Mazda6 Gets a Boost

By Feann Torr

In the 1990s, Mazda, like Nissan, was an underperforming, uninspiring Japanese marque, that has since become one of the new millennium's most spirited automakers.

The RX-8 was a defining vehicle for the Japanese company, and its revitalised range of visually impactful vehicles, including the Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6, have all been performing well, not just in Australia, but right around the world.

Capitalising on its recent success, Mazda will be releasing a special high performance version of its mid-sized Mazda6 model, a vehicle that will not only appeal to the rev heads, but one that adds even more impact to Mazda's burgeoning line-up.

First revealed as the Mazda6 MPS Concept at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the engineers at Mazda have spent the past two years fine-tuning the design as well as "mission-critical technologies" (read turbochargers) to finally deliver a production version of the Mazda6 MPS.

The production version of the Mazda6 MPS - or the Mazdaspeed6 as it will be badged in North America and the Mazdaspeed Atenza in Japan - was officially unveiled at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, and the company will begin building the AWD vehicle early in 2005.

Based on the Mazda6 sedan, the new MPS vehicle is much louder visually, but not so outrageous that it will alienate more conservative buyers who may have been or still are fans of the turbocharged Subaru Liberty/Legacy range.

Mazda describes the new styling as "a sophisticated look that resonates well with those who appreciate mature refinement".

While it is unmistakably a Mazda6 sedan, a new bonnet gives the front end a bit more menace, with new power lines reflecting the car's increased power output, and more pronounced press lines running from windscreen to grille.

An new front bumper and lower grille section also make the MPS cut, where a bigger airdam feeds the air the engine and the grille serves as the air intake for the engine's intercooler.

Where the front end is much more aggressive and a lot chunkier than the standard Mazda6, the rear end of the hi-po MPS isn't quite as exaggerated, save for a pair of fat chrome exhaust pipes.

While they could have bolted on a massive rear wing to the car, which would have appealed to a younger demographic, Mazda's theme of subtlety for the MPS is evident in the boot lid spoiler, which at the end of the day fits the bill quite nicely.

The Mazda6 MPS has strong proportions, which are derived from the flared wheel arches side and 18-inch aluminium wheels fitted with 215/45 R18 tyres.

The overall effect of the vehicle's exterior is a tightly integrated and sophisticated look that hints at the vehicle's power, and with colours ranging from white pearl, to gun metal grey and red mica, the overall look of the new Mazda6 MPS should be enough to make Subaru's turbocharged Liberty GT stop and take notice.

Locomotion for the go-fast Mazda comes courtesy of a fettled version of its 2.3-litre 4-cylinder mill, only this time round it's been boosted.

Coupled with Mazda's new 'Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive' system, the turbocharged, intercooled 4-banger offers "outstanding acceleration yet easy controllability throughout its power range" according to Mazda.

As well as offering almost 200kW of power, particular attention was paid to optimising the stiffness of body assemblies, suspension characteristics and brake performance to match the car's high power. These and other efforts result in what is, and I quote, "the highest-performance sedan ever developed and built by Mazda". Quite a big wrap, I think you'll agree.

The fettled engine, known internally as the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo, was designed to offer a big kick, while still delivering solid everyday drivability - that is, punchy low-to-mid range torque.

Mazda also introduced a direct injection system to the turbo engine, which essentially increases efficiency (more peak power, less emissions). With all of this, not to mention a turbo/intercooled setup forcing more air into the cylinders, the Mazda6 MPS generates 191kW (260hp) @ 5500rpm, while 380Nm of torque peaks @ 3000rpm.

As you can see from the table, the Mazda6 MPS makes a hefty 50Nm more torque than its Japanese brethren, but this may be due to the Mazda's 2.3-litre engine, compared to the Subaru's smaller 2.0-litre donk. The Subaru also has a much wider power band (the rev range between peak torque and peak power), and while the Soob looks to have the MPS's measure, a side-by-side comparo will be very interesting nonetheless.

Subaru Australian claims the Liberty GT will hit 100km/h from rest in 5.8 seconds - which is hard to believe, but there you go - while Mazda is claiming a more realistic 6.6 second 0-100km/h dash and a top speed of 240km/h.

Mazda reckons the singe-scroll turbocharger starts adding substantial boost soon after the accelerator is pressed, at around 2500rpm, and the injection an atomised spray of fuel directly into the combustion chamber causes a remarkably fine fuel mixture to form around the spark plug, which helps to prevent misfire.

The MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine has a relatively high compression ratio of 9.5:1, features an electronic throttle and an electronically controlled turbo boost system.

Program manager Seiichi Ohmoto explained what Mazda was aiming for with its new car: "Building on the highly acclaimed dynamic performance of the Mazda6, we set out to optimise every aspect of handling, stability, acceleration and braking performance.

"The idea was to realise a whole new level of balance between outstanding performance and driving pleasure, and thereby deliver Mazda's Zoom-Zoom in its ultimate form.

"All you have to do is take one look at the Mazda6 MPS, sit behind the wheel and press the accelerator to immediately understand the true spirit behind the product concept of sophistication and high performance."

In addition to the 191kW engine, a newly developed 6-speed manual transmission ensures that the MPS can effectively put its increased power to the ground, and triple-cone synchronisers for first, second and third gears (and a double-cone synchroniser for fourth gear) help reduce friction between shifts.

Mazda's new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system makes its debut in the Mazda6 MPS, and is based on the AWD system fitted to some Mazda6 models in some international markets.

It has been altered to allow for a more aggressive transfer of torque to the rear axle on all road surfaces in accordance with driving conditions, and works by interpreting real-time data from various sensors (steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G force and engine status) and then responds accordingly.

The revised AWD system can adjust the front:rear wheel torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50 and a new rear differential with LSD is employed by the system to deliver a high level of reliability for those driver who will want to thrash the engine to its limits.

Changes to the stock Mazda6's suspension were made for the MPS model, and result in a much firmer ride, while improving handling and grip levels. In tandem with the increased power, both the front and rear axles are fitted with large-diameter brake discs, which co-operated with ABS, brake assist and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

All thing's considered, and Mazda looks to be on yet another winner, and if the pricing remains competitive with Subaru's Liberty range, who knows? Maybe it will even outsell its major rival. The Mazda6 MPS is expected to go on sale in Australia by mid 2005 where it may face an uphill battle if priced at the rumoured $55,000, as the 190kW Liberty GT begins at $52,990.

The Mazda6 MPS is Mazda's most technically advanced high performance sedan. It is the fastest, best handling, best braking sedan Mazda has ever built, yet the company has gone to great pains to ensure that every man and his dog understands that all this performance has not come at a price, with high levels of sophistication and refinement making for everyday practicality.