OREANDA-NEWS. April 03, 2015. The 2016 Maxima is the 8th generation of Nissan's iconic 4-Door Sports Car (or 4DSC) – though the term wasn't coined until the 3rd generation 1989 model. The very first model to wear the Maxima name had an "8" in its name – the 1981 Datsun 810 Maxima. Technically, it was the 2nd generation Datsun 810, but the first official Maxima for those keeping score. For the 1982 model year, the 810 badging was removed and Maxima quickly went on to become one of the best known and most popular Datsuns/Nissans for the next three-plus decades.

That was then, this is now. Here, in honor of those great generations that have gone before, are eight things you might not know about the all-new 2016 Maxima:

  1. Angelic Inspiration: To design the new-generation Maxima, Nissan designers visited the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels®*. The cockpit design of their aircraft is echoed in the wrap-around design of the Maxima's. Externally, Maxima is lowered, sculpted and streamlined to achieve a sweeping aerodynamic profile that has more than a little jet fighter 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. 

  2. By the Numbers: The new 8th generation Maxima is longer, lower, lighter and tighter that the previous generation design – all numbers that enhance the sports car side of 4DSC – 2.2 inches longer, 1.3 inches lower, 82 pounds lighter and 25 percent more torsional rigidity.

  3. HP/MPG: Speaking of numbers, here are a few more improvements versus the previous generation: horsepower +10 (to 300 hp), new engine parts 61% (including cylinder head design, piston surfacing, piston rings, sodium-filled exhaust valves, oil pan) and highway MPG + 4 (anticipated to increase to 30 mpg**, EPA numbers not yet available). A couple of other numbers – at 85.7 horsepower/liter, Maxima achieves a high specific output (HP/L) and better power-to-weight ratio than a BMW 335i or Acura TLX V6.***

  4. Sounds Like Max Spirit: If a 2016 Maxima drives through the forest on a favorite winding road, and no one except the driver is there, what does it sound like? Quiet and quite amazing. Maxima's luxury-level interior quietness is enabled by the application of laminated glass, not only on the windshield but also on the front door windows, while an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system works much like noise cancelling headphones to help reduce unpleasant low-frequency sounds. As for amazing, a new Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) system enhances the existing engine sound from the legendary 3.5-liter V6 into the cabin, delivering a stirring soundtrack. Engaging "Sport" mode takes the engine note a step further with the system allowing an even higher engine note amplitude in the cabin.

  5. Textural Messaging: When creating the new Maxima's interior, the design team sought to ignite the senses – so they added premium touches and touchpoints throughout including three unique "faceted" trim treatments (Razor Steel, Liquid Chrome and Mahogany wood tone), diamond-quilted seat inserts and genuine stitching on the instrument panel, doors and console. The D-shaped steering wheel on Maxima SR even has an Alcantara® insert, because the road shouldn't be the only thing you feel behind the wheel.

  6. How About A Coffee: Maxima Platinum models offers an available Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system****, which alerts the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected. DAA monitors steering input patterns (using steering angle sensors) and if it detects driving behavior consistent with a drowsy driver, the system uses an audible chime sound and displays the amber coffee cup with a message reading, "Take a break?" in the vehicle's information display.

  7. Who's the Emboss: Look closely at the new Maxima's headlights and side taillight reflectors and you might notice something extra – embossed "4DSC" logos. Best viewed by others when parked.

  8. Max Plant: The 2016 Maxima is assembled at Nissan's advanced Smyrna, Tennessee facility – which in calendar year 2014 produced more vehicles (648,000) than any other automotive plant in North America. Maxima engines are assembled in nearby Decherd, Tennessee.

* Blue Angels® is a registered mark of the Department of the Navy. Use does not represent any endorsement, expressed or implied, by the Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, or any other United States government agency.

** Fuel economy based on Targeted 2016 EPA fuel economy estimates for 2016 Maxima – EPA data not available at time of publication. Targeted 2016 fuel economy 30 hwy estimates based on Nissan internal testing results, subject to EPA confirmation. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.

*** MY 2016 Nissan Maxima v. 2015 Acura TLX V6 and BMW 335i. Competitor information obtained from manufacturer's websites.

****It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. DAA is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. See Owner's Manual for details.