Hello everybody, when did whirlpool (now the makers of maytag since 2006) come out with the design 2000? How long did it take for them to engineer, research and develop the line? What was behind this series? What about the clean touch? What about the ultimate care lineup? I am well aware that the centennial for the maytag line was introduced in 2007. Why did they stop making them? This is referring to the direct drive line. How tough on dirt are they? I'd love to know. Thank you for your time.