HISTORY OF THE MAZDA 6 (Part IX): Third generation (GJ; 2012-) The third generation Mazda6 was unveiled during Moscow International Motor Show in late August 2012. In this generation, there are only 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon versions available.[27] The Wagon is no longer offered in the North American market due to low demand for wagon models. Mazda is not alone in pulling their wagon variants from the North American market, as Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz have removed at least some or all of their wagon models from their North American lineup. Its design has been extremely well-received, and was a finalist in the 2013 World Design Of The Year. Asia The Japanese models Mazda Atenza went on sale from 2012-11-01. Early models include 20S (sedan/wagon), 25S (sedan/wagon), XD (sedan/wagon), XD L-package (sedan/wagon).[28] For 2014, the changes include SCBS (smart sudden brake support) become standard for the Atenza 20S and XD, increased efficiency for SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine models to 16.0 km/L (JC08 mode), new slide glass sunroof option for SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine models, addition of XD L-package (6-speed manual transmission, leather seats), Bose 11-speaker sound system with Centerpoint 2 surround sound become standard in XD L-package models, addition of deep crystal blue mica body colour to total of 7 body colour options. In China, the third generation is sold under the Atenza nameplate, to differentiate it from the first generation Mazda6, which is still being produced in China.[29] 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon concepts (2014) Atenza Sedan design concept 2014 is a version of Mazda Atenza Sedan with SKYACTIV-D engine, SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed transmission, original aero parts, BREMBO brake caliper, Soul red body colour, roof, aluminium wheel, aero parts; semi-bucket seat, Alcantara interior upholstery. Atenza Wagon design concept 2014 is a version of Mazda Atenza Wagon with SKYACTIV-D engine, SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed transmission, metal decoration at instrument panel, dashboard with leather upholstery and stitching, metal decoration at trunk board. The vehicles were unveiled in 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon. Australia[edit] In Australia, the Mazda6 is sold with a 2.5l SkyActiv-G petrol or 2.2l SkyActiv-D twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine, offering 138 kW/250Nm and 129 kW/420Nm respectively. The 5-door hatchback version of the first and second generation models is no longer available, in favour of sedan (in Sport, Touring, GT and Atenza trim) and wagon (Sport, Touring and GT). Transmission options include Mazdas 6-speed SkyActiv automatic as well as a 6-speed manual. Notably, Mazdas SkyActiv technologies have reduced the petrol models fuel consumption from an official figure of 8.9L/100 km (5-speed auto) for the previous generation to 6.6L/100 km, a 25% improvement. The diesels fuel economy gain was less marked, from 5.9L/100 km for the previous manual transmission-only diesel model to 5.4L/100 km for the new automatic-only offering. North America The vehicle was unveiled at 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. North American SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine models of was set to go on sale in January 2013 as 2014 model year vehicle, followed by SKYACTIV-D engine models in second half of 2013. However the introduction of the diesel variant of Mazda6 to the U.S. market was delayed from the second half of 2013 to spring 2014 due to emission issue.[31] In early 2014, it is reported that the introduction of the diesel engine has been delayed again.[32] The engine is already available on both the Asian and European models of the third generation Mazda6. The North American models are no longer offered with a V6 engine. The 2.5 L produces 184 hp and has an EPA rating of 38 mpg (US) highway (with the 6-speed automatic). After numerous delays, the 2.2 liter diesel will most likely be offered sometime in the first half of 2015, but final details regarding the engine have not been released [33] In the United States, the Mazda6 is available in three models: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring, and is offered only as a four-door sedan. While all three models offer their own distinct features, all of the models offer these features as standard equipment: 2.5L, 184 horsepower SkyActiv SkyActiv-G inline-four engine Bluetooth hands-free telephone system with A2DP stereo streaming capabilities, on all models except the Sport with the 6-speed manual The Sport and Touring models are offered with the choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, while the top-of-the-line Grand Touring is only offered with a 6-speed automatic. In Canada, GX, GS and GT trim levels are offered and all have a 6-speed manual transmission standard.[34] The 2014 Mazda6 won a Motor Trend comparison against the 2013 Honda Accord Sport and 2013 Toyota Camry SE. The 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring also won in a comparison against the 2013 Honda Accord EX-L in the June 2013 issue of Car and Driver.[36] The 2014 vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Toronto Auto Show (2014 Mazda6 Skyactiv-D Clean Diesel). Production of all North American models was transferred to Hiroshima, Japan, due to ongoing efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies. Motorsport In 2013, Mazda entered the new GX class of the Rolex 24 series with cars powered by its diesel Skyactiv-D engine. During the first race in January 2013, all three cars had to retire in the first few hours due to engine failure. The Mazda6 is also presently used as a racing vehicle for the GTS class at SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge. Mazda finished first in the manufacturers championship standings. Mazda6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points. Grand Am GX MAZDA6 SKYACTIV-D Racing (2013-) It is a race car version of Mazda6 for the GX class of Grand Am series, with 2.2L SKYACTIV-D engine. The vehicle was unveiled at 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon (race champion model)
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 06:05:32 +0000
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