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MazdaSpeed 6 Official info from Dealer

6K views 47 replies 16 participants last post by  Optimus Prime 
#1 ·
Standards equipment:
-Direct Injection 2.3L Turbo/Intercooled 4-cyl
-274 hp @ 5500 RPM
-280 lb-ft of torque @ 3000 RPM
-Active Torque Split AWD
-Limited Slip Differential
-Dynamic Stability Control w/ABS
-High Performance Tires
-18" wheels
-6 speed manual transmission (automatic is not available)
-side airbags
-Curtain aribags
-Bose Audio with in-dash 6CD changer
-Speed sensing wipers
-HID headlights
-Keyless entry
-4 window auto up/down with open feature on keyless remote

Options:
-Grand Touring Package: Leather-trimmed seats, Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System, Power Driver's Seat, Heated front seats, Heated Mirrors
-Moonroof
-Navigation

Price:
Base: under $29,000
Grand Touring: Under $31,000

Arrival at dealerships: Early Summer 2005
 

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#2 ·
This looks like a direct head-to-head with the new Legacy GT Limited. I've driven that and it's a pretty impressive package. Will be interesting to see how this compares.
 
#3 ·
any word on the car's weight? the engine numbers are basically identical to the '03, '04 Evo.

but, the car looks heavier in the pics, so i don't expect the same performance. anyone with some numbers on 0-60, 70-0, slalom, lateral g's?

anyone ordering one?

should be a good car. will be interesting to see later iterations and mazda prove it can make a reliable awd system for a car.
 
#5 ·
wheel-man said:
any word on the car's weight? the engine numbers are basically identical to the '03, '04 Evo.

but, the car looks heavier in the pics, so i don't expect the same performance. anyone with some numbers on 0-60, 70-0, slalom, lateral g's?

anyone ordering one?

should be a good car. will be interesting to see later iterations and mazda prove it can make a reliable awd system for a car.
I think the fully loaded 6s is 3241 lbs, I imagine the mazdaspeed to be about that or a little heavier.
 
#6 ·
Jas4fun said:
I imagine the mazdaspeed to be about that or a little heavier.
Unfortunately, it's a failing (IMO) of both BMW and Mazda that their 'performance' versions (Motorsport, Mazdaspeed) aren't lighter than the standard model.

Well, except for the CSL. That was the right way to go. :)
 
#7 ·
The Roadstergal said:
Unfortunately, it's a failing (IMO) of both BMW and Mazda that their 'performance' versions (Motorsport, Mazdaspeed) aren't lighter than the standard model.

Well, except for the CSL. That was the right way to go. :)
Well, adding AWD does make things a bit heavier. They did beef up the torsional rigidity by a lot for the Mazdaspeed, so at least that's a step in the right direction. :thumbup:
 
#8 ·
Jas4fun said:
Well, adding AWD does make things a bit heavier. They did beef up the torsional rigidity by a lot for the Mazdaspeed, so at least that's a step in the right direction. :thumbup:
agreed, and mazdaspeed will definitely tune the suspension well to counter any added weight in the nose as well....

the other light weight performance model from bmw was the e36 m3 lightweight. was hoping the e46 would come out with a similiar version.

any word if mazdaspeed will make a stripped version of the awd 6?
 
#9 ·
wheel-man said:
agreed, and mazdaspeed will definitely tune the suspension well to counter any added weight in the nose as well....

the other light weight performance model from bmw was the e36 m3 lightweight. was hoping the e46 would come out with a similiar version.

any word if mazdaspeed will make a stripped version of the awd 6?
I don't think they will, just the base and GT.
 
#10 ·
wheel-man said:
the other light weight performance model from bmw was the e36 m3 lightweight.
It didn't go quite as nuts on the weight as the CSL did, though. A/C delete, lighter insulation, cloth interior, aluminum doors, ligher wheels, somewhat more aggressive suspension. I think it's about the same weight as the CSL - 2950 vs. 3000, or something along those lines?

