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Mazda Speed6

Mazda

Mazda Speed6: Mazda's mid-size sport sedan. Mazdaspeed 6 (2006-2007). All-wheel drive, 274 horsepower turbocharged engine. Q
Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Mazda's mid-size sport sedan. Mazdaspeed 6 (2006-2007). All-wheel drive, 274 horsepower turbocharged engine. Quietly competitive with M3 and S4.

The Mazda Speed6 (officially Mazdaspeed 6) is a mid-size sport sedan produced from 2006 to 2007. The Speed6 was Mazda factory performance variant of the Mazda6 sedan, with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder making 274 horsepower (factory rating). The Speed6 was unusual for the era in offering all-wheel drive (rare for non-luxury sport sedans of the time), making it a credible alternative to BMW M3 and Audi S4 cars at significantly lower pricing. The Speed6 had a relatively short production run (2006-2007 model years only). Mazda discontinued it after just two model years; the production volume was modest. The car has aged into recognized sport sedan collector territory. The Speed6 used the same MZR DISI Turbo engine as the Speed3, with revised tuning for the larger Mazda6 platform. The all-wheel drive system was sophisticated for the era, with electronically controlled differentials. The chassis tuning emphasized sport sedan dynamics rather than pure performance. Used Speed6 pricing has been moderate but climbing as the cars age into recognition. The platform has built a small but dedicated tuner community. Modified Speed6 builds (with engine tuning, suspension upgrades, larger turbo conversions) are popular. On WhipJury, Speed6 submissions are uncommon but always memorable. The combination of AWD, sport sedan body style, and turbocharged power makes the Speed6 distinctive among submissions.

The Speed6 platform

MZR DISI Turbo engine (same as Speed3 with revised tuning). 274 horsepower factory rating. All-wheel drive. Six-speed manual standard. Sport-tuned suspension. The combination of AWD and sport sedan body style was unusual for non-luxury sedans of the era.

Speed6 on WhipJury

Speed6 submissions appear occasionally and reliably do well in voting. Modified examples with tuning and suspension upgrades are common. The community recognizes the Speed6 as the underrated AWD sport sedan of the mid-2000s.

Frequently asked questions about Mazda Speed6

Why was the Speed6 production so short?
Mazda made the Speed6 only for the 2006-2007 model years. Production volume was modest. The decision to discontinue was driven by various factors including production complexity, modest sales, and Mazda strategic shift toward Skyactiv-G technology. The Speed6 had a 2-year production run, much shorter than the Speed3.
Is the Speed6 reliable?
Generally yes. The MZR DISI Turbo engine and AWD system are durable. Common issues are turbocharger wear at high mileage, occasional drivetrain concerns, and various age-related items on cars now 18+ years old. With proper maintenance, Speed6s can be reliable. The aftermarket support is moderate; finding parts may require effort.
How much does a Speed6 cost?
Used pricing: project cars $4,000-$10,000, driver-quality $10,000-$18,000, clean low-mile $18,000-$30,000. The Speed6 is one of the more affordable AWD sport sedans of its era. Price has been climbing as the cars age into recognition.
How does the Speed6 compare to BMW 335i AWD?
Different cars. Speed6 has 274 horsepower and AWD; BMW 335i (E92) had 300 horsepower and RWD or available AWD. Both are sport sedans of the same era. The 335i has more aggressive chassis tuning; the Speed6 has slightly different engine character (turbocharged four vs N54/N55 turbocharged six). Both are respected; the Speed6 was significantly less expensive.
Should I get a Speed6 instead of a Subaru WRX?
Different priorities. WRX is more focused on sport-utility character (boxer engine, more aggressive body style). Speed6 is more luxury-oriented sport sedan. WRX has stronger tuning community and resale. Speed6 has unique character and is harder to find. Choice depends on which character appeals more.

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