The Mazda6 Sedan celebrates it's fifteenth anniversary, updated to include more luxury.

Mazda6 has redefined the midsize sedan segment with superb driving dynamics, handsome design that stands out among its staid competition and craftsmanship that goes a step above expectations. It has charted its path as the family car for discerning drivers who need the practicality provided by a midsizer but refuse to give up on driving an engaging, enjoyable car.

Now in its third generation, Mazda6 celebrates its 15th anniversary since going on sale internationally, still setting the benchmark for its segment and for the Mazda brand.

Since 2002, Mazda6 has torn through the throngs of ubiquity that define its class and landed in the spotlight as the go-to for those desiring a better, if not more bespoke, option.

Immediately after going on sale in the U.S., Car and Driver magazine named Mazda6 to its 10Best list in 2003, stating that “…the Mazda6 is a spirited, athletic package that takes Mazda’s zoom-zoom ethos into the mainstream.”

Since then, Mazda6 has earned several other 10Best honors among dozens of awards, comparison wins and commendations for its outstanding safety, most recently being awarded both IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA Five-Star ratings.

And, yet, Mazda6’s engineers and designers have never been good at leaving well enough alone.

In recent years, Mazda has made dozens of changes that further elevate it among its peers, no longer waiting for mid-cycle refreshes to make meaningful improvements. For 2015, Mazda6 received subtle refinements to what was already a well-received third-generation model after adopting KODO—Soul of Motion design and lightweight, efficient SKYACTIV Technology in its third generation. For 2016, its interior was completely redesigned, implementing a clean, modern design with the latest MAZDA CONNECTTM infotainment interface and segment-exclusive Active Driving Display head-up display technologies. The new interior won a Wards 10 Best Interiors award.

Starting in 2016, models equipped with available full-LED auto-leveling headlights also received a redesigned grille, headlights and tail lights.

For the 2017 model year, Mazda6 added many of the premium touches that were introduced in the all-new Mazda CX-9, including additional sound insulation by way of thicker door seals and laminated front glass and luxuries like available Nappa leather seating surfaces and rear USB charging ports. Mazda6 was also the first vehicle in the U.S. to include G-Vectoring Control, a Mazda-exclusive technology that uses throttle and steering inputs to smooth out steering feel, leading to greater confidence behind the wheel and more sure-footed handling.

Throughout its decade and a half, no matter which generation, Mazda6 has remained true to its mission, serving families who want a midsize car without compromise. Now, as in 2002, Mazda6 continues to over-deliver.

Accolades at a glance:

2003	10Best	Car and Driver
2003	All Star	Automobile Magazine
2004	Best Family Car	Money Magazine
2008	Car of the Year	Detroit News
2009	Best New Cars	Business Week
2014	Big Test Comparison Winner	Motor Trend
2014	Top-Rated Vehicles	Edmunds.com
2014	Best Cars for Families	U.S. News and World Report
2014	Top-Three Finalist	North American Car of the Year
2014	10Best	Car and Driver
2014	10 Best Interiors	Wards Automotive
2014	Finalist	World Car Design of the Year
2015	Five-Year Cost to Own Awards	Kelley Blue Book
2015	10Best	Car and Driver
2015	Sedan of the Year	Autobytel
2016	10 Best Interiors	Wards Automotive
2016	Comparison Test Winner	Automobile Magazine
2016	Top Safety Pick+	Insurance Institute of Highway Safety
2017	Best Family Car	New York Daily News Awards
2017	Automotive Excellence Awards	Popular Mechanics
2017	Top Safety Pick+	Insurance Institute of Highway Safety
2017	Most Beautiful Cars You Can Buy Right Now Under $50,000	Car and Driver

Fifteen years ago, vRS badges were added to the Fabia and Octavia, today, they account for a large %age of sales.

