Mazda revealed the Mazda 6 MPS Concept to the world at the 2002 Paris Motor Show as a sophisticated high-performance sedan that promised the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan experience, both in terms of driving pleasure and design appreciation. The staff at Mazda devoted the past two years to further polishing the design and mission-critical technologies to fulfill the promise.

At the 2004 Paris Motor Show, Mazda has officially unveiled the production model and confirmed its plans to begin building vehicles early in 2005. The global launch of the highest performing, best handling sedan Mazda has ever built will bring the same level of ultimate Mazda 6 performance to all major markets around the world, even though the product name may vary in respective regions. Presented in Paris as the Mazda 6 MPS, plans call for the new model to use that name (Mazda 6 MPS) in European markets, together with Australia and New Zealand, while adopting Mazdaspeed 6 in North America and Mazdaspeed Atenza in Japan.

The Mazda 6 MPS is expected to go on sale in Australia by mid next year priced about $55,000.

The Mazda 6, on which the Mazda 6 MPS is based, was released in 2002 as the first of the exciting new-generation vehicles, and as a car that embodies the Zoom-Zoom brand promise of stylish, insightful and spirited dynamic performance. The Mazda 6 has since garnered over 80 global automotive awards while on the road to resounding success in the market and with users. Now the time has come for the ultimate Mazda 6 to write another page in the history of the Mazda 6 success story as the epitome of the sophisticated, high-performance theme and the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan.

MAZDA’S TOP PERFORMING, BEST HANDLING SEDAN – THE ULTIMATE ZOOM-ZOOM SEDAN

Mazda's own innovative technologies, including the newly developed direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-litre engine with maximum output of an estimated 191kW (EU specification) and all-new active torque split all-wheel-drive system, make the Mazda 6 MPS the company's highest performance sedan and push the Mazda brand DNA element of spirited dynamic performance to its ultimate level. Equally as important, the Mazda 6 MPS also achieves a superior balance between high performance and daily needs such as comfort, economy and overall value.

Programme Manager Seiichi Ohmoto explains, “Building on the highly acclaimed dynamic performance of the Mazda 6, we set out to optimize every aspect of handling, stability, acceleration and braking performance. The idea was to realize 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 Mazda 6 MPS, sit behind the wheel and press the accelerator to immediately understand the true spirit behind the product concept of sophistication and high performance.”

A SOPHISTICATED, DYNAMIC DESIGN THAT RESONATES AS MATURE

The design aim was to fully realize the ultimate embodiment of the sophisticated, high-performance theme for the Mazda 6 MPS while enhancing the look and feel of quality as befits the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan and top-end model of the Mazda 6 series. The finished design is dynamic and sophisticated, lending the impression of outstanding high performance and sporting the pride of detail finely woven into the genes of this high-quality car.

1) Exterior Design

The exhilarating contours of the Mazda 6 are further accentuated to create a look that conveys at a glance the tangible pleasure of the vehicle’s dynamic performance and solid stability. At the same time, the design eliminates all traces where high performance is overstated, favoring instead a sophisticated look that resonates well with those who appreciate mature refinement.

Exterior highlights include:

• Smooth yet powerful press line flowing along the added depth of the hood from the upper grille emphasizes the length of the front that hints at the high performance delivered by the turbocharged engine and intercooler housed within.
• An aerodynamic form of the front bumper and lower grille section that speak of the car's high performance and amplify its road-hugging image.
• A five-point upper grille section that also serves as the air intake for the engine's intercooler.
• Strong, sophisticated proportions derived from the flared side skirts and the custom 18-inch aluminium wheels fitted with 215/45R18 tyres.
• An aerodynamic rear bumper with built-in diffuser for the integrated exhaust tailpipe and a highly effective yet compact rear lip spoiler.

The overall effect of the vehicle’s exterior is a tightly integrated and sophisticated look with a unique, fresh identity that leaves a confident and unforgettable impression.

2) New Body Colour: Moist Silver Metallic

Moist Silver is a new colour added for the Mazda 6 MPS. True to its name, the colour has an almost moist sheen to its finish that aims to reflect the lush, rich feel of Japanese nature. The colour differs from the straightforward metallic silver used on the Mazda 6 series by expressing the mystical ambience of elegant simplicity found where mist appears in Japanese ink paintings or in landscapes such as those seen along the shores of the Inland Sea of Japan. Just as the four seasons bring about unique changes, so does the subtle nuance of the Moist Silver Metallic body colour when viewed from different angles or in different settings.

