Los Angeles Auto Show Makes MAZDA6 Official Car

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2, 2003; It didn't take long for the newly launched 2003 MAZDA6 sports sedan to garner praise and become one of the most superb cars on the road today. Now, after only a few weeks in dealerships, the vehicle's hot streak continues as the official car of the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show (GLAAS). Dubbed "PROJECT6," the car is a custom version of Mazda's new flagship sedan.

Each year, the GLAAS works with its aftermarket exhibitors to give attendees a sample of what can be done to a vehicle to make passersby take a second look. For 2003, the GLAAS and Mazda have teamed to add even more zoom to the MAZDA6, debuting it in the car enthusiast capitol of the world -- Southern California.

Aftermarket companies tackled the MAZDA6 from the inside out, starting with a cutting-edge mobile entertainment system designed by Automotive Entertainment. The unit features a custom-molded in-dash monitor, DVD/CD player with a six-disc CD changer, additional amplification, a navigation system and flip-down overhead monitors for rear-seat passengers all by Alpine. Connecting the system together are Scosche cables and distribution blocks, along with a Farad cap. To give the interior an added touch of flair, the door panels are refinished in a color-coordinated suede.

On the outside, the MAZDA6's styling is enhanced with aerodynamic components imported from Europe by Shark Racing. Paint and headlight protection kits from Star Shield Armor protect the vehicle's forward-facing surfaces from the ravages of stones and other road debris while its aggressive stance is accomplished through the installation of a set of performance lowering springs by Eibach. The MAZDA6's Yokohama ultra-low-profile tires and Volk Racing wheels are courtesy of Wheel Warehouse and the familiar GLAAS graphics package is from Modern Image. All exterior and interior surfaces are kept clean with Meguiar's line of car-care products.

Sylvania lighting upgrades, in the form of Silverstar high performance halogen lamps for low and high beams, in addition to their Xenarc true high intensity discharge (HID) driving lamps, turn night into day.

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