2006 Mazda 6

Mazda unveiled its newest high-performance vehicle, The 274-horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive MAZDASPEED6 is expected to add additional customer and media accolades to the Mazda 6 family'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 Mazda 6 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 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.

An aerodynamic front bumper and lower grille section hints at the high performance car 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 6's strong aerodynamic package.

An all-new high-performance six-speed transmission harnesses the 6'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 dynamic driving experience is further enhanced by the 6's Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system. 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.

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.

Braking is by discs all around, with fronts measuring 12.6 inches and vented, and rears measuring 12.3 inches and solid. The brakes work in synergy with the four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Active Torque Split All-Wheel-Drive system to exhibit an outstanding level of active safety. From the beginning of Mazda 6 development, braking performance and feel was deemed to be critical to the car's performance.

The 6 shares the class-leading safety features. With side-impact door beams, whiplash-reducing front seat headrests, dual front airbag supplemental restraint systems (SRS) and standard-equipment side impact airbags and air curtains, the Mazda6 sets the benchmark in safety for performance sedans.