Unfortunately, I think it put BMW on the path to luxo-M cars, because the sales figures were terrible.
 
#11 ·
The Roadstergal said:
It didn't go quite as nuts on the weight as the CSL did, though. A/C delete, lighter insulation, cloth interior, aluminum doors, ligher wheels, somewhat more aggressive suspension. I think it's about the same weight as the CSL - 2950 vs. 3000, or something along those lines?

Unfortunately, I think it put BMW on the path to luxo-M cars, because the sales figures were terrible.
Trying to sell a car in the US with no A/C was stupid. End of story. Too bad they didn't pick up that they can make an LTW w/ A/C and people will be all over it.
 
#16 ·
The Roadstergal said:
I just don't get that. I've never used A/C in a car - not here, not in Nebraska, not in Chicago. That's what windows are for.
even in the chicago summers? wow, you are heartier than i... i'd seriously melt.

they could have easily made the a/c an option though.

interesting about the m car sales being a motivating force for making them more luxurious. usually, halo cars like the m are meant to be low volume. they peak interest and help with sales of the higher volume cars.

actually, car companies that have a majority of their sales secondary to halo cars usually are not doing weill financially... like mitsubishi for example.

maybe the luxury direction of the m was secondary to increasing pressure on its sales from amg rival cars? :dunno:
 
#18 ·
http://www.grohol.com/mazda/ms6.htm
Mazdaspeed 6 Information
Mazda revealed the Mazda6 MPS Concept to the world at the 2002 Paris Motor Show as a sophisticated high-performance sedan that promised the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan experience, both in terms of driving pleasure and design appreciation. The staff at Mazda devoted the past two years to further polishing the design and mission-critical technologies to fulfill the promise.

At the 2004 Paris Auto Show, Mazda officially unveiled the production model and confirmed its plans to begin building vehicles early in 2005. The global launch of the highest performing, best handling sedan Mazda has ever built will bring the same level of ultimate Mazda6 performance to all major markets around the world, even though the product name may vary in respective regions. Presented in Paris as the Mazda6 MPS, plans call for the new model to use that name (Mazda6 MPS) in European markets, Australia and New Zealand, while adopting Mazdaspeed6 in North America and Mazdaspeed Atenza in Japan.

The Mazda6, on which the Mazda6 MPS is based, was released in 2002 as the first of the exciting new-generation vehicles, and as a car that embodies the Zoom-Zoom brand promise of stylish, insightful and spirited dynamic performance. The Mazda6 has since garnered over 80 global automotive awards while on the road to resounding success in the market and with users. Now the time has come for the ultimate Mazda6 to write another page in the history of the Mazda6 success story as the epitome of the sophisticated, high-performance theme and the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan.

Mazda's Top Performing, Best Handling Sedan - The Ultimate Zoom-Zoom Sedan

Mazda's own innovative technologies, including the newly developed direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-liter engine with maximum output of an estimated 191kW/260PS (EU specification) and all-new active torque split all-wheel-drive system, make the Mazda6 MPS the company's highest performance sedan and push the Mazda brand DNA element of spirited dynamic performance to its ultimate level. Equally as important, the Mazda6 MPS also achieves a superior balance between high performance and daily needs such as comfort, economy and overall value.

Program Manager Seiichi Ohmoto explains, "Building on the highly acclaimed dynamic performance of the Mazda6, we set out to optimize every aspect of handling, stability, acceleration and braking performance. The idea was to realize a whole new level of balance between outstanding performance and driving pleasure, and thereby deliver Mazda's Zoom-Zoom in its ultimate form. All you have to do is take one look at the Mazda6 MPS, sit behind the wheel and press the accelerator to immediately understand the true spirit behind the product concept of sophistication and high performance."

