October 18, 2001

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Revealed!

Mazda 6 !

Mazda will reveal its new 626 replacement at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 24th. The new Mazda 6 mid-size sedan, to be called 'Atenza' in Japan, will be launched in the Japanese market in mid-2002, and probably in the Fall of 2002 in North America. Mazda says the 6 is an entirely new midsize vehicle developed to be a global benchmark in its class in terms of styling, performance, packaging and quality. It will offer an all-new 2.3 litre four cylinder DOHC engine with S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing) and a variable induction system.

Also to be unveiled next week is the final design model of the RX-8, Mazda's new rotary-engined four-door sports car.

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Other Mazda exhibits will include the Mazda Secret Hideout, developed under the concept of "a mobile retreat for young individualists"; Mazda MX Sport Tourer, a new-generation wagon; and Mazda Roadster MPS (Mazda Performance Series), a high-performance version of the Mazda Miata with enhanced functions and design.

In addition, Mazda will display its latest technologies for engines and vehicle safety: new powerplants such as Mazda 2.3L gasoline engine; DIREC-D turbocharged diesel engine equipped with a new second generation common-rail direct-injection system; a new I4 DI direct-injection gasoline engine; the Premacy FC-EV (fuel cell electric vehicle) and Mazda's Smart Air Bag System.

Details

Mazda RX-8

The RX-8 will have the next-generation rotary engine with a smaller size and enhanced performance, thanks to a new side-intake, side-exhaust layout. The RX-8 features a further refined front-midship layout as well as a four door configuration without a center pillar which enables a comfortable interior with space for four adults. A 50:50 front/rear weight distribution and a low yaw-inertia moment gives the RX-8 above-average handling

Mazda Secret Hideout

The Secret Hideout is Mazda's concept for an exciting yet relaxing mobile "retreat" for young individualists. Major themes in its development were: a simple, friendly and warm design; a handmade feel focusing on individual details; and components that freely allow individual vehicle personalization. Thanks to the freestyle door system adopted on the left side of the cabin and flexible seating arrangements, the Secret Hideout provides a versatile and relaxing interior space.

Mazda MX Sport Tourer

The MX Sport Tourer is an entirely new type of wagon, combining sporty performance with good fuel efficiency and low emissions-thanks to its hybrid 4WD system. With its freestyle door system, versatile seat arrangements and wide-opening vario-lamella roof which offers the convenience of a sporty pick-up, the MX Sport Tourer achieves a multi-purpose interior.

Mazda Roadster MPS (Mazda Performance Series)

As a high-performance version of the popular Mazda MX-5 Miata, this model features a 2.0-liter DOHC engine, height-adjustable mono-tube dampers, and ladder-type aluminum reinforcement mounted under the floor.

Technology exhibits

New Mazda Family of Engines

Mazda New I4 2.3L engine

The New I4 2.3L DOHC S-VT engine slated to power the Mazda 6 employs advanced technologies such as the S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing) , a variable induction system housed in the resin intake manifold, Tumble Swirl Control Valves, a single catalytic converter located under the floor and a dual-pipe exhaust manifold, all of which contribute to powerful performance, high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Mazda DIREC-D common-rail direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine

The DIREC-D turbocharged diesel engine with common-rail direct-injection realizes excellent performance allied with remarkable fuel economy, as well as the clean emissions required to meet stringent "Euro Stage IV" standards. Noise levels have been refined and are equivalent to gasoline engines. Key technologies in these achievements are the next-generation, ultra-high pressure common-rail direct-injection system, EVVC (Expansive Vertical Vortex Combustion) for optimum combustion and lower combustion noise, and multiple pilot injections prior to the main fuel injection.

Mazda New I4 1.3L engine

The New I4 1.3L DOHC S-VT engine features a range of new technologies including S-VT, a new active engine-management system, and reversed intake-exhaust layout with air intake from the front of the engine and exhaust output from the rear. They all add up to powerful, class-leading performance combined with superb fuel economy and clean emissions.

Mazda Premacy FC-EV

The Premacy FC-EV is driven by an electric motor powered by a methanol-reforming-type fuel cell located under the floor. It is the first fuel cell electric vehicle in Japan to be licensed for drive on public roads by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and is undergoing intensive evaluation in terms of performance, fuel consumption and emissions in everyday use.

Mazda New I4 DI direct-injection gasoline engine

The Mazda New I4 DI, a next-generation direct-injection gasoline engine, maximizes the direct-injection engine's advantages of reduced fuel consumption and emissions by adopting a new combustion process that takes advantage of controlled airflow in the cylinder. In addition, it also makes stratified combustion possible in higher-load operations to achieve greater improvement in fuel efficiency compared to current direct-injection engines.

Mazda Smart Air Bag System

In this intelligent system, the main airbag sensor unit governs airbag deployment according to information such as the severity of the collision and driver/passenger physique obtained from various sensors. Based on these data, it controls the inflation force of the front airbags in two steps, thereby ensuring enhanced occupant protection in a collision.

The 35th Tokyo Motor Show is to be held from October 27 to November 7 at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba city, Japan.

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Greg Wilson is a Vancouver-based automotive journalist and editor of CanadianDriver