2005 NAIAS: Mazda to Debut MX-Crossport Concept in Detroit

- Mazda's Design Innovation is Displayed in MX-Crossport, MAZDA5 and MAZDASPEED6 -

DETROIT, Jan. 6 -- Mazda will introduce three exciting new vehicles at the upcoming 2005 North American International Auto Show, which opens to the world's news media on Sunday, Jan. 9. Showcasing the future direction of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom design philosophy, the MX-Crossport is an all-new design concept, making its global debut in Detroit. Mazda also will introduce the MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle for the first time in North America and will show the high-performance MAZDASPEED6 sedan.

The public debut of the Mazda MX-Crossport design concept represents a new design direction Mazda is considering for the development of future models. The MX-Crossport was designed at Mazda's main design studio in Hiroshima, Japan. The crossover vehicle possesses strong styling cues from Mazda's flagship RX-8 sports car coupled with the athletic practicality of a sport- utility vehicle.

Mazda also will unveil the all-new MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle for the first time in North America. A six-passenger vehicle that drives like a sportscar yet has the functionality of a large SUV, the MAZDA5 breaks new ground in the North American market. Inside, the MAZDA5 has a unique and flexible seating arrangement that allows for occupant and cargo versatility, while the flowing wedge-shaped exterior is defined by solid proportions, making it unmistakably Mazda.

MAZDA5 shares its underpinnings with the highly successful MAZDA3, including four-wheel disc brakes, four-wheel independent suspension and a 2.3-liter, 157-horsepower engine. MAZDA5 will be available at Mazda dealers in summer, 2005.

Boasting 274 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, the MAZDASPEED6 is the most powerful and best-handling sedan ever to be sold by Mazda in North America. The 2.3-liter, direct-injection turbocharged engine is the first of its kind available in the United States, providing outstanding performance in a car obviously capable of competing with top sports sedans from Europe and Japan. The behind-the-wheel experience is further enhanced by the addition of a standard six-speed manual transmission driving through an all-new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system. The MAZDASPEED6 all-wheel drive system adjusts front/rear torque distribution between 100:0 and 50:50 to apply optimum power to each wheel.

Mazda engineers applied a subtle yet aggressive design to the already acclaimed MAZDA6, making both the exterior and the interior of the vehicle fresh and sophisticated. Thorough attention to detail and use of the finest quality materials place the MAZDASPEED6 in position to build on the awards won by the MAZDA6 sedan. MAZDASPEED6 will be available at MAZDASPEED dealerships in select locations across the United States in summer, 2005.

The North American International Auto Show runs January 15-23 at the Cobo Hall Conference Center in Detroit, Mich.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.