A Sophisticated, Dynamic Design that Resonates as Mature


The design aim was to fully realize the ultimate embodiment of the sophisticated, high-performance theme for the Mazda6 MPS while enhancing the look and feel of quality as befits the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan and top-end model of the Mazda6 series. The finished design is dynamic and sophisticated, lending the impression of outstanding high performance and sporting the pride of detail finely woven into the genes of this high-quality car.

Exterior Design


The exhilarating contours of the Mazda6 are further accentuated to create a look that conveys at a glance the tangible pleasure of the vehicle's dynamic performance and solid stability. At the same time, the design eliminates all traces where high performance is overstated, favoring instead a sophisticated look that resonates well with those who appreciate mature refinement.

Exterior highlights include:
- Smooth yet powerful press line flowing along the added depth of the hood from the upper grille emphasizes the length of the front that hints at the high performance delivered by the turbocharged engine and intercooler housed within.
- An aerodynamic form of the front bumper and lower grille section that speak of the car's high performance and amplify its road-hugging image.
- A five-point upper grille section that also serves as the air intake for the engine's intercooler.
- Strong, sophisticated proportions derived from the flared side skirts and the custom 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 215/45R18 tires.
- An aerodynamic rear bumper with built-in diffuser for the integrated exhaust tailpipe and a highly effective yet compact rear lip spoiler.

The overall effect of the vehicle's exterior is a tightly integrated and sophisticated look with a unique, fresh identity that leaves a confident and unforgettable impression.

New Body Color: Moist Silver Metallic

Moist Silver is a new color added for the Mazda6 MPS. True to its name, the color has an almost moist sheen to its finish that aims to reflect the lush, rich feel of Japanese nature. The color differs from the straightforward metallic silver used on the Mazda6 series by expressing the mystical ambience of elegant simplicity found where mist appears in Japanese ink paintings or in landscapes such as those seen along the shores of the Inland Sea of Japan. Just as the four seasons bring about unique changes, so does the subtle nuance of the Moist Silver Metallic body color when viewed from different angles or in different settings.

Colors also offered in select markets around the world include Snowflake White Pearl, Titanium Gray II Metallic, Velocity Red Mica, Radiant Ebony Mica, and Black Mica.


Interior Design


Starting with a cabin design that comfortably seats four adults, the design goal of the Mazda6 MPS was to realize an environment more conducive to communication between the driver and passengers, and with a look and feel of greater quality.

Interior highlights include:
- An instrument panel design to be sporty, yet not overstated and thus able to present a quiet, calming presence in the cabin.
- Interior materials chosen for trim and highlights that enrich the interior with a lush, almost organic finish, realizing a quality look that appeals to adult sensibility.
- Multiple details that befit a high performance sedan-a speedometer rated to 280 km/h, custom six-speed manual transmission shift knob designed by performing repeated road testing, and semi-bucket front seats that vastly improve side support.

The Fine Balance: Outstanding Performance and Ultimate Driving Pleasure

The primary development theme for the Mazda6 MPS was to realize the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan by ideally balancing high performance and driving pleasure. This was the aim behind the adoption of the newly developed direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-liter engine with its outstanding acceleration yet easy controllability throughout its power range and the all-new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system. Additionally, particular attention was paid to optimizing the stiffness of body assemblies, suspension characteristics and brake performance to match the car's high power. These and other efforts result in what is the highest-performance sedan ever developed and built by Mazda.

New MZR 2.3 DISI TURBO Engine


The direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-liter engine was newly developed to realize the unrivaled performance of high output, ample low-end to mid-range torque with linear torque characteristics for a sophisticated ride, as well as the greater environmental-friendliness of improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.

Introducing a direct injection system to the turbo engine infuses the already powerful acceleration that is characteristic of turbo performance with ample torque in the low and mid range to deliver excellent response, while also realizing lower exhaust emissions. All told, this next-generation power unit brings a new dimension to Zoom-Zoom performance that Mazda simply could not produce with a large displacement naturally aspirated engine.

