It's all marketing. There are lots of guys that would love a Z but for whatever reason can't do it (2 seats, RWD, lack of cargo room). So Nissan shares design features to make the guy who gets the Maxima feel a little bit like he's got a Z. Similarities between the Altima coupe and G37 are another example.
Red370, thanks for updating your avatar. The new guy is much better looking
