The Mazda Atenza or Mazda6 is an automobile from the Japanese carmaker Mazda. It replaced the Mazda Capella/Mazda 626. The model lineup consists of 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and wagon (also known as estate or Atenza in some areas), available with a 2.3 litre 4-cylinder Z-family engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "4-Speed Sport AT") automatic gearbox, or a 3.0 litre Ford Duratec V6 engine with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox (with sequential-automatic option, dubbed the "6-Speed Sport AT"). In its first years, the Mazda6 came with a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic "AT," and 5-speed manual transmission. Final drive is to the front wheels only.
Not all configurations are available in all areas, for example the Mazda 6 as released in Australia was a four-cylinder car only, while the last 626 which it replaced was a six-cylinder car, leading to much amusement as to the choice of names.
Like the 626 before it, Ford is using the Mazda6 "CD3" platform as the basis for a number of other vehicles, including the upcoming entry-level Lincoln Zephyr, Ford Fusion, next-generation Lincoln Aviator, and a range of SUVs and minivans. Ford also plans to add a Hybrid powertrain on the platform.
Mazdaspeed 6
The 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 is a high-performance version of the Mazda6. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 276 hp. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed transmission, and all wheel drive. Mazda currently has no plans to enter the car into rally racing, and the Mazdaspeed 6 is not meant to compete with the rally-car-derived Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Originally scheduled to be launched in June, 2005, the Mazdaspeed 6 will be delayed until August.
Awards
The Mazda 6 was 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.
Gran Turismo
The Mazda 6 concept, Mazda 6 Mazdaspeed, and Mazda 6 5-door are all featured in the Polyphony Digital video game Gran Turismo 4; as is the Touring Car edition of the sedan. It coincides with the full suite of Mazda vehicles in the game.
