MPS Mazda6 Confirm and I do mean holy crap!!!

V6 turbo all wheel drive

"Mazda
While Mazda did not debut any models that are coming to the U.S. right away, there is hope that one of them will make it. A concept based on the Mazda6 (which does go on sale in America next spring replacing the 626), is called the MPS and it has some pretty impressive stats. Featuring what Mazda calls "Sophisticated High Performance", the Mazda6 MPS gives an example of what a top-of-the-range Mazda6 could be. The MPS sports a new version of Mazda's five-pointed grille, an enlarged front bumper, flared wheel arches and 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Power comes from a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine producing 280 horsepower and is driven through a full-time all-wheel drive system. "

http://carpoint.msn.com/advice/stand...021211&src=msn

 

Not to be confrontational, nor do I want you to be wrong, but I don't see where this article confirms the fruition of the MPS Mazda6. If you read closely, the article says,

"A concept based on the Mazda6 (which does go on sale in America next spring replacing the 626),"

It is stating that the Mazda6, not the concept (MPS) will go on sale here.

Mike

 

What I want is for those Michelin Sports to be included on the RX-8, just like the 6 and the Miata.

---jps

 

You guys think that they making the MPS 6 too weak? i mean it is gonna have to compete pretty directly with the WRX STI and the Lancer EVO7/8.

 

it has 280 hp how will that be too weak?

 

you are correct! but this article does but it also says the awd system will not be in it at first!:D

 

280hp to only the front wheels would suck... The CL/TL Type-S gets heavy understeer on full throttle w/ 260.

 

Well, I'd like to add that the 2.3L engine is a 4 cyl. I also think that this car [MAzda6] isn't the WRX fighter or EVO Killah. I think it's more of the Audi S4 or A4 Quattro realm, or the BMW awd car, not sure of the model name. They aren't as fast as the Sti or EVO, but still great performance machines.

 

BMW has AWD models of their regular 3 series... just add on whatever (325, 330), and add "xi". That's their AWD car. By the way, their AWD cars are RWD biased 60% to keep handling characteristics. I like that

 

maybe i'm out on a limb here (i mean it...), but it seems to me that the 6 will be competing against the Accord, and that Acura EuroAccord variant some of you guys were exicted about (well, okay, maybe it's just in the same design category...), or like a Camry, or the big Avalon or something...

but honestly, i don't see how anyone could equate the 6 as a competitor with four wheel drive, +250 bhp, sub compact sports cars...

 

The 2.3 four is actually a direct-injection engine. That alone will apparently hinder it's potential to being introduced here b/c apparently the quality of fuel is too low. Also, I wonder how it will be priced. My guess is that a loaded Mazda6 will come at, or just below RX-8 base. So an MPS Mazda6 could easily overlap the RX-8. If that's the case, as cool as the Mazda6 is (see attached pic), I'd take a lighter RWD chassis with comparable power anyday.

 

I've seen a Mazda6 up close, on a hoist. I don't see how Mazda can incorporate AWD into the MPS without a major tear-up of the underbody. Yeah, 280hp at the front wheels does scare me. My '98 SVT Contour was "only" 195 and it had tons of torque steer. That's not to say it's impossible to make work......

As for DI: I believe Audi is bringing a DI engine to the States in 2003. Don't remember exactly where I read that, though.

So let's see....the 2.3L 4cyl Mazda6 weights like 3050 pounds with a 5-speed. Assume a weight gain of 200 pounds from adding bigger wheels/tires/brakes/turbo/body kit/etc, and you have a 3250 pound car with 280 hp and 270+ lb-ft torque, with a 6-speed. Not too shabby. Performance would be seriously traction-limited with FWD....it really needs the AWD. So add another 200 pounds......

 

or save the weight and get a Limited Slip Diff.

 

A fairly intelligent setup as well from what I read. Computer controlled torque distribution.

 

I'm not possitive that this is Mazda first AWD car, but it also read it's going to weight in at 2900 pds. I mean damn....mazda might have a new 1/4 car

 

a sport AWD version of the Mazda6 will be available in Europe.

so the MPS is just a high performance tuned version of that.

 

what's that Phyre?? 2900 lbs?? has this been confirmed?? how the eff did they get it so low??? jeez, the 8 is gonna be sitting around that mark... adn the 6 has more power, more room, AND four wheel drive??
is this right????

 

The US spec 6 already sits at around 3042lbs with the I4, so I don't know if it is possible, with AWD and other components to get it to 2900. The V6 starts at 3243lbs.

 

I would really like to see this car putting power to the rear wheels only. It would save weight and make the car more appealing to me.

 

hrm... pretty impressive i guess for an mps 6...

but what about an mps 8?!?

yea that's what im really lookin for