Colours also offered in select markets around the world include Snowflake White Pearl, Titanium Gray II Metallic, Velocity Red Mica, Radiant Ebony Mica, and Black Mica.

3) Interior Design

Starting with a cabin design that comfortably seats four adults, the design goal of the Mazda 6 MPS was to realize an environment more conducive to communication between the driver and passengers, and with a look and feel of greater quality.

Interior highlights include:

• An instrument panel design to be sporty, yet not overstated and thus able to present a quiet, calming presence in the cabin.
• Interior materials chosen for trim and highlights that enrich the interior with a lush, almost organic finish, realizing a quality look that appeals to adult sensibility.
• Multiple details that befit a high performance sedan—a speedometer rated to 280 km/h, custom six-speed manual transmission shift knob designed by performing repeated road testing, and semi-bucket front seats that vastly improve side support.

THE FINE BALANCE: OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AND ULTIMATE DRIVING PLEASURE

The primary development theme for the Mazda 6 MPS was to realize the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan by ideally balancing high performance and driving pleasure. This was the aim behind the adoption of the newly developed direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-litre engine with its outstanding acceleration yet easy controllability throughout its power range and the all-new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system. Additionally, particular attention was paid to optimizing 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 the highest-performance sedan ever developed and built by Mazda.

1) New MZR 2.3 DISI TURBO Engine

The direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-litre engine was newly developed to realize the unrivaled performance of high output, ample low-end to mid-range torque with linear torque characteristics for a sophisticated ride, as well as the greater environmental-friendliness of improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.

Introducing a direct injection system to the turbo engine infuses the already powerful acceleration that is characteristic of turbo performance with ample torque in the low and mid range to deliver excellent response, while also realizing lower exhaust emissions. All told, this next-generation power unit brings a new dimension to Zoom-Zoom performance that Mazda simply could not produce with a large displacement naturally aspirated engine.

• Max. output 191 kW (260PS) @ 5,500 rpm (EU spec)
• Max. torque 380 Nm (38.7kg•m) @ 3,000 rpm (EU spec)
• Acceleration from 0-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds (Under Mazda test conditions)
• Acceleration from 80-120 km/h: 5.3 seconds (Under Mazda test conditions)
• Top speed of 240km/h
• Meets with Euro Stage IV emissions regulations

The combination of direct injection and the turbocharger turns performance in the range where conventional turbocharged engines are considered weak into a point of appeal, while delivering entirely new value to the use of turbo engines.

Increased low to mid-range torque: The internal cooling effect when fuel injected directly into the combustion chamber at pressures as high as 11.5mPa vaporizes inside the chamber improves the loading efficiency of the fuel mixture. This increases torque by up to 10 percent at around 3,000 rpm, which realises easy to control torque in the low to mid range.

Outstanding engine response: The internal cooling effect within the combustion chamber increases the load volume under initial acceleration, causing a linear increase of rotation speed of the turbocharger's compressor blades. As a result, the turbocharger's blower starts adding substantial boost soon after the accelerator is pressed, at around 2,500 rpm.

A single turbocharger covers all speeds: The merits of the direct injection system noted above make effective boost possible from low through high speeds using a single-scroll turbocharger, which is light in weight and simple in construction. The thermal capacity of the exhaust system is thereby greatly reduced, minimizing the decrease in temperature of exhaust gases to help comply with strict emission regulations.

Fast catalytic heat-up: Injecting an atomized spray of fuel directly into the combustion chamber causes a remarkably fine fuel mixture to form around the spark plug, which prevents misfire. This allows the ignition timing to be delayed without risking misfire, making it easy to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gases. The higher temperature means the catalytic converter heats up more quickly after the engine is started for greater efficiency that makes it possible to clear strict emissions regulations.

High compression ratio contributes to improved fuel economy: The internal cooling effect within the combustion chamber improves anti-knock characteristics and improves the engine's fuel economy without losing low-end torque, even running at a high compression ratio. The MZR 2.3 DISI TURBO engine can therefore adopt the relatively high compression ratio for a turbo engine of 9.5:1 to contribute to improved fuel economy.

