What's more intriguing for the moment is how impressively quiet the Maxima is inside, other than the stimulating growl of the engine when under full acceleration. When idling though, it's difficult to hear even outside of the car. Much of the interior's low dBs have to do with the car's amazingly slippery coefficient of drag, 0.28 with the tasteful rear decklid spoiler attached - its 0.30 Cd is still quite good without the wing.

Do you like what you see and hear so far? If so a well-equipped Maxima SE with a 6-speed manual starts at only $34,500, aggressively low considering just how good it is. Add the leather and the price jumps to $37,200. The ultra-cool 4-seat model starts at $38,700, and shoots to $43,800 with its sophisticated navigation system.