Mazda Reveals Pricing on Mazdaspeed6, Introduces Two Special Edition Models
By Brad Nevin

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6, 2005 (FCN) -- At the Los Angeles Auto Show yesterday, Mazda announced pricing for the high-performance Mazdaspeed6 and revealed special edition models of the Mazda3 and RX-8.
When the Mazdaspeed6 goes on sale this summer, it will have a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at U.S. $27,995. Equipped with a 270-horsepower turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine, Mazdaspeed6 is the most powerful and best-handling sedan ever sold by Mazda, and it is the highest-performance vehicle to wear a Mazda badge.

Mazdaspeed6 has a host of performance enhancements over a conventional Mazda6. To accommodate the power of the turbocharged engine, Mazda developed a new Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system. When electronic sensors detect a lack of grip, up to 50 percent of the power can be directed to the rear wheels. Mazdaspeed6 also has a completely new six-speed manual transmission, a modified suspension, standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, a significantly more rigid body structure and styling enhancements inside and out to distinguish it as Mazda's ultimate performance sedan.

"The Mazdaspeed6 offers the optimal balance between performance and sophistication," said Weldon Munsey, vehicle line manager for Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "The turbocharged engine, with its broad powerband, excellent fuel economy and eco-friendly emissions levels, is unmatched in its class, while the sport-minded, luxurious cabin helps deliver a car that drivers will find hard to exit."

Mazdaspeed6 models equipped with the Grand Touring package are priced at $29,925 and include leather seating surfaces, eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and mirrors and keyless entry and start. Stand-alone factory options are limited to pearl paint ($200), power tilt-and-slide moonroof ($700) and DVD-based navigation system ($2,000).

In addition to news on Mazdaspeed6 pricing, Mazda also unveiled the all-new Mazda3 SP23 Special Edition and the rotary-powered RX-8 "Shinka" Special Edition in Los Angeles.

The Mazda3 SP23 Special Edition has a leather interior, premium sound system, high-gloss finish 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing front windshield wipers and automatic on/off headlights. The Mazda3 SP23 Special Edition, available with either four- or five-door models, is offered only in Carbon Gray Mica.

The RX-8 "Shinka" Special Edition takes its name from the Japanese word meaning "evolution" or "transformation." Available with either a six-speed manual or four-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission, the RX-8 "Shinka" Special Edition features an upgraded suspension with new shock absorbers and urethane-filled cross-member supports which improve performance and ride comfort. In addition to "Shinka’s" unique Parchment-colored leather interior, the interior features a leather-covered handbrake lever, upgraded trim on the doors and center console, and a revised finish on the 18-inch alloy wheels. Bezels on the head- and taillights also have a new finish. Only 2,150 RX-8 "Shinka" Special Edition cars will be produced.

Mazda also unveiled finalists in the Mazda "Zoom-Zoom To Win" photography contest at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Held in conjunction with Conde Nast magazines, Mazda invited the public to submit photographs that best describe what Zoom-Zoom means to them. From the more than 3,000 pictures submitted, 50 finalists have been chosen. The winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in March.

 

so the 'special edition' 3 gets - no more HP... sigh. The Cobalt special edition is supercharged. Come on Mazda! Keep up with the class!! McFly!

Put the M6 'Speed package on the 5door too! Please!

 

I have to admit, the Mazdaspeed 6 seems like a slick package. But it's heavy... around 3,600 pounds if I recall. More weight is expected with AWD, of course. But the end result is a car that is slower than its primary competitor - Subaru Legacy 2.5 turbo.

 

the Ms3 will be coming out next year and you can expect the same 2.3L turbo engine pumping out about 220hp in a FWD configuration....pricing would be right at 21-22.

 

How interchangeable will this make parts? (in your opinion, of course)

 

And, if they get it right, it will be available in the five door this time!