2017 Los Angeles: The Mazda6 finally gains turbocharged power

After years of soldiering on with only naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, the 2018 Mazda6 finally gains turbo power.

What’s going on?

Ever since the current and excellent Mazda6 sedan came out back in 2012, it only came in America with a sole 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV-G gasoline four-cylinder. After what seems like much begging and expressed desire to fit the Mazda6 with the latest turbo-four found in the current CX-9, Mazda finally answered that call.

Revealed at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda introduced some major updates to the 2018 Mazda6 flagship sedan. One of those changes includes a new option for turbo power!

The Mazda6 gets blown

As we hoped, the new Mazda6 can now be equipped with the same 2.5-liter turbocharged SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder that debuted in the current CX-9 crossover, all 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, on 93 octane. Mazda says the engine produces 227 horsepower on regular 87, but why would you want to do that?

Unfortunately, Mazda only offers a six-speed automatic with the 2.5-liter four. Though the company says that its torque converter remains locked throughout most of its function, providing a more connected feel between the drivetrain and the automatic.

There are chassis and suspension tweaks too

To handle the extra power, Mazda also applied some tweaks and adjustments to the chassis and suspension. For instance, the Mazda6 benefits from chassis and body reinforcements in the form of thicker sheetmetal in the rear wheel wells, extra bracing, and larger suspension trailing link mounts to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness levels and increase overall stiffness. The suspension geometry is revised to accommodate the extra power and reinforcements, which Mazda promises a smoother and more refined ride with improved handling dynamics.

The exterior and interior gain updates as well

Ushering in the new turbocharged engine and other revisions underneath the Mazda6’s skin are changes to the interior and exterior presentations as well. For instance, the infotainment screen is reconfigured, featuring a 7.0-inch TFT gauge display for upper-tier trims.

The seats and dashboard are also redesigned for a refreshed appearance and look, though the Mazda6’s easy, simple, and smart layout remains. The changes all appear to give the Mazda6 a more upscale appearance and look, reflecting the company’s new motives to move more upmarket.

The 2018 Mazda6 is due to go on sale in spring of 2018.

– By: Chris Chin


2017 LA: 2018 Mazda6 Photo Gallery

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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