Here is an Canadian article, fresh off the press, about Mazda's intended, real life, (as opposed to the dreams and concepts from before) direction with the Mazda 6 and the Mazdaspeed line, enjoy:
From -
http://www.autonet.ca/AutonetStories...m?storyID=7024
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Mazda hinting at
high-performance Mazda6:
report
By Staff
Nov 11, 2002
Could a high-performance version of the upcoming
Mazda6 be somewhere down the road? Automotive
News seems to think so.
An article published Nov. 11 reported that the
Mazda6 MPS concept unveiled at the Paris Auto
Show in September 2002 hints at the direction in
which the automaker would like to take the vehicle.
The Mazda6 MPS features all-wheel drive, revised
bodywork and a turbo-charged 2.3 litre four cylinder
engine that generates 280 horsepower and 266
pounds-feet (lb. ft.) of torque, which is mated to a
six-speed manual transmission.
The Mazda MPS uses a new type of traction
system called active torque control, which splits
power between the front and rear wheels, according
to Automotive News. That system is combined with
a limited-slip differential, stability control and 18-inch
wheels, and the double-wishbone suspension has
been significantly stiffened. The MPS concept is
started by pressing a button.
The only Mazda6 model that could be modified
would be the five-door hatchback, according to
Robert Davis, vice-president of product planning at
Mazda's North American Operations, who was
cited in the article.
Currently, the only model in Mazda's performance
line, MAZDASPEED, is the MAZDASPEED
Protegé, which has a turbocharged 2.0 litre
four-cylinder engine, different front and rear fascia
moldings, rear spoiler, sport-styled interior
accessories, and17-inch wheels.
Mazda will launch the Mazda6 sedan and hatchback
in December 2002.
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Claeren.