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Nissan will provide a sneak preview of the all-new V6 Maxima model at the Sydney International Motor Show — 15th - 24th October. Currently the prestigious full-size sedan is slated for a December 1999 Australian introduction. In designing the new Maxima — marketed in North America by the luxury Infiniti Division as the 130 model — Nissan has jettisoned its previously conservative styling and the completely new body has an elegant and luxurious appearance featuring a large glasshouse with steeper rake for the front and rear windscreens, stylish chrome grille and contemporary front and rear lights. Compared to the current Maxima, the new model is longer and wider but does maintain some styling clues to its heritage. New features in the engine's induction and exhaust systems, have delivered 10 per cent more power from Maxima's 3.0-litre V6. For five consecutive years, the US publication, Ward's Auto World, rated Nissan's VQ model V6 engine — as used in the Maxima — one of the world's "10 Best Engines". While the new Maxima continues to use Nissan's innovative Multi-Link Beam rear suspension, changes for the new model, including relocation of the lateral link behind the torsion beam and fitting of a thicker anti-roll bar, deliver improved ride and handling.
According to Nissan Australia's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Leon Daphne, the opportunity to preview the Maxima in Sydney was too good to refuse. "The car on display is one of the trial-build vehicles in Australia for regulatory approval and accessory development," Mr Daphne explained. "While some details are not to the final specification we will launch later this year, we thought it was important to show the car to prospective Maxima owners and the public at the Sydney International Motor Show." Nissan Australia's Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr Paul Stead, said it was too early to reveal the Maxima range prices and model lineup. "We're happy to show this car in Sydney and give some information to potential Maxima buyers, but pricing and the full model lineup obviously remain confidential this far ahead of launch, except to say the all-new Maxima will maintain Nissan's competitive pricing and value-for-money position," Mr Stead said.
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