LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing for the company's high-performance MAZDASPEED6 sedan. When the car goes on sale in summer 2005, it will be priced from $27,995 (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price). Equipped with a 270-horsepower turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine, MAZDASPEED6 is the most powerful and best-handling sedan ever sold by Mazda.
MAZDASPEED6 demonstrates the trademark balance of all MAZDASPEED vehicles -- the highest performance vehicles to wear the Mazda badge. To accommodate the power of the turbocharged engine, Mazda developed a new Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system. When electronic sensors detect a lack of grip, up to 50 percent of the power can be directed to the rear wheels. In addition, the MAZDASPEED6 comes equipped with a completely new six-speed manual transmission, perfectly fitting the car's character.
Optional on MAZDASPEED6 is a Grand Touring package, priced at $29,925, incorporating leather seating surfaces, eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and mirrors, and keyless entry and start. Because of MAZDASPEED6's high level of standard equipment, stand-alone factory options are limited to pearl paint ($200), power tilt-and-slide moonroof ($700) and DVD-based navigation system ($2,000).
In addition to news on MAZDASPEED6 pricing, Mazda also showed for the first time the all-new MAZDA3 SP23 Special Edition and the rotary-powered RX-8 "SHINKA" Special Edition.
The MAZDA3 SP23 Special Edition stands apart from the compact segment with the addition of a leather interior, premium sound system, high-gloss finish 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing front windshield wipers and automatic on/off headlights. Offered only in Carbon Gray Mica and available on both the 4-Door sedan and 5-Door, the MAZDA3 SP23 Special Edition exhibits the perfect balance of performance-oriented luxury.
The RX-8 "SHINKA" Special Edition takes its name from the Japanese word meaning "evolution" or "transformation" and mixes RX-8's sports car flavor with a touch of luxury. Available with either a six-speed manual or four-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission, the RX-8 "SHINKA" Special Edition features an upgraded and uniquely tuned suspension with uprated shock absorbers and urethane-filled cross-member supports, increasing performance and ride comfort. In addition to "SHINKA's" unique Parchment-colored leather interior, Mazda added leather to the handbrake lever, upgraded trim on the doors and center console, and revised the finish on the 18-inch alloy wheels and the head- and tail-light bezels. To ensure "SHINKA" stays special, only 2,150 cars will be produced.
Also on display at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show are the finalists in the Mazda "Zoom-Zoom To Win" photography contest. Held in conjunction with Conde Nast magazines, Mazda invited the general public to submit photographs in digital and film format that best describe what Zoom-Zoom means to them. From the more than 3,000 pictures submitted, 50 finalists have been chosen, and the ultimate winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in March.
Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.
Facebook
Twitter