Tuesday, October 28, 2014

2016 Nissan Maxima Spotted for First Time | Nissan of Midland | Midland TX

Nissan teased the look of the next-generation Maxima at the 2014 Detroit auto show with the Sport Sedan concept, and it was quite a looker with an aggressive front end and cool floating roof. Now, we're getting out very first glimpse at the production version in some new spy shots. Although, It's plastered with camouflage, underneath you can still see the concept's design inspiration.

Starting from the front, the biggest influence from the concept is the V-shaped grille with smaller inlets on each side and jagged headlights. Running back from there, on one side the Maxima mule has a black A-pillar, which at least suggests that the floating roof is making it to the production model too.

In profile, it's hard to make out, but the hard creases that run down the side of the Sport Sedan appear to be underneath this camouflage, and there's a ton of masking around the rear pillar seemingly to hide the shape. However in the close-up photo, you can get a better view, and it doesn't look quite as sharp and coupe-like as on the concept.

At this point, the back also lacks the concept's angular rear bumper in favor of something more conventional. All the cladding there makes it hard to tell what is hidden underneath, though.

The Sport Sedan concept has a version of Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 with over 300 horsepower and a CVT powering the front wheels. Though, our spies think it's possible the production version could offer a hybrid 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder to give V6-like power, like the Pathfinder Hybrid.

From these early spy shots, it certainly looks like Nissan is trying to bring the major parts of the concept to the road. We can't wait to see the Maxima without so much being hidden. Until then, check out the gallery for a first look.


Thursday, October 23, 2014

2015 NIssan GT-R Adds Premium Upgrades to Performance Pedigree | Nissan of Midland | Midland TX

The entry-level 2015 Nissan GT-R Premium will better live up to its name during the new model year, as Nissan is introducing a number of fresh features that put their focus on a more refined ownership experience. Sure, the 2015 Nissan GT-R continues to offer a rambunctious 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 that makes 545 horsepower and 463 lb.-ft. of torque, but now that output is matched by a retuned suspension that delivers a more refined ride (while also enhancing the car’s road-holding capability, of course).
Further, while the GT-R’s engine will remain a key part of the soundtrack, the car’s cabin will introduce a standard Bose Active Noise Cancellation system for a more enjoyable listening experience that can be enjoyed in an environment that offers a new carbon-style instrument cluster and additional available interior color: Ivory.
Even the aerodynamic exterior of the 2015 Nissan GT-R has been enhanced, courtesy of LED headlights and freshened front and rear appearance details. Also, customers who jump up to the GT-R Track Edition benefit from a new carbon-fiber trunk lid.
It’s a win-win situation, too, with the brand noting that these changes come to the 2015 Nissan GT-R “without sacrificing one bit of its legendary performance.”
Pricing for the 2015 Nissan GT-R lineup begins at $101,770 for the Premium model, with the Black Edition, offering enhanced style, starting at $111,510, and the Track Edition, backed by enhanced performance, opening at $115,710. Timing-wise, the Premium and Black Edition variants are on sale now, and limited-run Track Edition is expected to debut this summer.
But for the new selling season, gearheads will be able to go one step further and order the 2015 Nissan GT-R prepped by the company’s NISMO motorsports division. That bad boy also is due this summer, when it will go on sale at a price that’s still TBD at this time.
Written by Charles Krome.
Photo courtesy of Nissan North America.