Description
The Mazda6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan and China, derived from the Italian attenzione) is a mid-size sedan produced by Mazda since 2002, replacing the long-produced Capella/626.
The Mazda6 was marketed as the first example of the company’s “Stylish, Insightful and Spirited” design philosophy, followed by the Mazda2 in December 2002, the RX-8 in August 2003, the Mazda3 in January 2004, the Mazda5 in the summer of 2005, the MX-5 in October 2005, and the CX-7 in November 2006. The 2003 Mazda6 is essentially the seventh-generation Mazda 626, part of the ‘G’ model code family.
In 2013, Mazda entered the new GX class of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, with Mazda6 cars powered by its 2.2L diesel Skyactiv-D engine. During the first race at Rolex 24 At Daytona in January 2013, all three cars had to retire in the first few hours due to engine failure. Mazda ultimately won the 2013 GX class championship, beating rivals Porsche and Lotus. It was the only year for the class before the series rolled into the United (now WeatherTech) SportsCar Championship.
The Mazda6 is also presently used as a racing vehicle for the GTS class at SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer’s championship standings Mazda6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points.
