Oh boy, hope I don't miss anyone but here goes;
Woob....don't know all the facts and figures but 160 hp, twin OHC, 4 valve/cylinder, variable valve timing come to mind. What I do know is how it feels driving and it is a blast! Supposedly the new Mazda lineup is from the "shared platform" that Ford is using for Ford, Mazda and Volvo. I've read that up to 40% of the components on the Mazda6 are shared with the new Volvo S40.
rabbi...fuel prices here in northwestern, NJ are about 1.60 for 87 octane. I almost went for a ZX5 SVT Focus but one of the strikes against it was the need for premium fuel.
Kimw.....the RX-8 is a very neat ride. I wouldn't be surprised if they bump it up a notch or two. Always happens after the first year or two of a new model.
EBP....I'm not sure about a Mazdaspeed version of the 6 being in the works but I am fairly certain a Mazdaspeed edition of the new Mazda3 is on the horizon. If you want a leftover '03 Mazdaspeed Protege they are practically giveing them away. The dealership where I purchased my car had two on the lot and they were offering VERY steep discounts on them.
tkr128....nothing on the leather seats yet. When I give them their first treatment I'll be using 4-Star Platinum Leather Conditioner.
JimS...I know what you mean about the beater truck....I agree! I may have already found one here at work. Not exactly a $300.00 truck, more like $1200.00 but its a 4x4. I may go check it out this weekend if time permits.
rtbrick....the Mazda6S (the one with the 3.0 ltr. 6 cylinder) is a rocket! I drove it a couple of times before I decided on the 6i. Like you said, you can be up over 80mph in the blink of an eye and the motor isn't even breaking a sweat. It was a very tough decision for me between the 4 banger 6i and v-6 6s but my main reason for switching to a car was fuel economy so I opted for the 4 banger. It's no slouch by any stretch of the imagination....just not what it's big brother is.
PB.....of course she'll let me take the Pathfinder. After all, she practically signed on the dotted line herself for a Mazda6s (the 6 cylinder). It was at the 11th hour when she decided she wanted a SUV to use those 5-6 times a year when she'll need 4 wd.
Thanks again for the comments and well wishes gang. It is nice having a new vehicle again. Especially one with leather.
