(continued)
The all-aluminum 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve engine in the
MAZDAPEED6 is one of the first direct-injection, turbocharged, gasoline engines
available in North America. Mazda uses the moniker Direct Injection Spark
Ignition (DISI) to describe the engine. And this is just the first of a number
of planned applications for this powerplant.
By introducing direct injection to a gasoline turbo application, Mazda
circumvented the usual drawback of turbocharging – poor low- and mid-range
torque – while meeting strict exhaust emission 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 2,500 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 MAZDAPEED6 to
meet both LEV-II state and Bin 5-A Federal regulations.
The 2.3-liter DISI engine produces 274 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of
torque at just 3,000 rpm. With the turbo spinning so eagerly, there’s torque on
tap at very low revs, giving the MAZDAPEED6 amazing in-gear acceleration. And
the benefits of the DISI technology, coupled with a fast-spinning turbocharger,
further support the original promise of MAZDAPEED6 being true to the original
MAZDA 6 concept.
Other enhanced components in the engine include steel connecting rods and
crankshaft, increased diameters of connecting rod pins, optimized rod shape and
the introduction of full floating pistons. Each and every moving part is
stronger, more rigid and more durable. Literally hundreds of part numbers were
changed from the standard MZR non-turbo engine in developing this powerplant.
A further benefit of DISI technology means the MAZDAPEED6 offers a remarkable
blend of low emissions, excellent fuel economy and high performance. In city
driving, the MAZDAPEED6 achieves 20 mpg, and 26 mpg on the highway.
A close-ratio, slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission is fitted and really
encourages the MAZDAPEED6 driver to explore this car’s performance. 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.
Mazda engineers specified a six-speed manual transmission as it was deemed to be
the best mix of proper gear-spacing, ease of use and outright performance. No
automatic is available, as the engineering team felt that a proper sports sedan
should be equipped with a manual transmission, to fully involve the driver in
the experience.
The dynamic driving experience is further enhanced by the MAZDAPEED6 ’s Active
Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system. The all-new system yields a superb balance
between driving excitement and stability under all road conditions. The torque
transfer system found in the MAZDAPEED6 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.
The Active Torque Split system incorporates real-time input data on steering
angle, yaw rate, lateral G force and engine status to determine road surface and
driving conditions, then selects between Normal, Sports and Snow (slippery)
modes to provide the most power and traction under all conditions. A
torque-sensing limited-slip differential (borrowed from the Mazda RX-8 sports
car) optimizes torque and ensures excellent power delivery when cornering or on
slippery surfaces. To ensure consistent power delivery under all weather and
driving conditions, the water-cooled Power Take Off center differential
distributes torque to the rear axle.
The MAZDA 6 Sports Sedan was already one of the most rewarding driver’s cars in
its class, but adding MAZDASPEED to the equation brings a whole new level of
ability.
The MAZDAPEED6 rides lower than a standard MAZDA 6 and the double-wishbone front
and rear multi-link suspension setups have been tweaked to further enhance
handling. In the front, a 25 percent higher spring rate for the coil springs and
an increase in the diameter of the stabilizer bar from 23mm to 24mm sharpen
turn-in and minimize understeer. In the rear, t he spring rate has been
increased by 37 percent, the stabilizer bar diameter increased from 21mm to 23mm
and the rear cross-member reinforced.
With the retuned suspension acting in concert with the Active Torque-Split
all-wheel drive system, the MAZDAPEED6 can corner faster and flatter than the
regular MAZDA 6 . However, at no time does MAZDAPEED6 force occupants to suffer
a poor ride or excessive road noise in exchange for outstanding steering feel
and feedback, and prodigious levels of cornering grip.
Engine-speed sensing power assisted steering gives superb feel and lightweight
18-inch alloy wheels wear 215/45R-18 high performance tires to give excellent
levels of grip. The generous stopping power is provided by 12.6-inch ventilated
front discs, and 12.4-inch solid rear discs. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard and further reassurance
comes with Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Eye-Catching Style
The MAZDAPEED6 looks fast but not furious. Rather than emulating the hardcore
street racer styling, Mazda has subtly enhanced the flowing lines of the MAZDA 6
with a range of styling enhancements that have echoes of the spectacular RX-8
sports car. At first glance there is no doubt this is still a MAZDA 6 , but with
an all-new front fascia, hood, front fenders, headlights, rear fascia and tail
lights, there’s no mistaking that something special is under the hood.
