MAZDASPEED Mazda6
Autoweek is showing a picture of the 6 that will come with TwinTurbos, 276 HP, 265 Lbs of TQ, 18 inch wheels, and AWD. Sometime in September. Add Navi, and Vehicle Stability control and I am THERE!
0
Comments
I am hesitant to say when the MZ6 speed would show up... The MiataSpeed (version 2)will be available as a 2005 model instead of a 2004.5 model....I don't think they want to offer two speeds at the sametime....so maybe they mean september of 2005??
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat- _code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=07383418
I'm guessing 26-27 large on the sticker with few (if any) options. Maybe the nav system they're offering on the 3?
Don't think I'll actually go for one, but it sure will make me tear up when I see one go by.
Should be very interesting. I wonder if it'll compete with the STi/EVO/R32 rally-style cars, or less edgy cars like the Legacy GT.
I also wonder if Subaru will punch back with the rumored Legagy STi, H6 with twin turbos, some rumors have it at 350hp.
Competition improves the breed, bring it on Mazda!
-juice
I NEED to own a Mustang some day but by then the family may have grown some more causing me to delay that dream a little longer. Since I'll already be at a Mazda dealer I just might have to test out one of those MazdaSpeed6 models. Or maybe a MazdaSpeed RX-8? The latter will probably be too expensive but I would imagine the 6 will compete very well with a Mustang GT which is in our price range. Plus it has 4-doors and is family friendly.
I know it's too early to make a decision but I need something to keep my brain active somehow.
Now if Ford starts producing an AWD Mustang GT I think my head might explode!
The only thing that worries me about the MazdaSpeed6 is that they are choosing to force feed the I4 instead of the V6. It might be too buzzy and high revving for my tastes. Not necessarily a deal breaker though.
If you like that, my guess is you'll like the MS6, or whatever it's called.
Both are big 4s with a turbo and permanent AWD, virtually the same size even.
My guess (wishful thinking?) is the 6 will be a little less refined but also edgier and more raw, perhaps half way between the GT and the WRX STi.
The 2.3l engine in the Mazda3 is pretty smooth, I'm sure it'll be based on that.
-juice
I don't know about that juice. I test drove a 6i and it was pretty refined. The only thing that might turn people off is how Mazda purposely tuned the exhaust to sound like a V6 or small V8. Sounded good to me but it was louder than pretty much every I4 I've ever driven before.
Two twisters bolted on might change all of that though.
As for the Subie, no thanks. I know you're a Subaru guy but I'm just not and probably never will be. I don't know exactly what it is but they just don't spark my interest. I guess I just like things simple. Like a big V8 as opposed to a high tech I4 with a thousand things bolted to it to make it go fast.
There's a WRX STi in my parking garage that I get to hear almost every day because we arrive at around the same time. The motor sounds whiny and the exhaust sounds like one of those coffee can mufflers teenagers bolt on to their Civics. The two don't seem to go together to me. I understand the greatness of the STi, WRX, etc. but I just don't want any of them.
And that's what bothers me about the MZS6. It might be too high tech.
Give me Looney Toons and metal Tonka trucks any day. You can have your Power Rangers and Transformers.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It may be time to embrace smaller engines ; ) Lighter is better when it comes to handling and MPG.
The Evo and WRX are too boy racer.
NVH was not as good, IMO, you heard more road noise in the 6s. I can't imagine a 2.3l AWD turbo would be quieter than the 3.0l V6. So that's what I meant when I said it won't be as refined.
Legacy GT is a lot more refined than the STi, the engine is tuned less aggressively and there is more insulation and a more absorbent ride, there is no comparison. The STi is a lot more raw (and boy racer, yes).
I don't the MS6 will qualify under your simpler-is-better philosophy.
-juice
http://www.mondial-automobile.com/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It has more displacement and AVCS, though the Mazda engine will have that too (S-VT in Mazdaspeak). Lag is minimal because the 2.5l with AVCS does OK even off boost.
I wouldn't assume the Mazda will automatically be better because of the numbers on paper, though I'd love to drive them back-to-back and judge for myself.
I was fortunate enough to take a Legacy GT around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway infield track, and the car was more capable than I, my lack of experience was what limited my speeds. I still managed to redline 3rd gear and get a bit into 4th on the short straight.
My complaint about Mazda engines is they lack low end torque. My Miata's torque peaks at 5500 rpm and there is approximately zero torque until 4000 rpm. The V6 in the Mazda6 also has a sky-high sweet spot, way up in the revs.
I wonder how the 2.3l turbo will be tuned, the numbers just don't reveal enough.
-juice
Especially when they are based on incorrect information.
Even if the Legacy got you off the line, you'd loose him in the twisties.
Plus, you get a car with more room for passangers and luggage.
C&D had an article on the 6 wagon and it said the Legacy wagon had more room. I doubt the MS6 will come in a wagon at all, so Subaru has the clear advantage there - you can get a GT wagon.
As for passenger room, IMO both are tight. Neither has any foot room at all beneath the front seats. Wheelbase is about the same, and Legacy actually has a bit more head room when I sat in it. The wagon has a lot more head room.
Seems like you have something against the Legacy, have you sampled one? Reviews have been solid.
-juice
What's up with the link in #18? It stopped working on me while I was trying to find the Mazda section. Since I don't speak French, how do I get to where you were pointing?
-juice
But then again, I haven't applied a tape measure to either, so I could be wrong.
I complained that the Mazda6 didn't have toe space under the front seats, but the Legacy has the same exact issue.
Neither is particularly roomy, an Accord or Altima is roomier for sure.
-juice
Sure, if you can get past the mind numbing boredom that comes with the Accord.
I don't recall an Altima being more roomy. I know a Maxima is but the Altima too?
Any how, it's not often you have 4 people above 6' tall in one car.
-juice
Nope. The only reason I have 4-doors right now is because of a 9 month-old. Otherwise the back seat is a ghost town.
Our Escape has a good bit more leg room in the rear so we always use it when multiple adults travel with us. It's just easier that way.
The Legacy is a fine vehicle but, it is going to be quite a few ticks below the 6 in terms of styling, fit and finish, handling and over-all performance.
I see room for improvement in the 6. Styling is fine. Material quality isn't as nice as the Leg, but at least the design is sharp (a sporty cockpit). Handling is about even but the ride is stiffer and NVH control is not as good.
The V6 could use more torque down low, and AWD will work wonders for this chassis that seems ready for more power.
Dunno, I like it, but I don't love it. 20 more lb-ft and AWD and maybe I'd love it.
-juice
This will be an entirely different vehicle. Basically, all it will share with the current 6 is the number.
Same chassis and even the Ford engine block. Lots of changes in the tuning I'm sure.
I think it'll be what the SVT Focus was to the regular Focus. Even then I'm not sure that it'll be hand-built like the SVT was.
We'll see. Miata owners (myself included) haven't exactly gone nuts over the Mazdaspeed edition of that car.
-juice
Also, it's not addressing the main issue I have with my Miata - leg room. It's still cramped.
So I'd have a quicker Miata that is still tight and weighs a bunch more than my 1993.
I guess I'd have been more impressed if MazdaSpeed figured out a way to drop 200 lbs instead of adding more power.
-juice
-juice
-juice
Press days are Sep 23 & 24 and Mazda's on the first day (11:15am @ Hall 1 to be more specific).
-Drumm
260ps or about 252hp
0-100km/h in 6.6s (probably very conservative)
I want to read more about the AWD, hopefully it's not the same system used in the Escape (part-time rotary blade coupling).
Got any links?
-juice