The form and materials used for the respective components are optimized to bear the added load and heat of the increased output. The cylinder block and cylinder head are made using a new implementation of the Advanced Precision Mazda Casting process, which increases their strength. In addition, cross drilling between the block liners and between the valve bridges on the cylinder head improves resistance to heat. The crankshaft and connecting rods are made of steel, the diameters of the connecting pins increased, the shape of the rods optimized, full floating pistons introduced, and made to ensure that all moving parts are stronger, more rigid and more durable.

Special effort was made in the tuning of the exhaust to optimize torque output and present an appealing exhaust tone that heightens the Zoom-Zoom driving experience. The shape and size of the inner diameter of the exhaust pipes and the internal structure of the silencer produces a throaty, sporty sound when accelerating from a standing start or from a low speed, and a pleasing linear curve at high engine speeds. The exhaust system also adopts a tailpipe with attached diffuser that enhances the sporty appearance.

An electronic throttle and an electronically controlled turbo boost system deliver a superior balance between refined, linear acceleration and lively, aggressive response with the relatively high-torque from low speeds produced by the direct-injection engine.

2) Six-Speed Manual Transmission

A newly developed six-speed manual transmission provides the driver the pleasure of full control over the high power of the Mazda 6 MPS, and also contributes to a quiet ride as well as fuel economy. A compact new three-shaft design made it possible to keep the overall length the same as for the five-speed manual transmission.

The transmission uses a wide gear ratio setting that can fully exploit the high power of the direct-injection turbocharged engine. Sixth gear also serves as an overdrive gear that contributes to a quieter ride and better fuel economy.

Gear ratios:

1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	Final gear ratio
						1st ~ 4th	5th ~ 6th
3.538	2.238	1.535	1.171	1.085	0.853	3.611	3.095

Triple-cone synchronizers for first, second an third gears and a double-cone synchronizer for fourth gear ensure plenty of synchronization timing and establish a balance between a short, responsive stroke and pleasing feel to shift lever operations.

Shift lever operation features an improved feeling of stiffness and slide resistance is minimized, as is any rough feeling caused by missed synchronisation timing. The result is a direct and positive feel to shift lever operations.

3) All-New Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive System

The Mazda 6 MPS is equipped with Mazda’s new active torque split, all-wheel drive system. Based on the road-proven system of the Mazda 6 available in some global markets, but featuring more aggressive transfer of torque to the rear axle on all road surfaces in accordance with driving conditions, the new all-wheel-drive system achieves a fine balance between sporty control over the car that makes it particularly fun to drive and handling stability on snowy or wet surfaces or under other challenging road conditions. Power and torque are faithfully and thoroughly transferred to the road surface for maximum efficiency and performance.

The system uses real-time input data on steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G force and engine status to determine road surface and driving conditions. The active torque coupling mounted in front of the rear differential is electronically controlled accordingly, adjusting front/rear wheel torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50 to deliver optimum drive power to each wheel. The result is powerful acceleration and positive handling regardless of constantly changing road conditions, as well as the ability to fully balance the car in a turn by deft use of the accelerator pedal.

The Mazda 6 MPS's onboard computer automatically determines driving and road conditions so the driver can relax and enjoy the pleasure of the drive. Three different modes of front/rear torque distribution are selected by the system: Normal, Sports, and Snow, (for slippery surfaces). The Power Take Off (PTO) system that aggressively distributes torque to the rear axle is fitted with its own water-cooled cooling system.

A new rear differential with greater torque capacity is employed by the system to deliver a high level of reliability. Increased torsional rigidity of the propeller shaft and rear differential mount improves the response of torque transfer to the rear wheels and delivers a more rigid feel to the ride under acceleration. And a limited slip differential is used in the rear differential optimizes transfer of torque to the left and right rear wheels, realizing solid traction and linear vehicle control that delivers a stable feeling ride when cornering.

4) Greatly Improved Body Rigidity

An inherently rigid four-door body design was chosen in concert with the introduction of the high-power engine to successfully embody the concept to the ultimate Zoom-Zoom sedan when it comes to handling, a fundamental element of driving pleasure. Individual body assemblies were also refined to deliver optimized body rigidity. Overall, torsional rigidity has been improved by approximately 50 percent over the Mazda6.

