Mazda Atenza

Infobox Automobile


name = Mazda Atenza
aka = Mazda 6
manufacturer = Mazda
AutoAlliance International
class = Mid-size car
production = 2002-present
predecessor = Mazda 626/Capella/Millenia
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
assembly = Hiroshima, Japan
Hofu, Japan
Flat Rock, Michigan (for NA)
Bogotá, Colombia (for SA)
Changchun, China (for China)
Rayong, Thailand (for Thailand)

The Mazda Atenza or Mazda 6 is a mid-size car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda since 2002. The name Atenza is used only in Japan with the Mazda 6 moniker used everywhere else in the world. The Atenza/Mazda 6 replaced the Capella/626, and has sold over one million units worldwide since its introduction, hitting that sales milestone faster than previous Mazda. [ [http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/17/mazda-makes-millionth-mazda6/ autoblog.com] ]

The Mazda Atenza was the first of the new generation of 'Stylish', 'Insightful', and 'Spirited' range from Mazda. It was followed by the Mazda 2 in December 2002, RX-8 in August 2003, Mazda3 in January 2004, MX-5 in October 2005, and Mazda CX-7 in November 2006.

The Mazda Atenza is currently raced in the SCCAPro Racing Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer's championship standings. [ [http://www.world-challenge.com/events/points.php SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge - Points] - Retrieved 26 December 2007] Mazda Atenza/6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points. [ [http://www.world-challenge.com/events/dpoints.php?pointid=131 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge - Drivers Points] - Retrieved 26 December 2007]

First generation (2002–2007)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = First generation


production = 2002-2007 (2003-2008 NA)
engine = 1.8 L MZR I4 *L8
2.0 L MZR I4 *LF
2.3 L MZR I4 *L3
3.0 L MZI V6
2.0 L MZR-CD Diesel
* Denotes European Engine Code
transmission = 4-speed Sport automatic
5-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
wheelbase = auto in|105.3|0
length = Sedan and liftback: auto mm|4745|1
Station wagon: auto mm|4770|1
width = auto mm|1781|1
height = Sedan and liftback: auto mm|1440|1
Station wagon: auto mm|1455|1
platform = Ford CD3 platform
body_style = 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
5-door liftback
related = Ford Edge
Ford Fusion
Lincoln MKX
Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln Zephyr
Mazda CX-9
Mercury Milan

The model lineup consists of a four-door sedan, a five-door liftback and a five-door station wagon, marketed in North America as the "Sport Sedan", "5-Door" and "Sport Wagon". In Australia, the lineup starts with Limited, available only as a sedan. Then comes the Classic, available in sedan, hatch or wagon. The Luxury model is next available in sedan and hatch versions. Topping the range is the Luxury Sports model, available only as a hatch. When it arrived in North America, it was first sold as a 2003 model in the United States and as a 2004 model in Canada. In Europe, the luxury sports model was available as a convert|136|hp|abbr=on direct injection turbodiesel ("DITD") station wagon up until 2007. As of 2008, the European Mazda catalog lists only the "Sport" version of the convert|146|hp|abbr=on turbodiesel station wagon, while the "Luxury Sport" version has been dropped.

Drivetrain combinations include the Mazda MZR engine in configurations of 1.8 L(L8 European Model), 2.0 L(LF European Model) and 2.3 L(L3 European Model), initially with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "Four-Speed Sport AT"). In the US domestic market a 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 engine is also available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "5-Speed Sport AT"). European and Australian versions also feature a four-cylinder turbodiesel that comes with a six-speed manual transmission and produces significantly more torque than the V6 with much improved fuel economy.

In North America, the 5-speed automatic optional on the V6 models is replaced by a 6-speed automatic from Ford for 2005 model year. The four-cylinder model receives a five-speed automatic in the following year. Power is directed to the front wheels only in most markets, although full-time all wheel drive models are available in Japan, Europe and Australia. Not all configurations are available in all areas - for example, the Mazda 6 as released in Australia is available in 2.3L four-cylinder guise only, while the 626 which it replaced was available with a choice of four or six-cylinder engines. This was due to the Australian Mazda6 being sourced from Japan where the V6 engine was not available. The Duratec 30 V6 engine fitted to vehicles manufactured at Flat Rock, Michigan is only available in the US and Canadian domestic markets.

Like the 626 before it, Ford is using the Atenza's CD3 platform as the basis for a number of other vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, Lincoln MKX, and a range of SUVs and minivans. Ford also plans to offer a hybrid powertrain on the platform. For its part, Mazda themselves refer to this chassis as either the GG (sedan/hatch) or GY (wagon) series - following the previous 626/Capella in its GF/GW series.

North American Mazda 6 production is handled at the AutoAlliance International plant which is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda. The first Mazda 6 rolled off this Flat Rock, Michigan assembly line on October 1, 2002, one month after 626 production ended.
Hofu plants in Hiroshima produce the Mazda 6 for Europe and some Asian markets, including Australia.There are also satellite plants building Mazda 6 models in China and Thailand for their respective local markets. (Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda.)

In September 2005, all Australian Mazda 6's received a facelift which included a feature upgrade, 5 speed auto and 6 speed manual transmissions, standard 16" or 17" alloy wheels and minor bodywork upgrades.

In China, the Mazda Atenza is used as the base for the FAW Benteng, also known as Besturn or Hongqi C301, manufactured by the First Automobile Works in Jilin Province.

