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2006 MazdaSpeed 6 Photo Gallery

An upgrade worthy of consideration

AS
by Autobytel Staff
December 22, 2005
4 min. Reading Time
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We’ve all heard the saying, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too,” but now the engineers at MazdaSpeed have unequivocally dispelled that assumed truth with the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6. The MazdaSpeed 6 is a car with dual personalities. A functional sedan comfortable enough to use as a family shuttle, the MazdaSpeed 6 has a dark side that makes it capable of taming scenic back roads or straightening the corners of an autocross track. The MazdaSpeed 6 accomplishes both tasks with a sense of understated style and charisma. No big decklid wings or hood scoops here, just a sedan with enough bulges and bumps to signal that this is no ordinary sedan.

Photo 2 -- Engine

A turbocharger and intercooler pull an additional 114 horsepower from the Mazda 6 sedan’s standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder for a total of 274 horses and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. To build this kind of power from such a small motor, MazdaSpeed’s newly developed DISI fuel injection sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber and creates a denser air-fuel mixture, which results in better low- and mid-range torque as well as improved fuel economy. A standard six-speed manual transmission delivers power to all four of the MazdaSpeed 6’s wheels – an automatic is not available.

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Photo 3 -- Exterior Aerial

Subtlety is the key to the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6’s design. No big scoops or racer boy wings, just understated additions such as a bolder front fascia with blacked-out lower grille inserts, slight hood bulge, flared front fenders, side sills, a small deck lid spoiler, and large chrome dual exhaust tips. Fifteen spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low profile rubber accentuate the design.

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Photo 4 -- Dashboard

Understated interior changes continue the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6’s stealthy appearance. The standard Sport model is equipped with well-bolstered seats that are covered with a grippy material that helps keep the driver in place. Eye catching race-inspired alloy pedals and carbon fiber-patterned trim on the instrument panel are standard fare. Spend just a few more dollars for the Grand Touring model to enjoy solid black leather or black leather with white seat inserts and an array of comfort and convenience features.

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Photo 5 -- Exterior Front

Beefier brakes have been added to the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 to handle the chore of stopping the car’s 274 horses when needed. The ventilated front discs measure 12.6 inches while 12.4-inch discs are employed at the rear.

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Photo 6 -- Exterior Rear

The 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 comes fully loaded with an array of safety features. Antilock brakes, stability control and AWD aid in keeping the MazdaSpeed 6 under control in an emergency situation. Should a crash be unavoidable, dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, and active head restraints will deploy to help keep occupants safe. The MazdaSpeed 6 also comes with an alarm and engine immobilizer.

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Photo 7 -- Controls

The 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 employs a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. No automatic transmission is available. Engineers at the MazdaSpeed division felt a manual transmission was more appropriate for a sports sedan and helps keep the driver fully involved in the driving experience. We couldn’t agree more, but the marketing guys must be pulling their hair out with the amount of buyers opting for automatics these days.

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Photo 8 -- Wheel

The 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 is equipped with lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels that wear 215/45 high-performance rubber. This combination not only adds a little bling to the MazdaSpeed 6, but is also responsible in part for the impressive handling characteristics of the car.

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Photo 9 -- Exterior Front

The engineers at MazdaSpeed have made it a point to have a car that looks good and handles better. To improve the handling, engineers lowered the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6, giving it a lower center of gravity. Next they increased the front spring rate by 25 percent and increased the stabilizer bar diameter to 24mm for sharper turn-in and reduced understeer. At the rear, the spring rate was increased by 37 percent and the stabilizer bar was increased to 23mm in diameter. The rear cross member was also reinforced. With these improvements, working in unison with the torque split, all-wheel drive system, the MazdaSpeed 6 handily outcorners a stock Mazda 6 without suffering a rough ride.

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Photo 10 -- Exterior Rear

The 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 comes in two well-equipped trim levels; the Sport and uplevel Grand Touring. The Sport model is equipped with unique front sport seats, automatic climate control with a pollen filter, cruise control, keyless entry, and a 200-watt Bose audio system with six-disc in-dash CD player. The Grand Touring model adds xenon headlights, two choices of leather upholstery, heated front seats and outside side mirrors, and a keyless entry and start system.

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Photo 11 -- Exterior Front

Though well equipped, the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed 6 does offer additional features on the options list. A GPS navigation system tops the list as the most expensive add-on, followed by a power sunroof (available only on the Grand Touring model). Sirius satellite radio, a universal garage door opener and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass round out the list.

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