Detroit: Nissan teases new Maxima with SSC concept

Nissan calls it the SSC - for Sport Sedan Concept - but we can tell you it’s an official preview of the next 2016 Maxima.

The SSC is a design exercise for a so-called four-door sports car, that’s intended to demonstrate the next generation of Nissan design, but in reality the new Maxima will be a mildly toned-down version of this car.

Current Nissan styling cues can be seen in the SSC, only with a more futuristic look. The boomerang headlights and taillights are more exaggerated and full of LEDs.

Nissan's new signature grille pumps up the V-motion graphics, while the sharply creased wheel arches are reminiscent of the GT-R. The concept car rides on 21inch wheels and looks both sporting and incredibly aggressive, a dramatic shift from previous Nissan designs.

The inside, too, is futuristic, with an obviously production-ready layout. The gauges and infotainment system are translucent blue displays with silver trim, and the words, numbers, and images appear to hang in space.

The controls and dashboard, doors and centre console, headlights and door mirrors all look real, indicating this is no fantasy concept.

Nissan says the SSC is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with CVT transmission driving the front wheels, but the new Maxima is also expected to get a turbo four-cylinder engine and probably a hybrid version.