2009 Nissan Maxima

UPDATE: The 2009 Nissan Maxima has now been unofficially revealed, and we've got all the photos here! Although we'll be seeing the 2009 Nissan Maxima for real at the New York Auto Show next month, spy shooter Chris Doane of the "Priddy Pride" just snapped some shots of the new mid-size from Nissan. The new seventh-gen Maxima's supposed to be getting a severe facelift, and even a couple of upgraded powerplants by the time 2010 and 2011 roll around. Yup, you guessed it — a Renault-Nissan diesel and a Toyota-derived hybrid will be two of the added options on the later model years. Oh, you didn't guess it? Well — you should have — because what's up with that humongous hood bulge? (UPDATE: We're told the hood bulge is just foam blocks under the camo.) The full less-than-detailed spy report after the jump.

We've just caught the 2009 Maxima, a month ahead of it's New York Auto Show introduction.

The seventh-generation Maxima will arrive next fall, with a Renault-Nissan diesel powerplant to follow a couple of years later – likely in time for the 2011 model year.

In addition to the diesel motor, a Toyota-developed hybrid system may also be available – and we're expecting this as early as the 2010 model year!

Watch for the uncloaked version to debut next month!

Photo Credit: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Company