Mazda6 MPS: Torquing It Up
Motoring Channel Staff - 1/May/2008
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Mazda6 MPS: Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept
Is this the new Mazda6 MPS or Atenza Mazdaspeed
Concept? A recent tarot card reading says "maybe"
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Hiroshima, Japan —
More news on the next generation Mazda6 MPS (a.k.a MazdaPseed6), the high performance hero model in the Mazda6 range. Expected
to appear later in the year at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the new model
is likely to be powered a turbocharged 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine.
Larger and more powerful than the previous 2.3-litre turbo engine, the
new 2.5-litre turbocharged intercooled engine is expected to output
around 208kW (280hp) of power and at least 400Nm of torque. With some mild tuning, it wouldn't be out of the question to extract 300 kilowatts from the forced induction engine. Like
the previous model, it will be an AWD vehicle and will rival cars such
as the Ford Mondeo XR5 Turbo, and also the Saab Turbo X and Volkswagen
Passat R36 to a lesser extent. Though details are still vague,
the zero to 100km/h sprint is likely to take around 6.0 seconds, and
top speed will be limited to 250km/h (155mph). There has also
been rumours circulating that Mazda will unveil a 2-door coupe version
of the Mazda6 down the track, which would be an ideal variant for the
turbocharged MPS upgrades. As well as the beefed-up engine,
gearbox, and driveline, the new Mazda6 MPS will get larger wheels with
bigger tyres for more grip, larger brakes to improve deceleration and
stiffer suspension to sharpen its handling capabilities. The Motoring Channel road tested the Mazda6 MPS in Australia and it was scored four out of five by the Editor who said: "It's not too thirsty,
is comfortable and quick, and can be highly rewarding to drive if the
conditions are ripe." However it did lose points for having soft suspension. With a larger engine and an expected boost in torque, the 2009 Mazda6 MPS is shaping up to be a sports sedan watch. Related
Articles:
- Mazda RX-8 & Furai Concept (2008)
- Mazda CX-9 (2008)
- Mazda6 (2008)
- Mazda2 (2008)
- Mazda6 MPS (Road Test)
- Mazda Taiki (concept)
- Mazda3 Extreme Concept (2007)
- Mazda6 Sport (Road Test)
- Mazda6 Diesel (2007)
- Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe (Road Test)
- Mazda Ryuga (concept)
- Mazda Nagare (concept)
- Mazda CX-9 (2008)
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