New aerodynamic sheetmetal replaced the Maxima's former boxy look. The new model was not only longer and wider, it rode on four additional inches of wheelbase. Under the hood, the Maxima retained the former 3.0-liter V6, but engineering changes resulted in 160 horsepower instead of 154. Choose the GXE and the only transmission was a 4-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the sporty SE came equipped with either a 5-speed manual, or the automatic at no extra charge.