From the front, the most immediately attention-grabbing feature is the new
grille and headlights. Headlight buckets receive a dark grey tint for a more
aggressive look and feel, and fog lights are moved into the lower bumper area.
Front fenders are aggressively flared to clear the larger wheels and send a
powerful message. The hood is bulged in order to clear the intercooler mounted
on top of the engine, and cleverly integrates a hood scoop to feed cold outside
air to the engine – again , no boy-racer speed “tricks” here.
Extended side skirts, a re-profiled rear bumper with built-in diffuser and slots
for the twin tailpipes, and a lip spoiler complete the aerodynamic and visual
enhancements to the body. Every modification from a standard MAZDA 6 is intended
to convey a sense of power, sophistication and solidity, and looks – as it was –
to have been designed to fit the car.
New black cloth sports seats are designed to hold driver and passenger tightly
in place when exploring the MAZDAPEED6 ’s serious cornering capability. An alloy
pedal set has the benefits of saving weight, looking race-ready and providing
enhanced feel for the driver. Scuff plates with stainless steel inserts are
fitted on the door sills, and the instrument panel has a unique
carbon-fiber-look trim. The door handles are chrome-plated and the power window
switches are silver to add to the sporty feel of the cabin. Auto-up and –down
operation for all four windows is standard – and the first time such a system
has been fitted on a Mazda in the U.S.
The MAZDAPEED6 is available in six unique colors: Liquid Platinum Metallic,
Black Mica, Whitewater Pearl Mica, Velocity Red Mica, Black Cherry Mica and
Titanium Gray Metallic. Again, the overall effect is of subtle sporting
intention rather than in-your-face street racer.
Audiophiles will love the BOSE seven-speaker 200-watt sound system. Offering an
in-dash six-disc CD changer and SIRIUS satellite radio compatibility for access
to more than 120 radio stations, this system provides exceptional clarity.
The sound system and cruise control can be accessed from controls on the
leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and there is leather-wrapping for the
gear shift knob and the parking brake handle as well.
Keyless entry with a retractable key is the standard way of accessing the cabin.
Automatic climate control air conditioning with a pollen filter is also fitted.
The MAZDAPEED6 comes in two levels of trim: Sport and Grand Touring. To the
standard equipment listed above, the Grand Touring adds leather-trimmed seats in
either black or a special black-and-white finish, with eight-way power
adjustment and adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat. Both front seats
are heated. The Grand Touring can also be specified with an electric
tilt-and-slide moonroof.
Also unique to the Grand Touring model is the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry &
Start System, which allows the driver to access the vehicle and start the engine
without having to produce a key. Instead, a credit card-sized device simply has
to be kept in the driver’s pocket. Upon approaching, the car “recognizes” the
card and allows the doors to be unlocked – either the driver’s door only or all
four – and then allows the ignition to be started by the turn of a permanently
attached “key” in the ignition. On the off-chance of a System failure, an
emergency key is embedded in the card device and can be used in the doors and
ignition in a conventional manner.
All models can be fitted with a navigation system and CAL Emissions Equipment.
Safety and Security
Passenger safety and security are key features of every Mazda vehicle.
The MAZDAPEED6 employs MARS (Mazda Advanced Restraint System), which comprises
advanced dual front airbags with crash zone and driver’s seat position sensors
to ensure accurate deployment in the event of an accident.
Dual front side-impact airbags and side air curtains are also fitted as
standard, alongside whiplash-reducing front seat headrests. The front safety
belts have pretensioners with force limiters and all occupants benefit from
three-point safety belts.
Child safety is catered for with child-locks for the rear doors and LATCH system
for mounting child safety-seats. An alarm and immobilizer system is standard.
A four-year roadside assistance program is standard with every Mazda. One call
to a toll-free number provides roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year throughout the United States and Canada. A free loaner car can also be
provided in the event a warrantable condition requires the use of alternative
transportation.
The MAZDAPEED6 is covered by a comprehensive four-year/50,000-mile warranty that
covers every part of the vehicle except those subject to normal wear.
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