2005 Mazdaspeed 6

Los Angeles – Mazda today unveiled its newest high-performance vehicle at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show as it took the wraps off the all-new Mazdaspeed 6 for the first time in North America. The 274-horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive Mazdaspeed 6 is expected to add additional customer and media accolades to the Mazda lineup. 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 exhilarating contours of the Mazda 6 are accentuated in the Mazdaspeed 6 to create a look that conveys the vehicle’s performance and stability. An aerodynamic front bumper and lower grille section hints at the performance hiding behind the overall 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.

The interior of the Mazdaspeed 6 is equally attractive. The cabin seats five adults and is conducive to communication between driver and passengers. Engineers chose high-quality interior materials for a lush finish that appeals to adult sensibility, rather than leaning toward youth-oriented and stark rally-inspired trimmings. Other performance-minded interior features include the custom six-speed shift knob and semi-bucket sport-type front seats for excellent side support.

The performance attitude of the Mazdaspeed 6 stems from its powerplant. By introducing direct injection to a turbo application, Mazda circumvented the usual drawback of turbocharging – poor low- and mid-range torque – while meeting strict exhaust regulations. Both fuel mixture loading efficiency and torque are increased by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber. As a result, the turbocharger delivers much of its 15.6 psi of boost from approximately 2500 rpm.

An all-new high-performance six-speed transmission harnesses the 6’s 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 small transmission employs triple cone synchronizers – which minimize shift effort – for first, second and third gears, with a double cone synchronizer for fourth gear, allowing for smooth up and downshifts.

The driving experience is further enhanced by the an Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system. The all-new system yields a superb balance between driving and stability under all road conditions. The torque transfer system 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. To ensure consistent power delivery under all weather and driving conditions, the water-cooled Power Take Off center differential distributes torque to the rear axle.

The chassis received extensive attention. Mazda engineers succeeded in improving torsional rigidity by approximately 50 percent off the base Mazda 6. Mazda engineers paid particular attention to local reinforcement on a sub-assembly level, which avoids increased vehicle weight while simultaneously increasing rigidity where it is most needed. The advantages include improved rear suspension grip and sharper handling characteristics

At the front, improvements designed to enhance handling include increased dampening force of the double-wishbone suspension, a 25 percent higher spring rate for the coil springs and an increase in the diameter of the stabilizer bar from 23mm to 24mm. The multi-link rear suspension changes began with a switch to mono-tube dampers for superior response. The spring rate of the rear coils has been increased by 37 percent, the stabilizer bar diameter increased from 21mm to 23mm.

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.

Story by Mazda Motor Corp, edited by Supercars.net