• ŠKODA celebrates 15th anniversary of the first vRS model in the UK
• Highly successful performance badge builds on SKODA’s sporting heritage
• Three generations of Octavia vRS - now with the biggest range ever
• Landmark cars including diesel-powered Fabia vRS - a sector first
• Octavia vRS set and still holds International Land Speed Record

ŠKODA’s rich sporting and performance history reaches a historic milestone in 2016 with the 15th anniversary of the vRS brand in the UK. Since the first Octavia vRS arrived in showrooms back in 2001, ŠKODA has continually developed the vRS range; adding more power, performance and excitement to cars wearing the famous three letter badge.

Octavia vRS Mk1 (2001-2006)

The Mk1 Octavia vRS was the first modern-era ŠKODA to enter the fiercely competitive performance car market. Perfectly showcasing the brand’s optimism, confidence and engineering skills, the Octavia was powered by a 180PS, 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the Mk1 Octavia vRS delivered numerous firsts for the brand. Not only was it the most powerful production ŠKODA ever produced, it was also the fastest (146mph Hatch) and most expensive with a UK price tag of £15,535.

The first-generation Octavia vRS proved an instant hit with car buyers and the world’s motoring media alike. While it broke a price barrier for the brand, its high equipment levels meant that no rival could match the Octavia vRS for sheer value and entertainment.

Fabia vRS Mk1 (2003-2007)

ŠKODA’s passion for ripping up the performance car rulebook took another leap forward in 2003 with the introduction of the Fabia vRS. Powered by a 130PS, 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine, the Fabia defied convention and proved that flexibility and a colossal torque output (310Nm) was more than a match for a peaky, high-revving petrol engine. 

It returned up to 53.3mpg and came loaded with standard equipment which made it one of the most competitive and engaging packages in the sector.

Fabia vRS Mk2 (2010-2013)

With both first-generation vRS models proving a huge hit with buyers, ŠKODA packed more power, excitement and value into their replacements. 

The Mk2 Fabia vRS offered more innovation in the form of a twin-charged 180PS, 1.4-litre TSI engine and paddle-shift DSG transmission.

Octavia vRS Mk2 (2005-2013)

For the first time, the Octavia vRS was developed as a small range of its own – confirming ŠKODA’s commitment to the badge. Built on an all-new platform it displayed a smoother, more refined appearance. Powered by a new 2.0-litre TSI engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission, it became the first production ŠKODA to offer an output of 200PS.

To showcase the remarkable performance potential of the Octavia vRS, and celebrate the tenth anniversary of the vRS badge in the UK, ŠKODA UK made headlines around the world in 2011 when it attempted to break a land speed record at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA.

Built from a standard petrol-powered Octavia vRS by a team of ŠKODA UK engineers, the Bonneville special smashed the previous record for a 2.0-litre forced induction production car. At 07:45 on Friday 19 August, it registered an official record speed of 227.080mph – a record that still stands today. 

Octavia vRS Mk3 (2013-present)

2013 saw ŠKODA refocus its vRS line-up, opting to build a broader Octavia vRS line-up with greater options for buyers. As a result, the third-generation Octavia vRS has the largest range ever with three engine options, two body styles and the option of four-wheel-drive. 

Petrol versions are powered by a 2.0 TSI engine available with outputs of 220PS and 230PS, while diesel variants feature a 2.0 TDI with an output of 184PS. Paddle-shift DSG transmissions are available across the vRS range, while the diesel variant can be specified with ŠKODA’s advanced all-wheel system.

Building the brand’s sporting credentials

Although the vRS badge is celebrating its 15th year in the UK, ŠKODA’s sporting and performance car heritage dates back to the days before founders Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement even started work on their first car.

Neither were convinced of the benefits of building sporting versions of their bicycles and motorbikes, and were even less thrilled by the idea of competition, a series of famous racing victories led to full order books and global recognition. The achievements of their products set L&K, and what would become ŠKODA, onto a course that would deliver some of the most engaging and successful road and competition cars of their era.