Specific actions taken to increase body rigidity include:

• A diagonal brace structure was added behind the rear seatbacks, with four angled members that suppress diagonal displacement and displacement of the rear damper mount.
• The cross members atop the floor that join the left and right sides of the cabin serve to support the damper mounts for the suspension.
• The strength of the suspension mounts at the rear of the body was increased to support the greater damping force of the new rear dampers.
• Increased size of the reinforcements for the inside of the bumper section is used to strengthens the joint to the body.
• The plane cross section of the cowl member has been lengthened on both ends and connected directly to stiffeners on the front damper mounts.
• The numbers of joints between the instrument panel members and body were increased to create a stronger, more rigid assembly.
• The body mounts for the perimeter frame to which the front suspension and engine are mounted were also strengthened.
• Reinforcing gussets were added to strengthen the left and right roof rails and header sections of the upper body, while creating a synergistic effect with the diagonal brace system behind the rear seatbacks for even greater rigidity.

Combined with the steps taken to strengthen the lower body, these aforementioned actions produce a cabin that has far greater rigidity. Overall, Mazda’s engineers paid particularly attention to local reinforcement on a sub-assembly level, which makes it possible to avoid dramatically increasing vehicle weight while at the same time increasing rigidity where it is most needed. The advantages include improved grip of the rear suspension and a sharper, instant feel to the response of steering actions.

5) Fine Tuned Chassis

Along with adding rigidity to parts of the body, the suspension and brakes were tuned to optimize performance and support the high power of the Mazda6 MPS. This produces superior handling stability with consistently accurate, linear response and a luxurious feeling ride, whether the road is paved, rough, or slippery. The brakes demonstrate outstanding stopping power and stability, which contributes to an even faster, safer driving experience.

Changes to the front double-wishbone suspension include increased damping force for the dampers, a 25 percent higher spring rate for the coil springs, and an increase from 23mm to 24mm in the diameter of the stabilizer bar. The performance characteristics of the lower arm bushings have also been optimized. In addition, the changes to the perimeter frame that result in greater torsional rigidity help improve the support stiffness of the suspension.

The multi-link rear suspension employs mono-tube dampers that feature superior response with smooth transitions between extension and compression, and that improve damping characteristics. The spring rate of the rear coils have been increased by 37 percent, the stabilizer diameter increased from 21mm to 23mm, and the rear cross-member reinforced to support the higher power output of the Mazda 6 MPS.

	Damping force kN(Kgf)		Spring rate	Stabiliser dia.
	Extended	Compressed	N/mm (kgf/mm)	mm
Front	2.9 (0.3m/s)	1.4 (0.3m/S)	49	24
Rear	2.5 (0.3m/s)	1.2 (0.3m/s)	36	23

Both the front and rear are fitted with large-diameter 17-inch brake discs to support the high power output by delivering stable braking performance. The brakes work in synergy with the four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and active torque split, all-wheel-drive system to exhibit an outstanding level of active safety.

MAZDA AT ITS BEST

Mazda's most technically advanced high performance sedan is about to take to the streets as the first company's first production car to carry the MPS or Mazdaspeed moniker in markets outside of Japan; and deservedly so. The Mazda 6 MPS is not only the fastest, best handling, best braking sedan Mazda has ever built, but the level of sophistication and refinement combined with a surpassing balance between ultimately spirited performance and everyday practicality makes it more than worthy of its role as the flagship model in the Mazda 6 series. Zoom-Zoom.

Mazda 6 MPS - Major Specifications

Dimensions	Overall length	4,740 mm
	Overall width	1,780 mm
	Overall height	1,445 mm
	Wheelbase	2,675 mm
	Track (front & rear)	1,540 mm
	Seating capacity	5 persons
Engine	Type	MZR 2.3L direct-injection turbo
	Max. output (target)	191kW<260PS>/5,500rpm
	Max. torque (target)	380N•m<38.7kg-m>/3,000rpm
Transmission	Type	6-speed MT
Powertrain	Type	Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive
Suspension	Front/rear	Double wishbone / Multi-link
Brakes	Front/rear	4-wheel disc brakes
Tyres & wheels	Tyres - front & rear	215/45R 18 93Y
	Tyres - front & rear	18 x 17J aluminum wheels

NOTE: This information reflects preliminary specifications and was correct at the time of publication. In the traditional manner, specifications are subject to change.