2006 MazdaSpeed 6
 

From all accounts, it looks like Mazda is about to hit a home run with their 2006 MazdaSpeed 6 sports sedan.

274hp, 280 ft-lbs from a turbo'd 2.3L inline four (compression ratio is 9.5:1, and peak boost is hit at 15.6psi!), 6spd manual standard along with an awd system with a driver adjustable torque distn knob (similar to the STI).

Mazda has released official pricing and the base model w/ cloth interior will start at $27,900 while the touring model w/ leather will start at $29,900.

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Hmm...one of these WILL look very nice next to my SVX in my driveway! ;)

-Chike

P.S. Link to a preview by Edmunds: 2006 MazdaSpeed 6

Official pricing and trim levels/specs can be found at www.mazdausa.com under 'future vehicles'.

Maybe I'm just getting used to SVX styling, but those 1/4 panels look way to wimpy for specs like that. I mean... I dunno.. specs sound nice.. interior is nice... but outside it just looks wussy.

Maybe our generation is just getting too used to 'boy racer stylin' with the likes of the SRT-4, Evo, STI, Ion Redline, etc.

The MazdaSpeed 6 design is a real 'sleeper', like the E46 M3. No flashy spoilers or hood vents, etc., but a lot of muscle to put down some big numbers. :cool:

-Chike

P.S. I paid 4K on my SVX loan at Xmas, and she'll be paid in full within the next 2 months. My wife wants to replace her '02 Mitsu Lancer with an '04 Mitsu Endeavor SUV. I'll therefore be in the market for a second car for myself (not selling my SVX ever!!!) within another year or so. I like the Volvo S60R, but the MazdaSpeed 6 just lights my fire.

When is the Subaru B9 (SVX replacement) supposed to come out anyway?

I think it's very pretty. If I was in the market for a Legacy GT, I'd consider this car as well.

Every preview I've read on the MazdaSpeed 6 lists the '05 Legacy GT as its direct competitor. It'll be intersting to see how Subaru responds. I won't be surprised if they up the power to the full 300hp in the STI and stiffen the suspension some more... :)

At this time, I plan to cross-shop the MazdaSpeed 6 with a 2.5 Legacy GT and a used Volvo S60R. Can't think of any other 4 door awd sports sedans that really interest me or will be in my price range...

-Chike

i am biased, but the mazda is ugly.

svx replacement? :confused:

I actually like the styling of the 6s better than this one. Not to say it's bad looking though. Only real problem is those ugly taillights.

They really need to chop about $5000 off the price though, the car's price puts it in the league of some much nicer cars.

You misunderstood. The STYLE of the car is fine.... but go look at your SVX. See that crease above the rear wheels? And the 'bulge' around the wheel arch? That makes it look pretty masculine.... and powerful. This car, while it is very poweful, has only slight 'lips' on teh wheel arches, and looks pretty nudered. I think a stronger more aggressive rear 1/4 panel with a bit of a bulge would have really helped it look great, visually.

Heh, you've never driven a 6 have you? Chopping $5k off the price would put it right at the price of the 6s. The 6s is worth the money IMO, the Mazdaspeed makes it that much sweeter. I need to test drive one when they come out. :cool:

No I meant chop $5000 off the entire line. I can fully understand the Mazdaspeed version being rediculously expensive...but even the normal ones are just too much for what you get.

I've test driven both a 5-speed and an auto. Mandi wanted one in the worst way until we drove them and went through all the pricing. For the price, she liked the Grand Prix GTP better - "there's more space and the interior is nicer in the GTP". But if it was $5000 cheaper, she would already be a proud owner of a dark grey 6s.

I must say that the entire Mazda line has improved greatly in the last few years, in terms of performance, quality, re-sale value, etc.

AutoWeek in their preview of the MazdaSpeed 6, mentioned that the Mazda 6 was already one of the best selling 4 door sedans in the country (behind the Camry), and since it's introduction as a 2003 model, over 135,000 6's have been sold in the US alone!

They also went on to rave on the performance/handling of the base 6, and the MazdaSpeed version being equipped to take it up another notch.

-Chike

The interior is ugly. I never got into the red guage thing. Too 1980's Firebird. Cool blue or an indigo would be better. I think the Legacy GT looks better. If you could get the Suby for $29k I would take the Legacy. The AWD system in the Subaru is better then the wheel sensing type in the Mazda. A Legacy STi would be SWEET. The big downer for the Mazda, it's a ford. Yes we are Subaru *****s around these parts, but trying to be objective, I think the Legacy looks better. Of course a G35x sedan is better then both. Especially if you dip into the NISMO parts book. :)

How is it a ford?

Ford owns Mazda
 

Ford owns a good chunk of Mazda and as a result, there's a lot of part sharing going on. They put their engines in a bunch of Mazda vehicles. The Mazda 6 and MPV with V6's have Ford Duratec V6's in them. I'ts most likly going to be their weak link. The ford Ranger is badge engineered and sold as the Mazda B-series pickup. I'm sure there's a whole lot more under the skin as well.