2007_Mazda6_Sport_SedanImage:Mazda606.jpg|2006_Mazda6_Sport_SedanImage:

Mazdaspeed 6

The 2006 "Mazdaspeed Atenza" (known as "MAZDASPEED6" in North America and "Mazda 6 MPS" in Europe and Australia) is a high-performance version of the Mazda 6. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 272 PS (200 kW) (European version is detuned to 260 PS (191 kW); the North American version, at 274 hp (204 kW), revised to convert|270|hp|abbr=on for 2007). This 2.3 L DISI turbocharged engine features direct fuel injection and conforms to the new Euro 5 emissions standards. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed transmission, and four-wheel drive. The all wheel drive system uses Mazda's "Active Torque Split" computer-based control which routes up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels depending on driving conditions. The Mazdaspeed Atenza competed with the Subaru Legacy GT and less directly with the compact Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed Atenza was delayed until November. In North America, the MAZDASPEED 6 comes in two trim levels; the "Sport" trim with cloth interior and standard key entry and ignition; and the "Grand Touring" trim with leather interior, keyless entry/ignition, and an optional DVD navigation. Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 W Bose stereo system featuring seven speakers and a 9 inch subwoofer in addition to an in-dash six-disc CD changer. A sunroof with moonroof feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.

Car and Driver magazine has achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds for this vehicle.

Awards

The Mazda 6 was second place European Car of the Year and made "Car and Driver" magazine's Ten Best list for 2003. The "Sport Wagon" won the Canadian Car of the Year "Best New Station Wagon" award, while the "Sport" sedan won the Canadian Car of the Year "Best New Family Car" award for 2005. The Atenza Wagon also won What Car?'s "Best Estate" award in 2004.

The Mazda 6 won the 'Best Mid-size Car (over $28,000)' title in Australia's Best Cars in 2002 and 2003. It came second in 2004, behind the Subaru Liberty, and fifth in 2005 (the Honda Accord Euro was first in 2005). Wheels magazine also awarded the Mazda 6 winner of its Active Safety Program in July 2005. In December 2007 in Australia the Mazda6 won the Carsales Peoples Choice award for it class.

Second generation (2007–)

Infobox Automobile generation

name = Second generation


production = 2007-present
wheelbase = auto mm|2725|1
North America: Auto in|109.8|0
length = Sedan and liftback: auto mm|4735|1
Station wagon: auto mm|4765|1
North America: Auto in|193.7|0
width = auto mm|1795|1
North America: Auto in|72.4|0
height = Sedan and liftback: auto mm|1440|1
Station wagon: auto mm|1490|1
North America: Auto in|57.9|0
platform = Ford CD3 platform
body_style = 4-door sedan
5-door liftback
5-door station wagon

engine = 1.8 L MZR I4
2.0 L MZR I4
2.5 L MZR I4
3.7 L MZI V6
2.0 L MZR-CD Diesel
transmission = 5-speed automatic
6-speed automatic (mated with V6 for NA market only)
5-speed manual
6-speed manual

The Mazda6 second generation made its premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2007. [ [http://jalopnik.com/cars/frankfurt-auto-show/mazda6-images-hit-the-net-ahead-of-frankfurt-unveiling-296946.php jalopnik.com] ] [ [http://www.km77.com/00/mazda/6/t01.asp km77.com] ] The US version will be redesigned for the 2009 model year, which will be a larger car than the models offered in other markets. Mazda followed Honda's strategy in offering a larger sedan in America compared to the European version, and the company believes the new car will strengthen the brand significantly. Reviewers have noted its coupe-like roofline and sportier style. [ [http://industry.bnet.com/auto/1000208/mazda-will-try-try-again-with-new-mazda6/] ] [ [http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080918/COL14/809180403/1081] ] [ [http://www.auto123.com/en/mazda/6/2009/review?carid=1093900400&artid=99650] ] [ [http://www.wheels.ca/article/312154] ] Engine choices include a new 2.5 liter 4-cylinder and North American versions get the 3.7 liter V6 which is also available in the Mazda CX-9. [ [http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=28124 Mazda Announces 2009 Mazda6] - Retrieved 26 April 2008]

The new Atenza is still based on the Ford CD3 platform and continues to provide three bodies, including 4-door saloon (sedan), 5-door hatchback and wagon. Despite its increase in dimensions, weight is not increased significantly and therefore the same overall driving experience is generally maintained. A number of journalists have already praised its electrically assisted steering for being considerably improved compared to the last generation, providing more feedback to the driver. The hatchback model even has a boot space which beats the larger rival Ford Mondeo (hatchback) by 200 liters with rear seats folded down. For the US and Canadian market, only a sedan model will be available. In the North American market, the Mazda 6 will be positioned against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Racing

The Mazda 6 is currently used in the Speed World Challenge Touring Car class. This year, they are currently 2nd in the manufacturer's championship with 46 points, with Acura as the only other brand in the standings. [ [http://www.world-challenge.com/events/points.php SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge - Points ] ] In 2007, Mazda won its first manufacturers championship in the class. [ [http://www.world-challenge.com/series.php?page=history SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge - Series History ] ]

The Mazda 6 is also used in the KONI Challenge Series Sport Touring class. It is currently used by the Baglieracing team with Dennis Baglier, Chris Gleason, and Marty Luffy as drivers. [ [http://grand-am.com/koni/schedule/entrylist.cfm?eid=32 Event Entry List ] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.mazdausa.com/mazda6/ Official US Mazda 6 Site]
* [http://www.theallnewmazda6.com/en-GB/?flash=true Official UK Mazda6 site]
* [http://www.mazda.co.uk/Showroom/Mazda6/ Official UK website model page]
* [http://www.mazda6tech.com Mazda 6Tech]
* [http://www.roadtests.com/research/mazda/mazda6/2006/ Review]
* [http://www.leasingoptions.co.uk/reviews/mazda_6.aspx 2007 Review]
* [http://www.clearchain.com/~benjsc/download/Mazda6 Mazda 6 Workshop Manual]
* [http://www.mazda6club.com Mazda6 Club]