New York Auto Show - Day One
2009 Nissan Maxima
At the other end of the Javits Center, a second Japanese mainstay was making their mark with the introduction of the completely new 2009 Nissan Maxima. Glowing in bright metallic silver, it too reached the stage with much bravado. Though neither company made the claim publicly, it is easy to assume the new Nissan Maxima and Acura TSX will compete for a similar buyer in the performance-oriented, family-friendly segment of the automotive market.
To sway consumers into a Nissan showroom, the 2009 Maxima has been sculpted with what the company refers to as a “Liquid Motion” exterior design theme. This translates into a 4-door sedan with premium presence; aggressive, powerful form and commanding stance. In other words, the new Maxima is certain to turn heads and have passersby wondering what new vehicle is in your driveway.
The legendary VQ35 3.5-liter V6 has been updated to feature 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft. of torque. A revised standard Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) makes available the addition of paddle shifters.
The 2009 Maxima rides on the new Nissan “D platform” with enhanced body stiffness for responsive handling and virtually no torque steer. Overall rigidity has increased 15 percent, while front strut mounting rigidity improves a whopping 100% by way of all-new structures added to the engine compartment.
Honda Fit
It was only a few years ago we were first introduced to the Honda Fit as a small vehicle with large aspirations and a willingness to be driven. Offering excellent fuel economy, Honda quality and stylish looks, it resonated well with consumers in today’s challenging market.
Guess what? The Honda Fit is even better the second time around!
The 2009 Honda Fit features a 1.5L, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine that garners top marks in performance and fuel efficiency. Matched to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, the Fit Sport offers steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. This Fit is ready for action!
Stopping the Fit is standard ABS brakes with front ventilated discs and rear drums. Electronic Stability Control is an option along with active head restraints.
Inside, the user-friendly driver and passenger compartment provides a USB audio interface, one-motion dive-down rear seats and a serious dose of fun. Pricing for the new Honda Fit was not announced at the press preview, but it is certain to be winner in the subcompact category.
Additional sightings from day one included the North American reveal of the redesigned Mercedes-Benz M- Class including the launch of the ML 32 BlueTEC, the world’s first diesel passenger vehicle with AdBlue injection.
Other high-end highlights included the North American launch of the new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and Maserati GranTurismo S at a privately held function the evening before. Champagne and caviar, it was lifestyles of the rich and famous!
Day Two promises even more excitement, so check back soon as we continue our coverage of the 2008 New York International Auto Show.