- Max. output 191 kW (260PS) @ 5,500 rpm (EU spec)
- Max. torque 380 N·m (38.7kg·m) @ 3,000 rpm (EU spec)
- Acceleration from 0-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds (Under Mazda test conditions)
- Acceleration from 80-120 km/h: 5.3 seconds (Under Mazda test conditions)
- Top speed of 240km/h
- Meets with Euro Stage IV emissions regulations

Mazda6 MPS Output and Torque Performance Curves

The combination of direct injection and the turbocharger turns performance in the range where conventional turbocharged engines are considered weak into a point of appeal, while delivering entirely new value to the use of turbo engines.

Increased low to mid-range torque: The internal cooling effect when fuel injected directly into the combustion chamber at pressures as high as 11.5 mPa vaporizes inside the chamber improves the loading efficiency of the fuel mixture. This increases torque by up to 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm, which realizes easy to control torque in the low to mid range.

Outstanding engine response: The internal cooling effect within the combustion chamber increases the load volume under initial acceleration, causing a linear increase of rotation speed of the turbocharger's compressor blades. As a result, the turbocharger's blower starts adding substantial boost soon after the accelerator is pressed, at around 2,500 rpm.

A single turbocharger covers all speeds: The merits of the direct injection system noted above make effective boost possible from low through high speeds using a single-scroll turbocharger, which is light in weight and simple in construction. The thermal capacity of the exhaust system is thereby greatly reduced, minimizing the decrease in temperature of exhaust gases to help comply with strict emission regulations.

Fast catalytic heat-up: Injecting an atomized spray of fuel directly into the combustion chamber causes a remarkably fine fuel mixture to form around the spark plug, which prevents misfire. This allows the ignition timing to be delayed without risking misfire, making it easy to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gases. The higher temperature means the catalytic converter heats up more quickly after the engine is started for greater efficiency that makes it possible to clear strict emissions regulations.

High compression ratio contributes to improved fuel economy: The internal cooling effect within the combustion chamber improves anti-knock characteristics and improves the engine's fuel economy without losing low-end torque, even running at a high compression ratio. The MZR 2.3 DISI TURBO engine can therefore adopt the relatively high compression ratio for a turbo engine of 9.5:1 to contribute to improved fuel economy.

The form and materials used for the respective components are optimized to bear the added load and heat of the increased output. The cylinder block and cylinder head are made using a new implementation of the Advanced Precision Mazda Casting process, which increases their strength. In addition, cross drilling between the block liners and between the valve bridges on the cylinder head improves resistance to heat. The crankshaft and connecting rods are made of steel, the diameters of the connecting pins increased, the shape of the rods optimized, full floating pistons introduced, and made to ensure that all moving parts are stronger, more rigid and more durable.

Special effort was made in the tuning of the exhaust to optimize torque output and present an appealing exhaust tone that heightens the Zoom-Zoom driving experience. The shape and size of the inner diameter of the exhaust pipes and the internal structure of the silencer produces a throaty, sporty sound when accelerating from a standing start or from a low speed, and a pleasing linear curve at high engine speeds. The exhaust system also adopts a tailpipe with attached diffuser that enhances the sporty appearance.

An electronic throttle and an electronically controlled turbo boost system deliver a superior balance between refined, linear acceleration and lively, aggressive response with the relatively high-torque from low speeds produced by the direct-injection engine.

Six-Speed Manual Transmission

A newly developed six-speed manual transmission provides the driver the pleasure of full control over the high power of the Mazda6 MPS, and also contributes to a quiet ride as well as fuel economy. A compact new three-shaft design made it possible to keep the overall length the same as for the five-speed manual transmission.

The transmission uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the high power of the direct-injection turbocharged engine. Sixth gear also serves as an overdrive gear that contributes to a quieter ride and better fuel economy.