The brand’s first road-going performance car – the 1937 Popular Sport Monte Carlo – set a template for affordable but exquisitely engineered fun. Advanced prototypes such as the 1974 180RS and 200RS kept the spirit of performance and provided ŠKODA with countless race wins and championship titles in both circuit racing and rallying.

Today, ŠKODA’s love of performance is stronger than ever. In addition to the growing range of vRS models, the brand continues as a force to be reckoned with in motorsport. The Fabia S2000 was the most successful rally car in its class – taking more than 65 European and international rally wins – while the current Fabia R5 is proving equally dominant in world rallying’s WRC2 category.

vRS Facts

1.    20% of all Octavias sold in the UK are vRS badged.

2.    Almost 50,000 SKODA vRS models have been sold in the UK since the range was launched in 2001; 39% of which were Fabia models.

3.    An Octavia vRS model set an international land speed record in 2011 – Bonneville; 227.080mph.

4.    The v ahead of vRS is actually the acute accent used on the name ŠKODA.

5.    A Fabia vRS model set seven UK speed records for its class in 2010 – Millbrook; time taken to cover 5km, 5 miles, 10km, 10 miles, 50km, 50 miles and 100km.

0 – 62mph in just 1.73 Seconds...With the Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo.

• PEUGEOT Vision Gran Turismo unveiled for GT6^TM video game
• PEUGEOT designers teamed up with PEUGEOT Sport engineers to craft an outstanding high performance endurance racer
• PEUGEOT’s new supercar promises a unique driving experience for GT6^TM gamers exclusively to PlayStation®3

PEUGEOT Vision Gran Turismo has today been unveiled for the GT6™ video game, exclusive to PlayStation®3. Designed with a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio (875kg and 875bhp) and the ability to go from 0 to 62mph in just 1.73 seconds, PEUGEOT's new supercar promises a unique driving experience for Gran Turismo 6 (GT6™) gamers.

With more than 15 cars already featured in the Vision Gran Turismo line-up, PEUGEOT has risen to the latest challenge of Kazunori Yamauchi, the man behind the flagship driving game, who tasked automotive manufacturers with designing a unique car commemorating the game's 15^th anniversary.

PEUGEOT designers teamed up with PEUGEOT Sport engineers to craft an outstanding supercar that has all the hallmarks of a high-performance endurance racer, brought to life in glorious high definition in GT6™. 

At first glance, the PEUGEOT Vision Gran Turismo reveals a striking monolithic silhouette, sculpted to sweep aside air resistance, standing just 104cm tall, with the notable absence of nearly any aerodynamic features. The body design alone is enough to effectively stick the car to the road.

The central V6 turbo 3.2-litre engine, just behind the driver, feeds its 875bhp to the ground via a six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, comprising front 22-inch alloys and rear 23-inch counterparts. 

This, coupled with the lightweight design (tipping the scales at just 875kg) and super-responsive steering, makes this the ideal response to the Gran Turismo challenge.  In addition to this, the car benefits from phenomenal acceleration, taking it from 0 to 62mph (0-100kph) in 1.73 seconds, due to its power-to-weight ratio promising one horsepower for every kilo of kerb weight.  

Deceleration is equally impressive, achieved with four ventilated BREMBO carbon discs (380mm at the front and 337mm at the rear).

Virtual drivers will have the chance to take the PEUGEOT Vision Gran Turismo for a spin in the very near future on no fewer than 40 outstanding tracks with 107 layouts. Available exclusively on the PS3 in six colour variants, the PEUGEOT Vision Gran Turismo will be released as a part of a free update for Gran Turismo 6.

Follow the #PeugeotVisonGT to stay up to date with all the latest news on the car and experience the exceptional. Stay tuned!

Watch the TRAILER on the Peugeot YouTube Channel: 

PEUGEOT Vision GT

Abarth 695 BiPosto to become official car of teh 2014 Gumball 3000.

