2016 Nissan Maxima SR Bests BMW, Audi on the Track
The 2016 Nissan Maxima SR is nearly a second faster than the BMW 328i at Buttonwillow.
The Japanese automaker reached out to AMCI Testing to conduct an objective, independent third-party test for the “2016 Nissan Maxima Test Track Challenge,” pitting the new sedan against the Acura TLX 3.5L, BMW 328i and Audi A4 2.0T Quattro. All four vehicles were taken to the 1.8-mile Buttonwillow Raceway Park’s West Loop where the 2016 Nissan Maxima SR came out on top with a lap time of 1:18.50. Closest to the Maxima was the BMW 328i that turned in 1:19.48 while the Acura TLX 3.5L was in third, finishing in 1:20.58. Fourth place went to the Audi A4 2.0T Quattro that lagged behind the Maxima SR by 2.71 seconds with a 1:21.21 lap time.
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According to Nissan, AMCI Testing obtained the Acura, Audi and BMW anonymously from manufacturer authorized dealers while the 2016 Nissan Maxima SR was supplied by Nissan North America. The certified lap times were set by a pair of AMCI Testing certified test drivers with all stability and traction controls turned off for all laps. Each lap began from a 40-mph “Pace Car” start.
Powering the 2016 Nissan Maxima is a 3.5-liter VQ V6 that has been redesigned for 300 hp and has 60-percent new parts compared to the previous-generation 3.5-liter V6 engine.
“We expected the all-new 2016 Maxima, with its re-engineered engine, transmission and chassis to do well, but frankly even we were surprised by the head-to-head test results against some very well-established luxury sports sedans,” said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America. “Following the adage that ‘seeing is believing’, the video highlights that the 2016 Maxima’s drivetrain and powertrain combination is well optimized for performance, meeting the challenge offered by the well-regarded rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive competitors.”
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