Mazda boss says lackluster performance behind delay of Mazda6 diesel

2014 Mazda6 28.8.2012 [28th Aug, 2012]

No zoom-zoom equals no showroom

Mazda North America CEO Jim O’Sullivan has revealed some new details about the US-spec Mazda6 diesel which was recently delayed.

Speaking to Automobile Magazine, O’Sullivan said the car was pushed back because "We didn’t think the powertrain was ‘zoom-zoom’ enough.” The executive went on to say an underperforming diesel engine would hurt both the brand and the image of diesel engines in the United States. As he explained, "If it doesn’t go well, I don’t want to add to the reputation.”

O’Sullivan declined to say when the model will arrive but the magazine suggests an announcement could be made, in April, at the New York Auto Show. There's no word on U.S. specifications but the European 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D engine has outputs of 148 bhp (110 kW) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque as well as 173 bhp (129 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque.