2014 MAZDA6 NAMED IN POPULAR SCIENCE MAGAZINE'S ANNUAL 'BEST OF WHAT'S NEW' AWARDS

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2014 Mazda6 has been named to Popular Science Magazine's annual Best of What's New Awards in the Auto category.  Completely redesigned, the Mazda6 features the full suite of SKYACTIV®[1] technologies and the stylish KODO "Soul of Motion" design language.  The 2014 Mazda6 features a slew of all-new technology with the safety-first features of i-ACTIVSENSE and the fuel economy-improving, capacitor-based regenerative engine braking i-ELOOP.

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"Mazda is honored to be included in Popular Science Magazine's annual Best of What's New Awards," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  "From an engineering standpoint, to have the 2014 Mazda6 with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY be recognized by Popular Science is a distinction that proves you don't need to be the most expensive vehicle on the road to feature premium technology and advanced engineering."

"For more than a quarter century, Popular Science has devoted its December issue to the year's most remarkable innovations," said Cliff Ransom, executive editor, Popular Science.  "The Best of What's New Awards is our magazine's top honor, and the 100 awardees are selected from a pool of thousands.  Each winner is handpicked and revolutionary in its own way.  Whether they're poised to change the world or simply your living room, the Best of What's New awardees challenge us to the see the future in a new light."

Mazda has previously been awarded Popular Science Magazine's Best of What's New Awards with the following vehicles and technologies:

The 2014 Mazda6 maintains the brand's Zoom-Zoom pedigree while strongly making a case as the alternative-to-premium flagship mid-size sedan.  With its grin-inducing driving dynamics, chiseled-chin design, award-winning safety and best-in-class highway fuel economy (40 mpg[2]), happiness comes standard with this family four-door.  Starting at $20,990[3] MSRP, Mazda6 is currently fitted with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L which can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.  Although not available at launch, the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine will make its U.S. debut in late spring of 2014. 

With its name derived from "Intelligent Energy Loop," i-ELOOP is the world's first capacitor-based regenerative engine braking system that converts a vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity as the car decelerates.  The electricity captured is then stored for later use to power all the vehicle's electrical components, such as headlights, climate control and audio systems.  This reduces the need for the engine to burn extra fuel in order to generate electricity and, therefore, improves fuel economy without sacrificing driving performance. 

In order to efficiently recapture the kinetic energy and convert it into electricity, i-ELOOP utilizes a 12- to 25-volt variable voltage alternator, a DC/DC converter and a low-resistance, high-capacity electric double layer capacitor (EDLC).  Conventional alternators are constantly charging the battery in an effort to keep up with a vehicle's electrical loads, which means using engine power to operate the alternator, which, in turn, consumes fuel. 

The 2014 Mazda6 also is the first Mazda to feature i-ACTIVSENSE, which is a suite of active-safety systems that use sensing devices, such as milliwave radars and cameras, to support the driver to recognize hazards in order to avoid collisions or minimize their risk should an accident occur.  While these systems will not eliminate accidents, their intent is to minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash. 

i-ACTIVSENSE features include Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Forward Obstruction Warning, High Beam Control, Bling Spot Monitor and Adaptive Front-lighting.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.  Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.  For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. 

[1] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

[2] 2014 Mazda6 Grand Touring models equipped with 6-speed automatic and i-ELOOP.  Sport and Touring models are not available with i-ELOOP and are EPA-estimated to achieve 37 highway mpg (6-speed manual) or 38 highway mpg (6-speed automatic). Actual fuel economy will vary based on driving habits and road conditions.

[3] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations