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So much is going on at the L.A. Auto Show with new vehicle announcements other news bits are escaping mainstream attention. One car that is destined to be a favorite in the Autoblog Garage is the new 2006 Mazdaspeed6. Mazda has just announced pricing at $27,995 for the “Sport” edition and $29,925 for the “Grand Touring” version. Both come with the 2.3-liter turbo engine and 6-speed transmission. I’m not really sure what the differences between the two are but the Grand Touring has an available moonroof at $700 and black & white leather trimmed seats with no price available yet. Get the checkbook out.

http://www.autoweek.com/images/articles/101394
POWERTRAIN: 2.3-liter, 274-hp, 280-lb-ft turbocharged I4; awd, six-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT: 3630 pounds (est.)
0 TO 62 MPH: 6.6 seconds (mfr.)

http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2004/1220/1220cover_interior.jpg http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2004/1220/1220cover2.jpg http://www.autoweek.com/files/weekart/2004/1220/1220cover_rear.jpg

http://www.autodeadline.com/Photos?Pop=Mazda&model=MAZDASPEED6

I'm liking everything except for the pricing and the 0-60 times. That's 350Z price range with first gen SC performance...Maybe its supposed to be more touring than all out performance but one would figure based on Mazda's value performance identity that they'd want a hardcore performer again back in their line up.

James

I'm liking everything except for the pricing and the 0-60 times. That's 350Z price range with first gen SC performance...Maybe its supposed to be more touring than all out performance but one would figure based on Mazda's value performance identity that they'd want a hardcore performer again back in their line up.

James

Mazdaspeed has some beautiful pieces of art for the Rotaries.

I'm sure it will out-handle most of the turbo-charged Subarus, but no way in hell could it ever keep pace with them.

It would look pretty damn good trying, though. :thumbup:

That thing is damn porky. Shows you they don't know much about designing an AWD system. Betcha it's really Haldex soucred from the Volvo parts bin. :rolleyes:

:thumbup:

I'm a big sucker for cars that just don't "work" ...

The MazdaSpeed6 is one such vehicle. There is literally no reason to buy this car.

A quick family hauler for ~ $30 grand?

Meet: C-class, 300C, TL, G35, S40 T5, A4, IS300, WRX, Mitsu Evo, CTS, (to a lesser extent) the 9-3 ... and the list goes on.

A track car for the weekends ~ $30 grand?

Meet: 350z, RX8, MazdaSpeed MX5, GTO, S2000, Mini S, Audi TT, Mustang GT, and probably a few others.

And yet, while it has no place in the market and isn't even that attractive, or fast, or prestigeous, I would probably still take a long hard look at this car if I ever make a purchase in the 30G range.

M.

With competitors like the Evo and STi, I think it needs a few more perks, but it's still pretty nice.

-Anthony

the 0-60 times are actually suppose to be closer to 6.2 s, which is mazda's numbers. Hopefully they are being modest and it will pull at least high fives. You also havto factor in the great suspension it must have. The moding possibilities will bring a lot more power as well. If you could get the car for 27 grand it might actually be worth it. Then again, the altima SE-R has 0-60 times in the high fives for sure and has the suspension mods which porbably are not as good. Both cars are in the same price range and will appeal to buyers of the same type.

The moding possibilities will bring a lot more power as well.

How so? This 2.3L is probably already strung out as-is, and it's not exactly a terrific engine to begin with.

The Mazdaspeed 6 was not meant to compete with the Evo and STi. It was meant to compete with cars like the Subaru Legacy GT sedan. Yeah, its a porker at 3600lbs but at least you are getting refinement and a better interior than the Evo and STi which feel like any other economy car other than the special Recaro's. For that price though, I'd still take an RX8 over the MS6 for a more nimble handling car. Plus, I'm a rotorhead. :bigthumbu