| Mazda Atenza |
Article Index for Mazda |
Website Links For Mazda |
Information AboutMazda Atenza |
The Mazda Atenza or '''Mazda6''' is a Midsize Car from the Japan ese carmaker Mazda . It replaced the Capella / 626 . In late February, 2006, Mazda announced that it had sold one million Atenza and Mazda6 models worldwide since the car's February 2002 introduction. The model lineup consists of a 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and a 4-door station wagon . Drivetrain combinations include a 2.3 L 4-cylinder L-family engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "4-Speed Sport AT") Automatic Transmission . A 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine is also available with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "6-Speed Sport AT"). European versions also feature a four-cylinder Turbo Diesel . In its first years, the Mazda6 came with a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic "AT" and a 5-speed manual transmission. During 2005, a 6-speed automatic became available. Final drive is to the front wheels only in most markets, although full-time All Wheel Drive models are available in Japan and Europe . There is speculation of a larger sedan, the Mazda Mazda9 for the model year 2008 or 2009, to replace the older Mazda 929 and Millenia . Not all configurations are available in all areas - for example, the Mazda6 as released in Australia was a four-cylinder car only, while the last 626 which it replaced was a four or six-cylinder car. This has led to much amusement as to the choice of names. Speaking of which, the name Atenza is used only in Japan - the Mazda6 name is used everywhere else in the world. Like the 626 before it, Ford is using the Mazda6's CD3 platform as the basis for a number of other vehicles, including the Ford Fusion , Mercury Milan , Lincoln Zephyr / MKZ , Lincoln MKX , and a range of SUVs and Minivans . Ford also plans to offer a Hybrid powertrain on the platform. For its part, Mazda themselves refer to this chassis as either the GG (sedan/hatch) or GY (wagon) series - following the previous 626/Capella in its GF/GW series. North American Mazda6 production is handled at the AutoAlliance International plant which is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda. The first Mazda6 rolled off this Flat Rock , Michigan assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after production of the 626 ended. There are also satellite plants building Mazda6 models in China and Thailand . MAZDASPEED 6/ MAZDA6 MPS Mazda6]] The 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 is a high-performance version of the Mazda6. It features a Turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 274 hp. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed transmission, and All Wheel Drive . Mazda currently has no plans to enter the car into rally racing, and the Mazdaspeed 6 is meant to compete with its Japan ese-made turbocharged contemporary, the Subaru Legacy GT and similar sport sedans rather than the smaller, rally-car-derived Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution . In some markets such as Australia , it is sold under the name Mazda6 MPS, with MPS standing for Mazda Performance Series because the MazdaSpeed name has never been introduced to the country. Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed 6 was delayed until November. In North America, the Mazdaspeed6 comes in two trim levels; the "Sport" trim with cloth interior and standard key entry and ignition; and the "Grand Touring" trim with leather interior, keyless entry/ignition, and DVD navigation (Canadian model lacks DVD navigation). Automatic climate control is standard as is a 200 W Bose stereo system featuring 7 speakers and a 9 in subwoofer in addition to an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. As an option, the Grand Touring trim also has a sunroof with moonroof feature. Although Mazda estimates 0-60 MPH times to be 6.2 seconds, recent independent tests by automotive journalists have suggested that the actual numbers might range between 5.4-6 seconds (with DSC deactivated). 2008 Mazda is reportedly developing a replacement for the Mazda6 for the 2008 model year. This new vehicle would reportedly use the 3.5 L Ford Cyclone V6 with over 250 horsepower. Insiders predict that the turbocharged MZI engine might be the base offering and that all wheel drive will be available more widely. AWARDS The Mazda6 was 2nd place European Car Of The Year and made '' Car And Driver '' magazine's Ten Best List for 2003. The ''Sport Wagon'' won the Canadian Car Of The Year ''Best New Station Wagon'' award, while the ''Sport'' sedan won the Canadian Car Of The Year ''Best New Family Car'' award for 2005. GRAN TURISMO The Mazda6 Concept , Mazda 6 Mazdaspeed, and Mazda6 5-door are all featured in the Polyphony Digital video game Gran Turismo 4 ; as is the Touring Car edition of the sedan. It coincides with the full suite of Mazda vehicles in the game. REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
|
|
|