• The Abarth 695 biposto makes its official on-road debut
• “Gumball 3000”: the non-competitive rally for 120 supercars which covers over 3000 miles in less than 10 days
• Abarth is the only official automotive partner of the sixteenth edition which will cross North America and Europe

Following the official debut at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show, the ‘most Abarth of all Abarths’ takes to the road for the first time.

Fitted with a 190 HP, 997 kg 1.4 T-Jet engine, giving the best weight-to-power ratio in its category (5.2) and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds, the Abarth 695 biposto will be the official car of the sixteenth edition of the "Gumball 3000" rally.

It's the first time that an official car has been appointed for the “Gumball 3000”, the non-competitive rally for just 120 amazing supercars which cover over 3000 miles in less than 10 days.  

After the adrenaline-charged 15th anniversary rally from Copenhagen to Monaco, for the 2014 edition the “Gumball 3000” is set to cross two continents with a route that sets off from South Beach, Miami and finishes in Ibiza: this year's event promises to be more exciting and enthralling than ever, for drivers and fans alike.

It's a unique adventure for the participants who, between 4th and 11th June, will travel all the way from America to Europe: after stages in Miami, Atlanta and New York, all 120 cars will be flown across the Atlantic, touching down in Scotland. Here, in Edinburgh, the “Gumball 3000” will enrich its line-up of supercars with the Abarth 695 biposto, making its official on-road debut.

Abarth's “two-seater” road-going car will unleash its 190 HP, becoming the undisputed star attraction of the event. “Gumball 3000” has chosen “the fastest Abarth ever” as the iconic image of the 2014 edition of the Rally, giving it the coveted #1.

Maximillion Cooper, CEO and founder of the event, announced that he was honoured and thrilled to be the first official driver of the Abarth 695 biposto, a car that truly represents the essence of Abarth: with its size, a quintessential Abarth characteristic, a “small Italian supercar”, and its “racing heart”, that passion for speed and the challenges of the road – while also embracing the values of the “Gumball” rally.

“Gumball 3000” was launched in 1999 by Maximillion Cooper, a former British racing driver, designer and entrepreneur, included by Complex in its list of the 50 most influential people in the auto industry, as his rally brings cars, music, fashion, art and entertainment all together. Cooper borrowed the word 'Gumball' from Andy Warhol, who used it to describe how the public “chew up” and spit out popular culture just like chewing gum. The number '3000', meanwhile, is a nod to Cooper's fascination with the future, especially at a time when the world was on the cusp of the 21st century. This now legendary road trip has seen the participation of international artists and celebrities, royalty, individuals included in Forbes rich lists, billionaires, founders of Blue Chip companies, rapidly capturing the attention of the press and public alike, achieving mainstream media coverage through automotive and lifestyle publications, and even gracing the covers of The Financial Times, GQ , Esquire, FHM and CAR.

The roads between the Scottish capital and Ibiza - taking in London, Paris and Barcelona - will be the first to put the Abarth 695 biposto's exhilarating supercar performance (top speed 140 mph) to the test. What's more, it's the very first time that a ‘street legal’ car, currently in its category, is offered with a gearbox featuring dog rings with controls and disc and clutch self-locking differential derived from the world of racing, making upwards gear changes so rapid that expert drivers don't need to use the clutch. 

In each city the “Gumball” visits, Abarth - sole official automotive partner - will play a leading role: Regent Street in London, Les Jardin des Tuileries in Paris, Barcelona and the Old Town Port in Ibiza will welcome hundreds of thousands of people and Abarth is all set to make every arrival an exciting, memorable event with its fantastic cars.

The race schedule is as follows:

4th June – Arrival in Miami

5th June – from Miami to Atlanta

6th June – from Atlanta to New York

7th June – from New York to Edinburgh

8th June – from Edinburgh to London

9th June – from London to Paris

10th June – from Paris to Barcelona

11th June – from Barcelona to Ibiza