They mention that the six-speed transmission in the Z will be in a upcoming more powerful Maxima. Dunno if they are jumping the gun or Nissan released info to them or what.
-shrug-

 

most likly it will because they will share the same engine and many other things. It will prob be an option for an SE.

 

According to Fresh Alloy, there will be a Maxima SE-R for 2002 with a 260hp 3.5L and a 6-speed. They have to up the ante a little because the new Altima will be available with 240hp.

 

but i was more interested in the new sentra se-r. that looks like it will be a sweet ride. rumors of a maxima se-r interest me more than the z, i'm not crazy about the re-design, looks weird to me, just like a new beetle, one ding looks like it drastically ruins the car's look. then again i wasn't crazy about the maxima redesign, and now its tops in my book..

 

A compact car with 180 hp and under 20k! How can Nissan go wrong with this car (especially after what Honda did to the Civic)?

As far as the Maxima updates. They will have to do something to the I30 because of the Acura TL Type S. It would be easy to make a Maxima SE-R with the higher power and six-speed.