Press Release
Mazda Motor Corporation’s 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show stand celebrates an evolution of Zoom-Zoom with the world premiere of the all-new Mazda6 and its smaller brother, the all-new Mazda2 (first shown at Geneva earlier this year) now with a diesel offer -- the first two new-generation models to be completely new developed. Frankfurt also sees Mazda celebrating 40 years of the Mazda rotary engine, and a new look to its sports car icon, the Mazda RX-8, with its 40th Anniversary Special Edition.
World premiere: All-New Mazda6 – Zoom-Zoom Evolution
Taking centre stage at the Mazda stand at this year’s Frankfurt show is the world premiere of the all-new Mazda6, which is the company’s second new-generation car to be developed from the ground up. As it did when it was first launched in 2002, the all-new Mazda6 is poised to set a new standard in its class. It is more refined, more mature, more premium with exquisite quality – and represents an evolution of Zoom-Zoom.
The Three Key Values of the Zoom-Zoom Evolution Concept
Zoom-Zoom evolution is the concept behind the all-new Mazda6. Along with enhanced environmental and safety performance, the car has a more emphatic Mazda character in its design, dynamic performance, packaging and craftsmanship. Mazda adopted the following key values to embody the development concept:
Key Value One – Emotional and Sporty Design:
An engaging styling and dynamic performance creates a sense of delight and kizuna – a Japanese word that implies strong emotional ties such as those found between people – when the owner looks at or drives the Mazda6. Its captivating, sporty styling connects with the driver emotionally. It is also 65 mm longer, 15 mm wider, 5 mm taller, with a 50 mm longer wheelbase (sedan and hatchback) for more room on the inside and one of the widest boot openings in the segment, that makes the new Mazda6 a delight to use on a daily basis.
Key Value Two – Exclusive Experience:
Exquisite craftsmanship enhances the emotional connection between the customer and the car, adding to the delight of ownership. Exquisite and high quality craftsmanship makes drivers and passengers feel good. On the outside, body gaps are greatly reduced for a look of solid quality and on the inside higher quality materials are introduced for a greatly improved premium feel. And of course the Mazda6 is supremely comfortable, with space and features for relaxed confidence.
Key Value Three – Insightful Package:
The balance of good looks and versatile packaging brings delight to daily driving. Superb balance between engaging, sporty styling and a comfortable space. Simple, easy to use, well-thought out driver interfaces and storage space. This includes an evolution of Mazda’s Karakuri rear seat system for the hatchback and estate. Besides delivering one-touch seat-drop function from a latch in the boot panel, the system now includes an all-new boot tonneau cover for the estate that automatically moves up when the rear liftgate is opened.
Driving Dynamics
The development theme for the Mazda6’s dynamics was ”driving performance that creates oneness between the car and driver.” This was realized by an emotionally appealing, sporty performance feel, plus handling and brake performance that respond accurately to the driver’s intentions. This was achieved by a series of new features including a new, six-point mounting system for the high-mount double wishbone front suspension, the use of electric power assisted steering for a more rigid steering feel with less transmission of disturbance from the road, lowering of the car’s coefficient of drag (Cd) to 0.27 (down from 0.30) for the sedan and hatchback, and to Cd 0.28 (down from 0.32) for the estate, and by reducing vehicle weight despite the new Mazda6’s larger dimensions. The solid sense of security created by the confident, predictable handling is central to the Zoom-Zoom evolution concept embodied in new Mazda6.
Enhanced Engine Line-Up
A new 2.5-litre petrol engine has been developed from the previous 2.3-litre unit. The MZR 2.5 has a bigger bore and a longer stroke, plus freer-flowing intake and exhaust ports which together improve low and mid-range torque by 10 percent. Power is 170 PS. Also available are the existing 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines and the MZR-CD 2.0 turbo diesel, carried over from the previous Mazda6.
Safety
Improving running, turning and stopping achieves stress-free driving performance that gives the driver predictable control of the vehicle, so every Mazda6 driver will be in a safe frame of mind. Besides Mazda’s state-of-the-art active safety systems – including large disc brakes, ABS, dynamic stability control (DSC), electronic traction control (TCS) and brake assist (standard in Europe) – and a passive safety package with Mazda’s stiff and strong Triple-H body shell and six airbags (standard in Europe), there are further features to help the Mazda6 avoid an accident or protect its occupants if an accident is unavoidable. These include Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), parking sensor, an extensive field of vision, Mazda’s first active head restraints, crushable brake and clutch pedals and extensive pedestrian protection measures.
