Mazda MX-6

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Mazda MX-6
Manufacturer	AutoAlliance International
Parent company	Mazda
Production	1988–1997
Predecessor	Mazda 626 coupe
Class	Sport compact
Body style	2-door coupe
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Similar	Chevrolet Beretta Dodge Avenger Toyota Celica

First generation

Production	1988–1992
Engine	North American market 2.2L 110 hp I4 F2 2.2L 145 hp I4 F2T European market 1.8L 80 hp I4 F8 2.0L 100 hp I4 FE 2.0L 145 hp I4 FE-DOHC 2.2L 110 hp I4 F2 Japanese Domestic market 1.8L 80 hp I4 F8 2.0L 145 hp I4 FE-DOHC
Wheelbase	99 in
Length	177 in
Width	66.5 in
Height	53.5 in
Fuel capacity	15.9 US gal.
Related	Ford Probe Mazda 626 Mazda Capella

Second generation

Also called	Mazda MX-6 Mystère (For Canada)
Production	1993–1997
Engine	2.0L 118 hp I4 2.5L 164 hp V6 2.5L ~200 hp V6 (KLZE)
Wheelbase	102.8 in (2611 mm)
Length	181.5 in (4610 mm)
Width	68.9 in (1750 mm)
Height	51.6 in (1311 mm)
Curb weight	2775 lb (1259 kg)
Fuel capacity	15.5 US gal.
Related	Ford Probe Mazda 626 Eunos 500 (Mazda Xedos 6) Mazda Capella

The Mazda MX-6 was a front-wheel drive sporty coupe produced by Mazda between 1987 and 1997 to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Beretta, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX and Honda Prelude.

The MX-6 was mechanically identical to the Ford Probe. Both cars shared the GD (1988-1992) and GE (1993-1997) platforms. Along with the Ford Probe, the Mazda MX-6 was designed and built in America in a joint venture with Ford, called Auto Alliance.

1 1988-1992 MX-6
2 1993-1997 MX-6
3 4WS (Four Wheel Steering)
4 Models
5 References
6 External links

[edit] 1988-1992 MX-6

The first generation MX-6/Probe appeared in 1988 and lasted until 1992 in the United States. In some markets the model years were from 1987 to 1991. It was based on a series of futuristic concept cars of the early 1980s. It was a large coupe, based on the Mazda GD platform, and was powered by the I4 Mazda F engines. The US market made use of the F2 2.2 L engine, with the base engine produced just 110 hp (82 kW), but a 145 hp (108 kW) turbocharged version was available. European and Japanese market versions were shipped with either the F8 1.8 L, FE 2.0 L or FE-DOHC 2.0 L DOHC engines.

This generation was available in several trim levels, which differ depending on the market the vehicle was sold in. In the United States, the MX-6 was available in DX, LX, LE, and GT trim levels:

DX was the "bare bones" model, offering the base 110 hp/130 ft.lbf F2 2.2 L engine and few options, but most MX-6s sold in the U.S. were equipped with air conditioning.
LX added power windows, power locks, and power mirrors, as well as an optional electric moonroof.
LE was a rare "Leather Edition" model that was the same as the LX, but included leather seating surfaces and a leather wrapped shift knob on manual transmission-equipped vehicles.
GT included all options from the LX, but also stepped up to the F2T 2.2L turbocharged, intercooled engine, which put out 145 hp and 190 ft.lbf of torque delivering a significant performance boost. It also had 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS as optional, and 3 way electronically adjustable suspension, dubbed AAS.

In 1989, Mazda offered a special four wheel steering (commonly abbrieviated 4WS) option on MX-6 GTs destined for the U.S. This system consisted of an electronically controlled rear steering rack that turned the rear wheels opposite to the fronts at low speeds to improve cornering, and turned the rear wheels with the fronts at high speeds to improve highway lane change maneuvering. This option was available through all years for GT models in other markets.

European spec vehicles shipped as the 626 Coupe and commonly received either the 1.8 L SOHC F8 or 2.0 L SOHC FE engine in GLX models, or the 2.0 L DOHC FE engine (sometimes called FE3) in their GT models. 4WS was a common option for European 626 Coupes. Australian vehicles were almost always equipped with same the 2.2 L turbocharged F2 motor as the U.S., as well as 4WS. They also carried the MX6 name of the American models.

Asian spec vehicles were shipped as the Capella C2 and were available in several trims, most notably GT-R (FE-DOHC and 4WS), GT-X (FE-DOHC and AAS) or GT-S (F8 and 4WS or AAS), to match the Mazda Familia range.

New Zealand received vehicles in either Japanese spec or Australian spec, selectable on order - NZ GTs can have either the F2T 2.2 L turbocharged engine or the FE-DOHC 2.0 L DOHC, with optional 4WS.

[edit] 1993-1997 MX-6

This is the 2nd generation ‘GE’ shape. Like the GD ‘1st generation’ model, it is closely related to the Ford Probe, Mazda 626, and Ford TX-5. newer, more '90's rounded shape, and a smooth revving v6; it was quite different to the previous model.
It was released as three main variants worldwide… the A-spec, E-spec, and J-spec (American, European, and Japanese respectively). In Canada, the car was known as the Mazda MX-6 Mystère.

