New MazdaSpeed6 may not happen
The current Mazdaspeed6 has good performance, an attainable price point, and aggressive (if slightly homely) looks, but it hasn't exactly set the world on fire on the showroom floor. Part of the problem is that car buyers can get 268 hp Camrys and Accords with near-equal performance and superior fuel economy. The Speed6 weighs as much as a Sherman tank, too. We were hoping that the next edition of the Speed6 would succeed where the current generation didn't, but it doesn't look like there will be a next time. Mazda6 program manager Ryuichi Umeshita points out that the next 6 will be larger in the US than in other regions, which means Mazda would be paying for two different development programs. Any Speed6 would play for a smaller audience too, since the US edition would need different tuning than Europe/Australia and vice-versa. In the end, Umeshita basically said that he doesn't see big enough potential demand to make a Speed edition worth Mazda's time and money.
[Source: GoAuto via Motor Authority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
srivendel 10:39AM (11/29/2007)
"In-material"?
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ThwartedEfforts 11:43AM (11/29/2007)
I was wondering what "visa verse" was -- I'm guessing it's the small print that accompanies a work permit
Fred 12:19PM (11/29/2007)
Don't you just love it when paid "professionals" just make up new words?
Rick 7:23PM (11/29/2007)
I can't wait for US details on our next Mazda6. Word has it the hood and front would possibly change, from the euro version making the rounds, to make room for the V6. And we don't have pricing yet. This car is my 'I'd get this if it came out' list so I look forward to details.
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danms6 10:51AM (11/29/2007)
Every Mazdaspeed vehicle so far has featured a turbo 4-cylinder which doesn't make sense for the next gen Mazda 6, given the potential of its V6.
However, the only way the V6 Accord or Camry can achieve near-equal performance to the current MS6 is in a dry, straight line.
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1337 11:39AM (11/29/2007)
The next MS6 should have a turbo V6...
Leaf 4:20PM (11/29/2007)
>However, the only way the V6 Accord or Camry can achieve near-equal performance to the current MS6 is in a dry, straight line.
You're right, of course. Unfortunately most American drivers have no concept of anything other than straight line speed. I think this car competes with those cars more often than not, even though it's actually a league above them.
drew 11:33AM (11/29/2007)
It's not a Speed6. It's a MazdaSpeed6
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rndmnme 12:00PM (11/29/2007)
If you want to get technical it's the Mazda MazdaSpeed6.
That's what it said on my invoice :)
Also, but that logic, it's the Mazda MazdaSpeed3
Mazda Mazda3
Mazda Mazda6, etc.
John R 10:59AM (11/29/2007)
Oh well. It would be fun if they streched out the RX-8 platform into a sedan and plopped in that 3.7 V6 or turbo-4 from the ms3/6.
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jordan 11:15AM (11/29/2007)
Nooooo way. Don't taint the RX-series cars w/your piston engines. :-) (fyi, rx8 has a 1" longer wheelbase than the 6, just shorter overall length)
John R 11:44AM (11/29/2007)
Hey, I never said to give it an RX designation. I haven't lost all my marbles. ;-)
RG 11:01AM (11/29/2007)
So, are we getting the Mazda6 that was shows in Frankfurt or not? It would be foolish to not because that was a very handsome looking sedan.
I think the problem with the Mazdaspeed 6 wasnt so much from the Accords or Camry's, but from the Legacy GT (lighter, better handling) and Mazda's own MS3 (same engine, transmission for less).
I would have liked to have seen another MS6, addressing some of the issues with the current one.
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jordan 11:13AM (11/29/2007)
It's not quite the same transmission, as MS6 is AWD and MS3 is FWD.
Dave T. 11:46AM (11/29/2007)
We are getting a different, larger 6 and it won't be for another year.
Dmitriy 11:02AM (11/29/2007)
So we ARE getting a bigger version of the car??? Pathetic
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jordan 11:18AM (11/29/2007)
Makes sense, with the Mazda3 growing as well. Besides, I enjoy the looks of the new design. :)
geo.stewart 11:03AM (11/29/2007)
immaterial is the correct term.
dont rely on spell check, please
and the 6 is not homely. unlike the CX-# series
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ckings007 11:06AM (11/29/2007)
The 3.7L that is in the CX-9 is Hiroshima sourced and not from Ford. Ford does not want to share the 3.5L V6 that's currently in the Fusion/Milan/Zephyr (MKZ) with the Mazda 6. That is the reason why the new Mazda 6 is getting the 3.7L instead of the 3.5L.
It's truly a bummer that there likely will not be another MazdaSpeed 6. If they can manage to crank out 270+ horses and AWD, then I imagine the enthusiast community will find ways to turbo or supercharge the engine anyway.
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jordan 11:19AM (11/29/2007)
Help me out here...the current MS6 does 270HP, so why would it take a new MS6 to want the tuners to try to force-feed these motors?