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.
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'.