October 25, 2004

Preview:
Mazdaspeed6
Story and photos by Paul Williams

With the successful and recent launch of the Mazda3 sedan and GT, the Mazda6 - in station wagon, five-door hatch and sedan versions - the radical Mazda RX-8, and the upcoming Mazda5 in June 2005, you'd think this busy company might take a break for a while.

But when you're on a roll...

Early in 2005, look for a special high-performance version of the Mazda6 sedan called the Mazdaspeed6 which was recently shown at the Paris Motor Show. First seen in 2002 as a concept car called the Mazda6 MPS,
the production Mazdaspeed6 (as it will be known in North America) will be a showpiece for the "zoom zoom" character adopted by Mazda.

The car is designed to optimize handling, stability, acceleration and braking performance for the Mazda6, and establishes the top-end for the model.

"It's the most powerful Mazda ever," says Mazda marketing chief Steve Odell.

Built in Japan (unlike the Mazda6, which is assembled in the U.S.) the car will be powered by a 2.3-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine making 280-horsepower. Challenging the "no replacement for displacement" dictum, this small engine will also produce 280 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 3,000 r.p.m., propelling the car from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, and to a top speed of 240 km/h (European specs).

Some may consider the use of a four-cylinder engine - as opposed to a six or eight cylinder, or maybe a rotary - in a limited edition sports sedan as a risky choice. Mazda executives explain that they wanted to work on their own engine, rather than the "corporate" 3.0-litre V6 that was not developed in-house.

Indeed, other companies are now using four-cylinder engines to great effect in high-performance applications (like Subaru in its 250-horsepower Legacy GT and Honda's 240 horsepower S2000).

A custom six-speed manual is the only available transmission, and no automatic is planned at this stage.

While the Mazdaspeed6 is recognizable as a variation of the Mazda6, certain exterior modifications are unique to the car. The hood is 45 mm taller than the standard Mazda6, in order to accommodate the induction system that channels air from the five-point upper grille to the turbo intercooler.

Because the hood is raised, the fenders acquire shoulders that also distinguish the front of the car, giving it a more muscular front end. The 18" aluminum wheels are specific to the Mazdaspeed6.

At the rear, an aerodynamic bumper integrates a diffuser for the dual exhaust system, and a compact rear lip spoiler sits on the decklid.

Ornamentation is kept to the minimum, as Mazda strives for a look of sophistication and restraint, rather than tuner-type body cladding and graphics.

The signature colour, Moist Silver Metallic is new and exclusive to this model. The colour is designed to express the "elegant simplicity" found in Japanese ink paintings, according to Mazda. Nuances of colour reflect when viewed from different angles and in different settings.

Says Mazda Canada chief of marketing Greg Young, "Mazda's reason for making this car is to show what we can do; that 'zoom zoom' isn't just something we talk about."

The Mazdaspeed6 will be available in Canada in March/April 2005. Pricing will be announced closer to launch date.

More Speed: Mazda's upcoming MazdaSpeed6 to boost automaker's performance lineup
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 11/15/04

LAS VEGAS -- Mazda North American Operations will broaden its lineup of high-performance models next summer with the launch of the MazdaSpeed6.

The special version of the Mazda6 will be powered by a 274-hp turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine. It will be sold only with all-wheel drive, limited-slip differential and a six-speed manual transmission.

The upgraded suspension features increased spring rates, stiffer shocks and thicker stabilizer bars. Antilock brakes and dynamic stability control will be standard.

The car's appearance also will change. It will have different front and rear fascias, new rocker panels and 18-inch wheels.

The interior will have sport bucket seats, drilled alloy foot pedals, automatic climate control and a 200-watt Bose CD stereo.

Mazda expects to sell between 3,000 and 5,000 units by summer 2006 at a sticker price less than $30,000.

While the Mazda6 lineup includes a five-door hatchback and wagon, the MazdaSpeed6 will come only as a sedan.

Mazda has released sporty versions of the Miata and the outgoing Protege. The Mazda3 has since replaced the Protege. Company executives are uncertain about plans for a MazdaSpeed3.