2014 Mazda6 Rises to 40 MPG With I-ELOOP System
The 2014 Mazda 6 is getting a regenerative braking system known as i-ELOOP, and the brand divulged today that it will be part of a $2,080 option package, and that it will boost the 6’s efficiency by two mpg across the board.
The new Mazda6 is available in three different trims: sport, touring and grand touring. The i-ELOOP system is only available on top-trim grand touring models, which start with a MSRP of $29,695. To get the regenerative braking system, customers have to order the the $2,080 GT technology package, which also comes with lane departure warning, high-beam control, radar-based cruise control, forward obstruction warning, a sport mode button and active grille shutters.
Both adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning systems were offered on the car at its January dealer debut, but will now be packaged exclusively with i-ELOOP.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Mazda6 Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Released
The i-ELOOP system gathers kinetic energy from the car while it decelerates, and then uses that energy to power the 6’s electrical components, such as headlights, climate control and audio systems. It allows the alternator to free-wheel, making sure that it doesn’t cause unnecessary strain on the engine. Overall, the Mazda6 with i-ELOOP is rated at 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined, making it the most efficient non-hybrid mid-size sedan.
Currently, the car is only available with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine that makes 184 hp at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. A small diesel engine will be introduced to the car later this year.
GALLERY: 2014 Mazda6
Discus this story at mazda6club.com/
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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