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Whew! On to the next subject of discussion, and lets beat it into the ground as well, eh?
As for the engine itself, I have done my own research and have satisfied myself that this is a fine block for Mazda to use. It has been rated as a top ten engine by Ward's, and was designed with the help of both Cosworth and Porsche. When Porsche delivered the prototype it had 250hp output. I think emissions work and some cost cutting dropped that output to present levels. Mazda has put different heads, timing chain, variable valve timing, etc. in order to both increase power output and smooth out the NVH issues with this engine. NVH is probably one of the few viable complaints about previous Duratecs.
They kept it overnight last night (giving me a rental) and the mechanic said he was on the phone with Mazda engineers all this morning trying to figure out what was wrong.
As it turns out (according to him), there's nothing wrong with the car, but there's some bug in the computer software that neither the Mazda nor Ford engineers can pinpoint right now. So, I'm to pick up my car today and periodically bring it in to clear the light and make sure nothing else is hiding behind the error message.
The mechanic suggested that in the future they might have to replace the whole computer if they can't figure out what this programming error is (although I don't see how that might fix it, but whatever works).
Nothing directly life-threatening (although ignoring the "check engine" light could hide other, more serious, problems), but annoying. So, maybe we'll be looking at the first recal for the 6 (and hopefully the only one) sometime related to this problem.
hopefully your dealer will figure out your problem and get you going. So far we have not had any communication from Mazda concerning an issue like yours. which is good, hopefully its an isolated case.
http://www.boomplustoys.net/tokyoautosalon2003/page_5.html
http://autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svvan.asp
And a total of 15 MPV reviews vs. 27 Odyssey reviews is kind of a small sample don't ya think.
Both the I4 and the V6 are manufactured by Ford in the US. So by default, neither engine is suitable to your needs. Enjoy your day.
Can you tell me the current build combos available if the base requirement is 6i, MT, cloth interior, ABS/TCS pkg, and SAB/SAC pkg.
According to the mazdausa site, you can only get this combo if you take the Premium pkg.
Thanks.
I looked at the sticker of both the 6i and 6s at a local dealer the other day, and the I4 says its built in Mexico and the V6 says built in US. Transmissions built in Japan.
The non-supercharged one is known as L36
The supercharged version is L67
http://www.thrashercharged.com/tech_htm/faq.shtm#16
I get the feeling you are not an overly technical person by some of the statements you are making. Others here might want to consider that before responding in the future.
I do want point out that Gary (Mazda6) is correct in pointing out that a Miller Cycle engine has a different combustion cycle than, say, a Honda engine (an Otto Cycle engine). The very nature of that combustion cycle (leaving the intake valves open during combustion) is part of the reason Mazda is abandoning the concept. MC engines To clean up the MC engine, they probably have to close those valves...then it woudln't be a MC engine.
Can that be the educated end to the MC engine in the 6 discussion?
mazdafun wrote that there is less rear overhang with the 6 hatch. does anyone know what other interior and exterior differences exist between the 6 hatch and sedan?
i can't figure out exactly why, but i also think the hatch is better looking than the sedan, and am looking forward to it being available in the US.
thanks,
antonio
"Yeah, the Lysholm compressor holds the gas/air charge in the combustion chamber since the intake valve doesn't close during combustion.
"It has a supercharger."
"Oh...cool!"
I've driven a Passat for the past two years, and chose it primarily for the availability of the V6 and manual transmission (the only other good choice at the time was a Maxima). I really enjoy the Passat, but do long for something a bit sportier, so the M6 is obviously on my mind. With the availability of the hatch version later this year, I will strongly consider making the change.
With great previous experiences with a Civic, Prelude and Integra, I love Hondas, but the unavailability of a V6 sedan with a manual tranny has kept me away from Hondas/Acuras for several years now. I think it's fantastic that Mazda (and Nissan) chose not to ignore this admittedly small segment. Now if only the TSX would become available with the Accord's V6.
Anyhow, I'm looking forward to spending a little "quality time" with the 6 at the show tomorrow.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
What is it, what is its purpose, and when would you use it?
My husband had a stick-shift Nissan truck. One of my friends will drive nothing BUT a manual transmission car. I, on the other, have anbsolutely NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER to drive a stick. But what is this function for on the 6??
Yes, you can if you want to.
"What is it, what is its purpose, and when would you use it?"
It's for shifting manually, if and when you want to.
HINT: You can ignore it if you like.
you can get the abs/tcs and side airbags with the premium package. Nothing else is required.
otherwise you need to take premium, sport, comfort and leather to get your options.
For those who are ordering a mazda6 this month...tomorrow is the last day of allocation this month. Which means if your order isnt transmitted to mazda from your dealer by tomorrow they wont look at the order for a month.
That said, true car lovers generally agree that manumatics really aren't as "fun" as a true manual, and are really just novelty items. They don't really improve performance over standars autos- they just give you something else to futz with.
Anyone want to comment on my post a page back, please?
-Alt
Novelty? Yeah that was Porsche's idea when they slipped the Tiptronic in their 911 a decade ago. Yep, BMW and Infiniti's manumatics are novelty items.
There actually is a slight advantage to a manumatic over a straight auto. Can it compare to a manual? In 2003...no. But some are darn close.
The big difference isn't in straightline acceleration (most 5 speed autos will hold 2nd through 60 when you're pushing hard) but for passing and handling. An automatic when passing doesn't know exactly how much power you want when you're cruising at 60 and you slam your foot down. With a manumatic you're simply dropping the car into 3rd and launch instantly. There's no "gear-hunting" involved.
Likewise on corners it's best (imo) to have the tach in the sweet spot, engine pulling with full torque so you can launch outa the corner. With a manual this is cake. On an automatic it's near impossible to control and with a manumatic you can mostly do it. I'd rather have some measure of control over the engine then zero like you get with an automatic.
Come flying into a corner at 75, downshift into 4th and you can decelerate some and keep the torque up as you sweep through - never touching the brakes - and explode out of the turn. You can do this with a manual and a manumatic. With and automatic you must touch the brakes and wait for the car's computer to decide if and when to downshift. No thanks.
I would presume the same will hold true for the US versions.
For more info see: http://sycomax.mazda6.co.uk/uploadpool/documents_UK/PDFBrochure/Mazda6_UK_0502.pdf
Click down to page 8-9
thanks for the link. according to the pdf's diagram, it appears the only difference in exterior dimensions would be a longer and higher (more horizontal) rear window, and shorter 'trunk deck' (i don't know the correct term, sorry) for the hatchback than the sedan. it looks good, though.
it also looks like the hatch has a wider and lower opening at the base than the trunk on the sedan.
anyone have any more info?
i wish december wasn't so far away....
http://www.avtoin.com/zeneva2002/slike/Mazda%206%20SW.jpg
2004 is so very far away!!!!
I thought that it was the rotary Wankel engine in RX-7 doing that
Also has rear headrests and folding side mirrors, but (dammit) no aux. power port.
BTW, I only do this in my 6 because it's so much fun to drive. Hardly ever did it in my slushy 98 Camry which has been relegated to my wife.
why anyone would get the sedan is beyond me...
Today.
Sigh.
Mazda has stated the hatch is how the mazda 6 was suppose born naturally. I can't wait to get get my hands on it, on grey silver.
I wouldn't suggest it but someone more knowledgeable may be able to give you concrete reasons why one may want to avoid that with a garden variety 4 speed. The 5 speed manumatic is designed to have the selectable gearing.
The mechanic told me that it had something to do with the "evap test" and that it didn't think it was running it when it was, or something like that. He told me that he had called some "Mazda engineers" (don't know who that would be, but maybe he has a phone number) they they had told him it was a software problem.
A couple of times they mentioned that and as I was leaving they told me they'd send me a letter when Mazda had a fix for it and I could bring in the car to have the software changed.
So, I really doubt it was the gas cap problem. And they were certain it was software thing. The car's running fine, so I'm inclined to think they're right. I guess I'll just have to wait and see (and drive it all the way out there once a month to have the light turned off).
If Mazda wants to truly be the Japanese BMW, theyv'e got to stop thinking like the Accord and the Camry are the targets. The Accord is virtually an unhittable target; it is so refined, so well done (styling notwithstanding) that anyone who is cross-comparing these two cars will have great difficulty in choosing the 6 - the Honda just objectively stacks up to be a little better mainstream sedan as the car tests are showing, and with the reliability and resale, you just can't go wrong.
Mazda has got to go after the BMW crowd, and that means differentiation, with stuff like manual transmissions across the board, wagons, hatches, coupes, wide availability of options without excessive bundling into packages, AWD, an extra measure of technical sophistication here/there - in short they have to get out of the commodity car market where they're slugging it out with the Accord and Camry and get into niche market where they appear to offer everything a niche Euro car offers but with much better value and reliability.
Maybe that's their plan with the hatch and wagon - I think BMW stages the release of a new model with the sedan appearing first simply because it is too complicated to try and introduce all the models simultaneously.
I think there are a LOT of folks out there who think BMWs are fantastic cars, but just don't want to pay a premium to own a fussy machine - they want a blue-collar BMW. Make it happen Mazda!
- Mark
The compass on my rearview mirror is a novelty item. I rarely use it. Although the manumatic may be a bit more functional.
Its just as much a novelty item on a Porsche or what have you than a M6. Especially on a Porsche! Heck, a sports car is a novelty item itself. Why would anyone get a automatic SPORTS CAR anyway? Gag.
Though it does "try" rather than succeed against the accord and camry, it does certainly satisfy that 15 percent of people who are exactly looking for a car like this, so mazda won't be rich, but they will stay in the game(maybe only way to stay in the game).
As well regarding the matter of introducing every single type of version of a model at once, hatch, sedan, couple, AWD option, that would just put mazda into bankruptcy since they are still in critical care from their own company bankruptcy or bound to bankruptcy not so long ago(ford to the rescue). In addition to this, i'll will tell you why they don't build coupe sedans. Mazdas owners and head markerters hate the 2 door coupe transforming of a natural 4 door sedan, because as i have read about the company history, they like to keep it logical and practical. They believe sedans are suppose to be 4 doors, and in reality thats what they should be, not a 2 door real sports car pretender(ironically though every mazda car is a sports car at heart). While also true sports cars should have only two main door, which they have built with the rx8 and miatas. I personally like this choice of designing strategy, because after the smoke clears, it does make sense. What can i say, i'm a mazda kind of guy, through thick and thin.
You are right about that. Number of production lines running in the beginning; programming the robots to assemble alternate models at the outset would be a nightmare. Better to get the crews trained and assemble one good model for introduction, get the manufacturing bugs worked out, THEN introduce the next versions. Also, if sales of the first model are slow that tells them how to allocate the next ones.
In other words -- one model at a time gives them better feedback from buyers.
fowler3
The 6 series is a World car, so if the hatchback is a flop here, again, they still have Europe, Asia and Oceana to sell them in.
Many American buyers don't like the hatchback version because of more road noise from the rear wheels/tires and less structure* between them and the rear bumper. Same for small wagons. Mini-vans are longer, taller, and the wheels are lower which reduces road noise in the cabin.
* I'm not talking fun-to-drive and handling here, I'm talking about peoples' fear of fire in the cabin, however unrealistic today. Many of these same buyers would like the hatchback, but...they defer and opt for the sedan. Also, many buyers are pro-sedan because of the BMW 3 and C-class MB, a "sport sedan" has four doors and is not a utility wagon. Rent a small truck if you need to carry an old office chair to GoodWill.
fowler3
Is this common practice? Is it illegal in any way?
Thanks for any help.
Opens just a crack and not all all the way.
The manumatic is now sticking and slowly moving back to normal position mainly when upshifting by tapping lever. It moves and shifts gear, but then the lever just slowly goes back to center position.
I still haven't got an answer regarding the heated seats, if they are only suppose to heat for 2-3 minutes then shut off.
As for your inquiry about the extra effort made doors, to me it does have a very good "thunk" sound once closed, compared to some other cars. With that, to me when a door makes that solid sound, it makes a reflective point that the other parts of the car is solidly built.Though for someone else its harder to appreciate it.
1. I have no idea why hatchbacks aren't more popular. I think they got a bad rap right about the time when SUVs started appearing and people either wanted a formal sedan or they wanted the cool new SUV. But the anti-SUV backlash is strong, very strong at the moment. There is just absolutely no way that the market can support, what is it now, maybe 50 different SUV models with some mfgs having six or eight. To me it is Greenspan's "irrational exuberance" and with any nudge whatsoever (e.g., any hint of oil shortages), will send the SUV market into the tank. And perhaps that the only non-pocket-rocket hatchback that was around was the quirky Saab.
2. Yep, maybe Mazda is following the "prudent" and conservative course. But they should still err on the side of bold because if they don't turn the corner pretty soon, they're going to be history. Nissan was bold three years ago and look how they've been transformed. If they had tried the long/slow approach, they'd be history now.
- Mark