KitchenAid topload washers were *always* direct-drive Whirlpools with a few added engineering features. They never had anything directly to do with Maytag .... or Kenmore beyond Whirlpool also producing the direct-drive Kenmore units, and also direct-drive Maytags after the company was purchased (and other Maytag-family brands such as Amana and Admiral). And Roper. And Estate. And Inglis. Yada yada.