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1st Generation Maxima (1981 - 1984)

The First-Generation Maxima started life as a trim designation to the 810. Along with the basic 810 specifications (120hp SOHC 2.4L straight 6, 5sp manual, rear wheel drive, 4 wheel independent suspension (live-axle rear for the wagon), and a Voice Alert System (First in a production vehicle), the Maxima designation received 4-wheel disk brakes, and a standard automatic transmission (5sp manual option was introduced in 1982). A 80hp diesel engine was also available through 1983.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN:
Engine: iron block inline-6 with aluminum head, chain driven cam, solid lifters
Bore & stroke: 3.27 x 2.90 in (83x74mm)
Displacement: 146cu. in. (2390cc) 2.4 liter
Compression ratio: 8:9:1
Max engine speed: 7000 rpm
Power (SAE net): 120 bhp @ 5200 rpm; Torque (SAE net): 134lbs:ft. @ 2800rpm
3-speed auto transmission w/final-drive ration: 3.54:1
Test Results:
Zero to 60mph: 10.5 sec
Standing 1/4 mile: 17.9 sec @ 79 mph
Top speed: 111mph



2nd Generation Maxima (1985 - 1988)

The second generation Maxima was converted from rear-wheel drive to a new front-wheel drive platform. While it was approximately 1 inch shorter than the first generation, the platform change increased the interior by five cubic feet and increased the trunk by four. The previous generations inline-6 motor was replaced with the same 3.0-liter V-6 engine (VE30E) as used in the 300ZX sports car. The SE trim model was only offered in a 5sp manual transmission until 1987 while the GL's transmission was upgraded to include overdrive. The Maxima utilized an all-independant suspension had road-sensing devices to allow ride characteristics to be automatically adjusted to current road conditions. In 1986, an anti-theft system was included and in 1987, a GXE model line replace the GL designation. The Second Generation Maxima was the last to include a wagon varient.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN:
Engine: iron block SOHC V6 with aluminum heads
Bore and stroke 87.0 x 83.0 mm
Displacement: 2960cc 3.0L
Compression: 9.0:1
Max engine speed: 6000 rpm
Power (SAE net): 152 bhp @ 5200 rpm; Torque (SAE net): 157lbs:ft. @ 3600rpm
final-drive ratio: 3.54:1
Test Results:
Lateral Acceleration:0.81g
Zero to 60mph: 10.29 sec
Standing 1/4 mile: [email protected] mph



3rd Generation Maxima (1989 - 1994)

The third generation received a complete upgrade. The boxy look was scrapped for an new aerodynamically shaped model. The SOHC V6 was kept, but upgraded to release 160hp. The GXE only came with a 4-speed automatic, while the SE model had an optional 5sp manual. 4-wheel disk brakes were standard on the SE with optional ABS. GXE also had the optional Sonar-monitored Suspension that adjusts shock-absorber damping automatically, and a helpful heads-up instrument display. In 1992, a new 190hp DOHC V6 (VE30DE) was offered in the SE model (hence the definition change to 4DSC for "4-door Sports Car") while both had optional drivers-side airbags and ABS. The VE30DE is similar to the VG30DE except for the heads which were developed to fit within the height restrictions imposed with the Maxima (30-degree vs. 45-degree).

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN (VG30E):
Engine: iron block SOHC V6 with aluminum heads
Bore and stroke 87.0 x 83.0 mm
Displacement: 2960cc 3.0L
Compression: 9.0:1
Max engine speed: 6000 rpm
Power (SAE net): 174 bhp @ 5600 rpm; Torque (SAE net): 186lbs:ft. @ 2800rpm
Zero to 60mph: 8.9 sec
Standing 1/4 mile: 16 sec


ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN (VE30DE):
Engine: iron block DOHC V6 with aluminum heads and variable induction
Bore and stroke 93.0 x 73.3 mm
Displacement: 2960cc 3.0L
Compression: 10.0:1
Max engine speed: 6500 rpm
Power (SAE net): 190 bhp @ 5600 rpm; Torque (SAE net): 190lbs:ft. @ 4000rpm
Test Results:
Zero to 60mph: 7.3 sec
Standing 1/4 mile: 15.7 sec




4th Generation Maxima (1995 - 1999)

The fourth generation maxima received another exterior upgrade. The model line was upgraded to receive an all new aluminum block 3.0L V6 (VQ30DE) with DOHC and 24-valves per cylinder. The suspension was upgraded to a new multi-link beam rear, to offer greater handling and stability, with the previous generations MacPherson strut front. Four wheel disk brakes were standard utilizing front-vented rotors.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN (VG30DE):
Engine: Aluminum block DOHC V6 with aluminum heads, variable induction, 24vpc
Bore and stroke 93.0 x 73.3 mm
Displacement: 2960cc 3.0L
Compression: 10.0:1
Max engine speed: 6000 rpm
Power (SAE net): 190 bhp @ 5600 rpm; Torque (SAE net): 205lbs:ft. @ 4000rpm
final-drive ratio: 3.823:1
Test Results:
Coefficient of drag: 0.31
Zero to 60mph: 7.1 sec
Standing 1/4 mile: 15.5 sec



5th Generation Maxima (2000 - 2001)

A new body and a new engine were introduced into the 2000 model year. The VQ30DE was replaced by the VQ30DE-k which offered more hp (222hp) and low-end torque (207lbft) than its predecessor and the 5sp manual transmission received reinforced gearing. Front driver and passenger airbags and ABS braking are standard options. The rear suspension was improved by moving the lateral link aft of the rear axle which gave more predictable handling. 4sp automatic and 5sp manual transmissions were available.

In 2001, an Anniversary Editon was offered. The AE added aluminum trim entry panels for the doors, aluminum pedals, AE shift knob, modified headlight treatment, side skirts, and custom 17" aluminum wheels. This model also received upgraded to the V6 to increase power to 227hp.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN (VQ30DE-K):
Engine: Aluminum block DOHC V6 with aluminum heads, variable induction, 24vpc
Bore and stroke 93.0 x 73.3 mm
Displacement: 2960cc 3.0L
Compression: 10.0:1
Max engine speed: 6000 rpm
Power (SAE net): 222/227 bhp @ 6400 rpm; Torque (SAE net): 217lbs:ft. @ 4000rpm
Test Results:
Zero to 60mph: 7 sec
Standing 1/4 mile: 15.6 sec



5th-1/2 Generation Maxima (2002 - 2003)

For the 2002 model year, the 5.5-gen maxima was released. This 1/2-generation included the release of the VQ35DE powerplant which is shared with the 350Z/G35 and numerous other Nissan/Infiniti models. The 5sp transmission was scrapped for a 6sp. Exterior changes consisted of HID Xenon headlights, 17" aluminum wheels for GLE and SE, side skirts, and clear tail lights. The interior was changed to include a in-dash Bose 6CD stereo, auto-dim mirros, and optional packages including heated seats/mirrors and side-aribags. In 2003, a Titanium Edition was released with special colored wheels, interior treatments, and tail lights.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN (VQ35DE):
Engine: Aluminum block DOHC V6 with aluminum heads, variable induction, 24vpc
Bore and stroke 95.5 x 81.4 mm
Displacement: 3,498cc 3.5L
Compression: 10.0:1
Power (SAE net): 255 bhp @ 5800 rpm; Torque (SAE net): 246lbs:ft. @ 4400rpm
Test Results:
Zero to 60mph: 6 sec
Standing 1/4 mile: 14.7 sec







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