The Nissan Maxima is back and better than ever. With the two version offerings, the Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, Nissan has reclaimed it’s place in a very competitive market with it’s flagship sports sedan. With pricing starting below $30,000, around $28,000, and not topping out above $35,000, a buyer would be hard-pressed to not consider the newly re-designed 2009 Nissan Maxima when shopping for a sports sedan.

The 2009 Maxima comes with the new 3.5L V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 261 lb-ft of torque at 4,400, an increase of 35 horsepower over the last year. Even more impressive is the fact that Nissan managed to add one mile per gallon to the EPA ratings even with this power increase, getting 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. But, if you are looking for a manual transmission you’ll have to settle for the only option offered, the revised Xtronic CVT™ with manual mode. For 2009, Nissan added a new “Ds” (drive sport) mode that is an electronic control logic, that enhances sport driving through increased acceleration feel with higher engine revolutions, automatic engine braking and maintaining engine speed during cornering.

On the interior, the available packages allow the buyer to customize the vehicle to meet their needs, while also incorporating things like the dual panel moonroof that’s usually only expected in luxury vehicles. In the Premium package, you can load up on technology. A few perks in the Premium package are the iPod integration, navigation system, climate and entertainment control panels in the back seat, and wood-grain paneling, whereas in the Sport model, navigation is not available and the interior console is more utilitarian without the wood-grain touch. The Sport model also does not have the 60/40 rear seat split but instead has a pass-through for your skis that improves torsional rigidity by 17 percent for stiffer suspension alongside the 19″ rims with low profile tires to provide a sportier driving experience.

But, to see how good the new 2009 Maxima looks both inside and out, and to hear the sounds of the new V6 engine, you’ll have to watch our car review video.

Click here for 2009 Nissan Maxima pictures.

The Maxima is back! Enjoy the pictures of the all new 2009 Nissan Maxima in the photo gallery.

In its seventh generation, Nissan has continued to build upon the qualities that have made the Maxima a hit while also improving the exterior design, the interior cockpit, and the performance. Nissan’s flagship sedan will be available in two models, the Maxima 3.5 S and the Maxima 3.5 SV.

On sale this summer, the 2009 Maxima comes standard with a 3.5 L V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 35 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over the 2008 Maxima engine. Both models will also come with a revised Xtronic CVT with manual model and a new “Ds (drive sport) mode”; paddle shifters will be available.

Browse the photos of the recent 2009 Nissan Maxima and let us know what you think. For more information on pricing and design changes, check back for the 2009 Maxima car review video from the first drive trip in Cary, North Carolina.

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