2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed6 in Plymouth, MI - $0

Billed by the automaker as the fastest accelerating, best handling and most advanced sports sedan it has ever built, Mazda unveils the MAZDASPEED6 sedan. Exterior visual cues for the new sports sedan include a new grille and headlights, with a dark gray tint for the headlight buckets to achieve a more aggressive look and feel, fog lights moved into the lower bumper area and front fenders aggressively flared to clear the larger wheels and send a powerful message.

The hood is bulged in order to clear the intercooler mounted on the top of the engine, and cleverly integrates a functional hood scoop to feed cold outside air to the engine. Extended side skirts, a re-profiled rear bumper with built-in diffuser and slots for the twin tailpipes, and a lip spoiler complete the aerodynamic enhancements to the body.

Available in Sport and Grand Touring models, the MAZDASPEED6 is equipped with a unique 2.3L direct-injection turbo-charged four-cylinder engine joined to a six-speed manual transmission and high-tech Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system. The new MAZDASPEED6 has all the performance and passion of a specialist rally replica, but with the refinement of a luxury sedan.

By introducing direct injection to a gasoline turbo application, Mazda circumvented the usual drawback of turbocharging -- poor low- and mid-range torque -- while meeting strict exhaust emission regulations. The close-ratio, slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission is fitted and really encourages the MAZDASPEED6 driver to explore the sedan's performance. The extremely small transmission employs triple cone synchronizers -- which minimizes shift effort -- for first, second and third gears, with a double cone synchronizer for fourth gear, allowing for smooth up and downshifts. Brass synchronizers were chosen on select gears to minimize shift balking and maximize feel.

On the road, this sweet package of four-door goodness is planted and connected -â€" always giving the driver a memorable driving experience. The Mazda sedan delivers seamless torque at the driver’s whim â€"- at just about every speed and situation. Road surface or weather conditions do not negatively impact its performance.

The standard Mazda6 control hardware was tweaked and enhanced for the MAZDASPEED6 sedan. Riding lower than the standard Mazda6, the suspension features a 25-percent higher spring rate for the front coil springs and an increase in the diameter of the stabilizer bar from 23 mm to 24 mm to sharpen turn-in and minimize understeer. In the rear, the spring rate has been increased by 37-percent, with the stabilizer bar diameter increasing from 21 mm to 23 mm combined with the reinforcement of the rear cross member.

As benefits a top-of-the-line model, the MAZDASPEED6 offers a host of creature comforts that the "rally replicas" can only hope for, such as comfortable and supportive black cloth sport seats with optional leather trim, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with an optional BOSE audio system featuring a six-disc CD changer, and available xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, moonroof and DVD-based navigation system.

Steering wheel mounted controls include audio and cruise controls. The center armrest also doubles as a two-tier storage bin. Heated leather front seats are inviting and supportive. Map pockets in the front doors were designed to support a popcan or a bottle. Rear seat accommodations easily coddle two adults â€"- with a fold-down armrest and built-in dual cupholders. Rear windows go all the way down. The well shaped square trunk does not have a rear seat pass-through.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 105.3; overall length: 186.8; width: 70.1; height: 56.3 -- measurements in inches.

Engine: 2.3L turbo-charged four-cylinder -- 274 hp at 5,500 rpm and 280 lbs-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed Sport manual.

EPA fuel economy: 19 city/25 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 12.5 cu. ft.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags, dual front seat mounted side-impact airbags, alarm system, limited slip differential, dynamic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, engine immobilizer, remote keyless entry, automatic headlamp control, traction control and fog lights. Grand Touring adds remote control engine start. Optional safety equipment includes navigation system.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 MAZDASPEED6 sedan starts at $27,995 for the Sport and $29,925 for the Grand Touring. Destination charges add $560.

As tested

2006 MAZDASPEED6 Grand Touring sedan

Exterior color: Titanium Gray II Metallic

Interior color: Black with white

Tire make/model: Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22

Tire size: P215/45R18

Base price $29,925

Destination charge $ 560

Alarm shock sensor upgrade $ 60

Cargo net $ 40

Wheel locks $ 40

Power moon roof $ 700

Navigation system $ 2,000

Total as tested $33,325

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