Gear ratios:

1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
Final gear ratio

1st - 4th
5th - 6th

3.538
2.238
1.535
1.171
1.085
0.853
3.611
3.095

Triple-cone synchronizers for first, second an third gears and a double-cone synchronizer for fourth gear ensure plenty of synchronization timing and establish a balance between a short, responsive stroke and pleasing feel to shift lever operations. Shift lever operation features an improved feeling of stiffness and slide resistance is minimized, as is any rough feeling caused by missed synchronization timing. The result is a direct and positive feel to shift lever operations.

All-New Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive System

The Mazda6 MPS is equipped with Mazda's new active torque split, all-wheel drive system. Based on the road-proven system of the Mazda6 available in some global markets, but featuring more aggressive transfer of torque to the rear axle on all road surfaces in accordance with driving conditions, the new all-wheel-drive system achieves a fine balance between sporty control over the car that makes it particularly fun to drive and handling stability on snowy or wet surfaces or under other challenging road conditions. Power and torque are faithfully and thoroughly transferred to the road surface for maximum efficiency and performance.

The system uses real-time input data on steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G force and engine status to determine road surface and driving conditions. The active torque coupling mounted in front of the rear differential is electronically controlled accordingly, adjusting front/rear wheel torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50 to deliver optimum drive power to each wheel. The result is powerful acceleration and positive handling regardless of constantly changing road conditions, as well as the ability to fully balance the car in a turn by deft use of the accelerator pedal.

The Mazda6 MPS's onboard computer automatically determines driving and road conditions so the driver can relax and enjoy the pleasure of the drive. Three different modes of front/rear torque distribution are selected by the system: Normal, Sports, and Snow, (for slippery surfaces). The Power Take Off (PTO) system that that aggressively distributes torque to the rear axle is fitted with its own water-cooled cooling system.

A new rear differential with greater torque capacity is employed by the system to deliver a high level of reliability. Increased torsional rigidity of the propeller shaft and rear differential mount improves the response of torque transfer to the rear wheels and delivers a more rigid feel to the ride under acceleration. And a limited slip differential is used in the rear differential optimizes transfer of torque to the left and right rear wheels, realizing solid traction and linear vehicle control that delivers a stable feeling ride when cornering.

Greatly Improved Body Rigidity

An inherently rigid four-door body design was chosen in concert with the introduction of the high-power engine to successfully embody the concept to the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan when it comes to handling, a fundamental element of driving pleasure. Individual body assemblies were also refined to deliver optimized body rigidity. Overall, torsional rigidity has been improved by approximately 50 percent over the Mazda6.

Specific actions taken to increase body rigidity include:
- A diagonal brace structure was added behind the rear seatbacks, with four angled members that suppress diagonal displacement and displacement of the rear damper mount.
- The cross members atop the floor that join the left and right sides of the cabin serve to support the damper mounts for the suspension.
- The strength of the suspension mounts at the rear of the body was increased to support the greater damping force of the new rear dampers.
- Increased size of the reinforcements for the inside of the bumper section is used to strengthens the joint to the body.
- The plane cross section of the cowl member has been lengthened on both ends and connected directly to stiffeners on the front damper mounts.
- The numbers of joints between the instrument panel members and body were increased to create a stronger, more rigid assembly.
- The body mounts for the perimeter frame to which the front suspension and engine are mounted were also strengthened.
- Reinforcing gussets were added to strengthen the left and right roof rails and header sections of the upper body, while creating a synergistic effect with the diagonal brace system behind the rear seatbacks for even greater rigidity.

Combined with the steps taken to strengthen the lower body, these aforementioned actions produce a cabin that has far greater rigidity. Overall, Mazda's engineers paid particularly attention to local reinforcement on a sub-assembly level, which makes it possible to avoid dramatically increasing vehicle weight while at the same time increasing rigidity where it is most needed. The advantages include improved grip of the rear suspension and a sharper, instant feel to the response of steering actions.

