The 2000 Maxima (designated A33) was a refresh of the previous car, designed at Nissan's La Jolla, California design studio. The engine was a 222 hp (166 kW) 3.0 L VQ30DE V6. This variant of the VQ30DE was referred to the VQ30DE-K. In this variation, there were three models (GXE, GLE, and SE). The GXE was the base Maxima. The GLE was the luxury variant and had 16 inch wheels. The GLE was the basis for the Infiniti I30, (JDM Nissan Cefiro). A 2001 20th Anniversary edition got an increase of 5 hp (4 kW), different interior treatment, body kit, special wheels and other tweaks. The fifth-generation Maximas have a number of common problems: ignition coils, MAF sensor, TPS (Throttle position sensor) and IACV-AAC (Idle control valve). Users should be particularly aware of the IACV problem which can short out the ECM leading to a very costly repair. All of these faults trigger the check engine light.In 2002, the engine was replaced for the whole lineup with a 3.5 L VQ35DE that produced 255 hp (190 kW) and 246 lb·ft (334 N·m) of torque. In addition, the model got a slight refresh with a larger grille opening, headlamps with high-intensity discharge (HID) low beams, a six-speed manual transmission with optional helical Torsen limited-slip differential, revised 17 inch six-spoke wheels on the SE models, new 17 inch seven spoke wheels on the GLE models, clear taillights, and some interior and exterior refinements over the 2000 to 2001 models. In 2003, there was a special package called the Titanium Edition with special wheels and interior treatment, as well as a Meridian Edition package which included heated seats and steering wheel (most of the time leather, although some were available with heated cloth), and a GPS navigation system. The Titanium Edition was available in all colors, but a new color was available only with the Titanium Edition (Polished Titanium). The last generation Maxima GLE was the basis for the Infiniti I35. In Russia, the Maxima is being sold as Nissan Maxima QX.The sixth generation Maxima, code-named A34, was only sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the US, it comes with the venerable VQ35DE, a DOHC V6 engine that now produces 265 hp (198 kW) at 5,800 RPM, and 255 ft-lb of torque at 4,400 rpm.Interestingly, in Australia, the Maxima has the same engine, but Nissan has set the maximum power to only 170 kW (228 hp). The Australian version is code-named J31, shares the VQ engine, initially only came with a four-speed automatic transmission, and obviously has quite noticeable styling differences to the North American version as it is based on the Nissan Teana. In 2007, it received a minor mid-life facelift and an all new CVT automatic transmission. However, SE models can be had with an optional five-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is still standard on some models.The rear independent suspension returns, this time using a multilink setup similar to the Altima.A smaller Maxima, from 2003, is sold in the Asia-Pacific region (as well as in Australia) and based on the Nissan Teana. In some markets, it is sold as the Nissan Cefiro. It is built on the standard FF-L platform of the Altima/ US Maxima combined with certain pieces of the JM Nissan Presage design same as the Nissan Teana previously mentioned. The American Maxima is known for a balance between sport and luxury; other models tend to focus more on comfort.For 2007, the U.S. Maxima became available with a standard Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) (similar to the CVT in Nissan's Murano) as the only transmission choice; a manual transmission was no longer offered. The CVT featured a manual mode. It features a freshened front fascia (now lacking the center block, the new grille closely resembles that of the 2007 Altima). Headlights are also more squared around the edges. New interior changes include an Intelligent Key system with integrated ignition tab, new center console, and new white-and-orange gauges as opposed to the older pure orange ones.For 2008, the Maxima's fuel economy drops from 21MPG-City / 28MPG-Highway to 19/25 due to new EPA measurement methods. A Platinum Edition package of convenience features is added for 2008 on both SE and SL trim levels.The Maxima was redesigned for the 2009 model year and made its debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The newest Maxima (A35) is built on the Nissan D platform sharing this platform with the fourth generation Nissan Altima and second generation Nissan Murano. The exterior and interior design are somewhat similar to the Infiniti G and Infiniti M, with an updated navigation interface and optional iPod interface system that works with the main console monitor and steering wheel controls. It will come equipped with a revised version of the VQ35DE engine producing 290 horsepower (220 kW). A revised version of Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddle shifting will be the only transmission offered (no manual).[2] A diesel version is expected to be released for the 2010 model year.[3] The new Maxima will be offered in S and SV trims with several premium and technology packages available. The current Maxima's design trades height and length for sleeker styling, although the width has been increased slightly. The keyless ignition now uses a push button start. In the U.S., the seventh generation Maxima went on sale in late June 2008. Performance:[4]