A-spec: The US version for United States and Canada ONLY; Built from 92 as a 93 model by AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan. Choice of two models; the base ‘RS’ or luxury ‘LS’ (gone was the DX/LX/GT names) RS identifiable thanks to no rear spoiler, no fog lights, and hubcaps. Engine was the 130hp FSDE 2.0ltr DOHC inline 4. ‘LS’ model came with the 164hp KLDE 2.5ltr V6, as well as alloy wheels, low rear spoiler, CD player, fog lights, and leather interior with different front seats. This model was known as the ‘MX-6 Mystère’ in Canada.
In 1996, a special version was released of the LS – the ‘M-edition’ it came with all options available for the LS, as well as different (all red) taillights, chrome scuff plates, CD stacker, and ‘m-edition’ stitching on the seats. All m-editions came in a burgundy/maroon, with cream/tan leather, and gold pin striping.
1995 saw an update with different 5spoke wheels, twin airbags and emissions changes. The ‘GE2’ ran until 1997.

E-spec: Built from 1991 in Japan, for Australia, New Zealand, and Europe - It was the worldwide model. Compared to the a-spec, it has different taillights, headlights (2pce projector type), different front and rear bumpers, fog lights, wing-mirrors (folding), steering wheel, interior trim, the indicators were mounted behind the front wheels, and there no corner bumper lights. It also came with optional digital climate control, and the mx6’s main act – an electronic 4ws (four wheel steer) system. Engine was the same as the US version – the KLDE V6, again with 164hp. However, there was also a 2ltr KFZE and FSZE available in the very uncommon LHD e-specs.
In Australia, the mx6 was released in November 1991. only one model was available; equipped with the KLDE, sunroof, 4ws, ect; with the only remaining options being leather and electric seats. September 1994 was the release of the GE2 update model. Like Mazda Australia did with the GD2, there were now two choices – the 4ws all options mx6, or the 2ws version. They both now had new wheels, interior trim, and steering wheel, but only the 4ws version got the sunroof, cd player, leather (which actually only became standard in late 96) digital climate control, and of course the 4ws. The mx6 lasted until 1997, with the last few rolling out of dealers in 1998.

J-spec: As with most cars, the Japanese kept the best for themselves. This version was also released in 1991, and is very similar to the e-spec (as they are built in the same place). though has one piece headlights with indicators incorporated in the fog light housing, and a different rear bumper (with smaller rego plate spot, like the A-spec version). Almost everything was an option, but the 4ws was available, as well as the digital climate control, electric folding mirrors, larger centre console, and offcourse, the Mazdaspeed body add on’s – a subtle lip kit with supra-style high rise rear spoiler.
Engine was a choice of the 170hp KFZE 2ltr v6, or the 200hp KLZE 2.5ltr v6… a high compression version of the KLDE. A 5spd, hardtop, KLZE mx6 is a comfortable 14 second car.
These j-spec mx6’s are now quite common around the world, from the UK to Australia and NZ… with the KLZE engine conversion alone, being popular worldwide.

There is an active owners' club community in both the UK, US and in Europe, as can be seen from the related links.

[edit] 4WS (Four Wheel Steering)

Used from 1987-1997 on MX-6s around the world, this was the MX-6s centerpiece.
It was available on both generations, although the North American market only received it for the 1989 model year.
According to Mazda, the system provided:

Superior cornering stability
Improved steering responsiveness and precision
High-speed straightline stability
Notable improvement in rapid lane-changing manoeuvres
Smaller turning radius and tight-space manoeuvrability at low vehicle speed range

The system electronically controlled a rear rack that was behind the rear wheels. At low speeds (of up to 35km/h), the rear wheels would move in the opposite direction to the front wheels, aiding parking and U-turns by lowering the turning circle. Above these speeds, the rear wheels would move in the same direction as the fronts, meaning control during high speed manoeuvres such as lane changes or cornering was improved. Either way, the turning angle of the rear wheels was slight at just five degrees, a measurement Mazda determined to be optimally effective and natural to human sensitivity.
Note:

When the engine is turned off, the rear wheels would straighten up. They would change back to the angle of the front wheels when the engine is restarted. This is caused by the 4WS control unit powering down, and the failsafe system overriding the rear rack.
If the system ever faults, as a failsafe the rear wheels would lock straight to allow the vehicle normal 2WS functionality.

[edit] Models

Year	Model	Engine	Power	Torque	0–60 mph (97 km/h)	.25 mi (0.4 km)	Top speed
1988–1992	DT, LX, LE	2.2 L (2184 cc) F2 I4	110 hp (82 kW)	130 ft·lbf (176 N·m)
1988–1992	GT	2.2 L (2184 cc) F2T turbo I4	145 hp (108 kW)	190 ft·lbf (258 N·m)
1993–1997	RS	2.0 L (1991 cc) FS I4	118 hp (88 kW)	127 ft·lbf (172 N·m)
1993–1997	LS	2.5 L (2497 cc) KL-DE V6	164 hp (122 kW) at 5600 rpm	156 ft·lbf (212 N·m) at 4000 rpm	7.2	15.6 at 88 mph (142 km/h)	133 mph (214 km/h)
1993–1997	LS	2.5 L (2497 cc) KL-ZE(J-Spec) V6	~200 hp at 6500 rpm	~165 ft·lbf (212 N·m) at 5500 rpm	~6.5	~14.5–15.0	~141 mph (~225–230 km/h)