| Press
Release:
Mazda
unveiled its newest
high-performance vehicle at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show as it took
the wraps off the all-new MAZDASPEED6 for the first time in North
America. The 274-horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive
MAZDASPEED6 is expected to add additional customer and media accolades
to the MAZDA6 family¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s already impressive collection. Power from the
direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-liter engine is chanelled to an
all-new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system for traction and
handling in all conditions.
"The MAZDASPEED6 offers the optimal balance between performance and
sophistication," said Weldon Munsey, vehicle line manager for Mazda
North American Operations (MNAO). "The turbocharged engine, with its
broad powerband, excellent fuel economy and eco-friendly emissions
levels, is unmatched in its class, while the sport-minded, luxurious
cabin helps deliver a car drivers will find hard to exit."
The MAZDASPEED6 will be available as a Sport or Grand Touring model.
Both versions feature extensive interior appointments, including
stainless steel scuff plates, sport-type front seats, a BOSE audio
system with in-dash six-disc CD changer and an alloy pedal set. The
MAZDASPEED6 Grand Touring edition also will receive black
leather-trimmed seat upholstery, eight-way adjustable heated front
seats, heated door mirrors, an advanced keyless entry system and
optional power moonroof.
Mazdaspeed6 Exterior
The exhilarating
contours of the MAZDA6 are even more accentuated in the MAZDASPEED6 to
create a look that conveys the vehicle's dynamic performance and solid
stability. Mazda engineers applied a subtle, yet aggressive design to
create a refined appearance that resonates with those seeking automotive
maturity and refinement.
The shape of the MAZDASPEED6 is a symphony of solid proportions and
athletic tension. An aerodynamic front bumper and lower grille section
hints at the high performance hiding behind the overall road-hugging
image. A five-point upper grille serves as the air intake, directing
cooling air through an in-hood duct to the intercooler. The sleek design
extends to the strong proportions of the flared side skirts and is
amplified by the 18-inch aluminum wheels. A rear bumper with built-in
diffuser for the integrated exhaust tailpipe combines with a compact,
functional rear lip spoiler to finish off the attractive exterior
package that also serves to maintain the MAZDA6's strong aerodynamic
package. The vehicle's overall exterior look is that of a tightly
integrated machine with a unique, fresh identity.
The Interior
The interior of the MAZDASPEED6 is equally attractive as the exterior
and shares much with its siblings, the MAZDA6 Sports Sedan, 5-Door and
Sport Wagon. The spacious cabin seats five adults and is conducive to
communication between driver and passengers. Engineers chose
high-quality interior materials for a lush finish that appeals to adult
sensibility, rather than leaning toward youth-oriented and stark
rally-inspired trimmings. Other performance-minded interior features
include the custom six-speed shift knob and semi-bucket sport-type front
seats for excellent side support.
Turbocharged Engine
The performance attitude of the MAZDASPEED6 stems from its powerplant.
By introducing direct injection to a turbo application, Mazda
circumvented the usual drawback of turbocharging ? poor low- and
mid-range torque ? while meeting strict exhaust regulations. Both fuel
mixture loading efficiency and torque are increased by injecting fuel
directly into the combustion chamber. As a result, the turbocharger
delivers much of its 15.6 psi of boost from approximately 2500 rpm. The
single-scroll turbocharger maintains exhaust temperature, allowing for
reduced thermal capacity of the exhaust system, which, in turn,
minimizes harmful emissions and allows the MAZDASPEED6 to meet both
LEV-II state and Bin 5-A Federal regulations.
Transmission and
Suspension
An all-new high-performance six-speed transmission harnesses the
MAZDASPEED6's ample power and was developed specifically for this
application. Mazda engineers chose low gears for strong acceleration and
high overdrive gears for effortless high-speed cruising. The extremely
small transmission employs triple cone synchronizers ? which minimize
shift effort ? for first, second and third gears, with a double cone
synchronizer for fourth gear, allowing for smooth up and downshifts.
Brass synchronizers were chosen on select gears to minimize shift
balking and maximize feel.
The dynamic driving experience is further enhanced by the MAZDASPEED6¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s
Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system. The all-new system yields a
superb balance between Zoom-Zoom driving excitement and assured
stability under all road conditions. The torque transfer system found in
the MAZDASPEED6 adjusts front/rear torque distribution between 100:0 and
50:50 for optimum drive power to each wheel and can react to wheel
slippage much more quickly than conventional gear- or fluid-controlled
systems.
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