Fine Tuned Chassis

Along with adding rigidity to parts of the body, the suspension and brakes were tuned to optimize performance and support the high power of the Mazda6 MPS. This produces superior handling stability with consistently accurate, linear response and a luxurious feeling ride, whether the road is paved, rough, or slippery. The brakes demonstrate outstanding stopping power and stability, which contributes to an even faster, safer driving experience.

Changes to the front double-wishbone suspension include increased damping force for the dampers, a 25 percent higher spring rate for the coil springs, and an increase from 23mm to 24mm in the diameter of the stabilizer bar. The performance characteristics of the lower arm bushings have also been optimized. In addition, the changes to the perimeter frame that result in greater torsional rigidity help improve the support stiffness of the suspension.

The multi-link rear suspension employs mono-tube dampers that feature superior response with smooth transitions between extension and compression, and that improve damping characteristics. The spring rate of the rear coils have been increased by 37 percent, the stabilizer diameter increased from 21mm to 23mm, and the rear cross-member reinforced to support the higher power output of the Mazda6 MPS.

Damping force kN(Kgf)
Spring rate
Stabilizer dia.

Extended
Compressed
N/mm (kgf/mm)
mm

Front
2.9 (0.3m/s)
1.4 (0.3m/s)
49
24

Rear
2.5 (0.3m/s)
1.2 (0.3m/s)
36
23

Both the front and rear are fitted with large-diameter 17-inch brake discs to support the high power output by delivering stable braking performance. The brakes work in synergy with the four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and active torque split, all-wheel-drive system to exhibit an outstanding level of active safety.

Mazda At Its Best

Mazda's most technically advanced high performance sedan is about to take to the streets as the first company's first production car to carry the MPS or Mazdaspeed moniker in markets outside of Japan; and deservedly so. The Mazda6 MPS is not only the fastest, best handling, best braking sedan Mazda has ever built, but the level of sophistication and refinement combined with a surpassing balance between ultimately spirited performance and everyday practicality makes it more than worthy of its role as the flagship model in the Mazda6 series. Zoom-Zoom.
 
#19 ·
Artslinger said:
Turbo/Intercooled 4-cyl for 31k? Why not a 6-cyl?
successfully turbo-ing a V6 costs a LOT more than a 4. And these days, given a choice a lot of enthusiasts will take a turbo 4 over a aspro 6. I don't know about exact numbers, but on the road I see a LOT more GTI 1.8Ts than VR6s.
 
#21 ·
I think it looks great on paper. I did the Mazda Revitup last spring and drove 6's, 3's, RX8's, and Mazdaspeed Miata. Though not really in the same category as any BMW, it's nonetheless a strong line up. I came close to buying the very first RX8 in Houston when its buyer cancelled. I didn't but still like them. My advice though would not be an early adopter. RX8's were MSRP here at first, now they're widely available for thousands off.
 
#22 ·
Kaz said:
successfully turbo-ing a V6 costs a LOT more than a 4. And these days, given a choice a lot of enthusiasts will take a turbo 4 over a aspro 6. I don't know about exact numbers, but on the road I see a LOT more GTI 1.8Ts than VR6s.
Sorry I wasn't suggesting a V6 turbo.

Just my preference... but I would rather have a V6 or inline 6 over a 4cyl turbo.
 
#23 ·
Artslinger said:
Sorry I wasn't suggesting a V6 turbo.

Just my preference... but I would rather have a V6 or inline 6 over a 4cyl turbo.
The 6 already comes with a V6... with a lot less power than this turbo 4. The Legacy's F6 also has less power than the turbo F4. I'd much rather have a turbo 4 with room to tune than a 6 that's already at a practical tuning limit.
 
#25 ·
Kaz said:
The 6 already comes with a V6... with a lot less power than this turbo 4. The Legacy's F6 also has less power than the turbo F4. I'd much rather have a turbo 4 with room to tune than a 6 that's already at a practical tuning limit.
I like well made 4's, especially with direct injection, than the v6 I currently have. The 4 has more power, but sips gas while cruising. The 6 is kind of a gas hog for only making 220 hp.
 
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