion for our products.” This is the prevailing mindset that results in cars like the updated 2007 Nissan Maxima making it to market.

Nissan’s flagship arrives for the 2007 model year with new headlights and front fog lights, revised front and rear fascias, a new grille that sits below a restyled hood, and new 17- and 18-inch wheel options. The interior is accented by an updated instrument panel, revised gauges, and improved seat bolsters. Features include rear park assist, the SkyView roof found in the existing version, a 320-watt Bose sound system, an MP3 player, a six-disc CD changer, and Bluetooth connectivity. Two models, the 3.5 SE and the 3.5 SL, will be built in Tennessee and will come standard with front-side and side-curtain airbags. Among the points that differentiate the premium 3.5SL are leather upholstery, power heated front seats, and wood interior trim.

At the heart of the 2007 Nissan Maxima, weighing in at just under 3,600 pounds, will continue to be the aluminum 3.5-liter, dual overhead cam, 24-valve V6 rated at 255 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. A continuously variable automatic transmission with a manual mode will direct power to the front wheels, which are in turn slowed by antilock brakes aided by standard electronic brake force distribution and electronic brake assistance systems.

Pricing will be announced by June 2006, when the 2007 Nissan Maxima is due to go on sale.

Photos by Nissan and Ron Perry