KEEPING THE SPEED ALIVE: KADIN’S MAZDASPEED 6

When the Mazdaspeed 6 hit the streets in the mid-2000s, it quietly redefined what a sport sedan could be. Beneath its understated bodylines was a turbocharged 2.3L DISI engine, paired with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission — a combination that made it a true driver’s car. Mazda’s vision was clear: create a performance sedan that could fly under the radar while delivering serious power. Often overlooked next to flashier rivals, the Mazdaspeed 6 earned a reputation as a sleeper — the kind of car that could humble unsuspecting competition at a stoplight. Produced for only two model years (2006–2007), clean examples have become increasingly rare, making them a special find for enthusiasts who recognize what this underrated platform brings to the table.

Here we have Kadin Stowers‘ 2006 Velocity Red Mica Mazdaspeed 6 from Post Falls, Idaho, showing us that clean MS6s still exist.

We got the chance to talk to Kadin to learn more. Thank you to Tristan Light for capturing this for us.

 Kadin, how did you get into cars in the first place?

“I’ve always been into cars as long as I can remember.  I always had Hot Wheels or remote control cars as a kid.”

Then, how did you get into having a Mazdaspeed 6?

“My first car was a 04 Mazda 6, which I really liked until I found out the Mazdaspeed 6 existed and what it was capable of. I’ve always liked the idea of having vehicles that are uncommon, and this happened to be one.”

We are interested to know what inspired you to modify and style the car the way that you did?

“Pretty much just trying to be different and make a car that is unique to itself.  I wanted to build a car that looks good and also performs well.”

What was the biggest challenge to the car?

“Building the car in a short time frame was a challenge, and not having much knowledge about engine building made it more challenging. I got the car put together and had it running and driving in less than 2 weeks.”

Well, is there anything else you want to share that most people won’t know?

“The car still has a stock 6-speed manual transmission, the tune isn’t fully completed yet, so I don’t drive it very much.  It has 115,000 miles on the body and about 2500 on the built engine. The paint is original aside from the roof, which is wrapped due to failing clear coat.  The interior is almost all stock and original, aside from some stickers and an oil pressure gauge. From what I’ve heard, the black and white panda interior and red paint combination is the most difficult spec Mazdaspeed 6 to find…”

“The Crown apple bottle in the engine bay is my coolant overflow reservoir; I put that in as sort of a tribute to my best friend, who I lost back in 2022, because it was his favorite drink.  I was very lucky to get this car and have the opportunity to build it the way I want. I do not plan on ever getting rid of the car; it does have its imperfections, but I’m working on getting this car as perfect as I can in time.”

Lastly, is there anyone you want to thank or give a shout-out to?

“I want to thank all my friends and family for all the help and support.”

MODIFICATION LIST:

Engine:
Speed Performance Stage 2 short block
Mahle 2618 Pistons
Manley H-Tuff Rods
Keyed Crank
JBR oil pan baffle
Full Race Pro Stock turbo manifold
Garrett GTX 3076R with T51R mod
Tial MV-S 38mm external waste gate
ARP L19 head studs
JMF intake manifold V2 PI
Corksport cams
Corksport hpfp
Corksport 4” intake system
Damon stage 1&2 catch cans
Damon soild motor and trans mounts
Aeromotive 325 Series fuel pump
Injector dynamics ID1050X (pi injectors)
Split Second secondary injector controller
X clutch twin disc clutch
Tuned by Freektune

Drivetrain and Cosmetics:
BC Racing BR coilovers
Corksport solid rear diff mount
Drive Shaft Shop upgraded rear axles
Treadstone front mount intercooler
M6 customs tail lights(led style)
Bugatti style headlights (unsure on brand)
Maxton Design Front lip
Maxton Design Rear diffuser
Aeroflow Dynamics side skirt extensions
Volk Racing TE37 Saga SL wheels
Accelera 651 sport tires
Full 3” stainless steel straight pipe exhaust
Spoiler Kind roof spoiler and trunk lip extension
Black vinyl roof wrap

OEM/ Original/ Factory:
Grand Touring edition
Velocity Red Mica paint
Panda leather interior
Factory Bose sound system
Factory navigation/DVD player

Hope you guys enjoyed this one. Kadin Stowers’ Mazdaspeed 6 is more than just a clean example of a rare platform — it’s a reflection of passion, perseverance, and personal meaning. From honoring a close friend with a custom coolant reservoir to building the car in under two weeks with limited knowledge, this project stands as a testament to what true dedication looks like. In a time where cookie-cutter builds and flashy trends often dominate the scene, Kadin’s Velocity Red Mica MS6 reminds us why we fell in love with cars in the first place — the connection, the individuality, and the stories behind the machines. As these cars continue to disappear from the roads, it’s builds like this that help keep the Mazdaspeed legacy alive.

And again, special thanks to Tristan Light for capturing this for us.