3.5-liter Award-winning Engine
The team at Ward's Auto World magazine has called Maxima's VQ powerplant "the stoutest V-6 around." And for a record tenth year in a row, they named it to "Ten Best" engine list.
Ward’s Auto World and Ward’s Engine and Vehicle Technology Update, January 2004
Enhanced VQ Technology
The secret behind this amazing V6 is Nissan's VQ technology, combining race-bred engineering, friction-reducing measures, and the use of lightweight metals. It starts with an aluminum-alloy block, designed to be both strong and light. A crankshaft and camshafts microfinished to help eliminate tiny surface irregularities. Pistons coated with ultra-slick molybdenum, also to cut friction and keep the power free flowing. And technology to rigorously manage airflow. Put it all together in a Maxima and you've got an engine that's as smart as it is exhilarating
Variable Intake
Ask anyone with a trained voice, or ask a Nissan engineer. They'll both tell you that breathing technique is the secret to power and range. Take Maxima's variable air intake system, so named because the intake manifold actually "breathes" differently at high and low rpm. You get rich torque off the line; then, as speeds rise, a shorter airflow path opens to unleash deep reserves of passing power.
Variable Valve Timing
This lesson in breathing technique comes courtesy of Maxima's Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System. It makes constant, precise adjustments to the opening and closing of the valves based on rpm and throttle position. Which ultimately delivers optimum power and emissions in all cases, all the time
6-speed Manual Transmission
Help Maxima's 265 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque fulfill its destiny (and help yourself to the perfect gear): Choose 3.5 SE's available close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. It features short intuitive throws and triple-cone synchros (most cars have double) for seamless shifting from first into second. Who wouldn't want that?
5-speed Automatic Transmission
The 3.5 SE's standard 5-speed automatic transmission gives you all the simple benefits of an automatic, yet, when the mood strikes you, you can still "shift" using the manual mode. Did someone say "the best of both worlds"?
4-speed Automatic Transmission
For smooth shifting and effortless operation, it's hard to beat Maxima 3.5 SL's 4-speed automatic transmission. Wider gear ratios lead to less shift shock and the ideal fit for the 3.5 SL's overall flagship luxury feel.
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Multi-link Independent Suspension
Inspired by high-performance racecars (and not so high-performance urban blacktop), Maxima's all-new, mostly aluminum multi-link independent rear suspension helps keep you flat in the corners, improving steering response time and precision. It even has an aluminum subframe that isolates the suspension from the cabin.
Sport-Tuned Suspension
All Maximas feature front and rear stabilizer bars for that "glued-to-the-road" feel. Maxima 3.5 SE comes with a sport-tuned suspension for an extra-firm, extra-tight ride highlighted by sport-tuned rear springs and shock absorbers
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)*
A car's performance is a complicated thing. Torque ratios, g-forces, steering angle, yaw rate. Good thing Maxima is available with Vehicle Dynamic Control to keep a watchful eye on all of it. An arrray of sensors "read" if your Maxima is moving from its intended line of trajectory and respond immediately to compensate for understeer or oversteer to help keep you out of trouble.
*VDC is designed to help improve driving stability, but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering or by carelessness or dangerous driving techniques. Always drive safely.
Traction Control
To help keep your wheels from spinning, the available Traction Control System automatically reduces engine output to help regain traction. You'll find it particularly valuable during acceleration or in slippery conditions.
Helical Limited-slip Differential
Available on 3.5 SE models with manual transmissions, this feature maximizes your grip by directing more of Maxima's horsepower straight to the ground in the straightaways and corners. It helps keep your wheels from slipping (hence, the name "limited- slip"), and since it's gear-driven - not viscous, like many differentials - it's more sensitive to torque and quicker to react.
Large Disc Brakes
Keeping all of Maxima's awesome power in check are large-diameter 12.6-inch vented front disc brakes. In fact, Maxima has disc brakes at all four corners to shed power-robbing heat and reduce brake fade
Brake Technologies
Outstanding horsepower requires outstanding braking power. Maxima's brakes are also models of technology, with a battery of standard features that adjust for everything from the weight on board to your pressure on the pedal. 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS helps keep your wheels from locking up when braking hard, helping you maintain control. And to quickly bring your Maxima to its brake threshold in panic stops, a Brake Assist system automatically increases brake force. Electronic Brake force Distribution redirects more braking power to the rear when there's additional weight back there - such as luggage in the trunk, a full tank of gas, or a couple of awe-struck passengers in the rear seats.
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