2021 Nissan Maxima

Now in its eighth-generation, Nissan commemorates four decades of "the 4-Door Sports Car" with a special, limited-production 40th Anniversary Edition. In addition, the 2021 Maxima offers a revised grade level lineup -- Maxima SV, SR and Platinum that all provide a high level of luxury with leather-appointed seats, Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation and NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM.

Maxima's aggressive, updated exterior features a voluminous front grille with a deep V-motion flow that carries into the hood and down the body to the rear tail lamps and rear fascia. The distinctive Maxima body is low, sculpted and streamlined to achieve a sweeping aerodynamic profile that has more than a little jet fighter look to it. Inside the dramatic Maxima body is a driver-oriented cockpit and comfortable seating for all five occupants.

The 40th Anniversary Edition adds red semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with 40th Anniversary embossing, red contrast interior stitching, Satin Dark Chrome interior faceted finisher, white speedometer and tachometer faces reminiscent of past Maxima models and heated rear seats.

The heart and soul of Maxima remains its 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine and performance-oriented Xtronic transmission. 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.

Well-matched to the engine is an advanced Xtronic transmission. A wide gear ratio range allows for strong acceleration from a standing start and the D-Step shifting logic allows rapid shifts at high throttle openings. The shift logic holds rpm when it detects high-G cornering, allowing for smooth re-acceleration on corner exits.