GT Technology Package

[Mikejohn]

Does anyone know what the sport mode button does in the new GT Tech Pkg?

 

[rvmz6]

huh!.. have had my GT for 2 weeks now, haven't noticed it yet. Where exactly is this button ?

 

[badself]

huh!.. have had my GT for 2 weeks now, haven't noticed it yet. Where exactly is this button ?

It's unlinkely your two week old Grand Touring has the $2,000 Tech Package with I-eloop, radar cruise, and apparently the sport button (which I would guess alters the shift points on the 6-speed auto for more aggressive power output). I noticed the button illustrated in the owner's manual with the qualifier that it's available only on some models. Since my non-tech-package GT does not have the sport button, I can safely assume it's part of the GT Tech Package. Prior to release of the Tech Package, the single available tech option on the GT was radar cruise with forward obstruction warning for $900. I passed since the radar cruise was not defeatable as it is in some Toyota's and Honda's, as I had heard it can be quirky around turns and around large trucks, especially to the vehicle's left side.

It's also possible the Sport button is available independent of the tech package in some foreign markets in the same way the front bumper radar parking assist is available only in foreign markets. In the US, only the rear bumper radar parking assist is available as a Genuine Mazda Accessory, which I believe includes an entirely new rear bumper and harness relay (or the harness lurks behind all US market Skyactiv "6" cars, just taped off, ready to be connected to the new accessory bumper). I have no idea if the accessory bumper comes painted from Mazda. When I worked at a GM assembly plant until 2008, all bumpers on the Chevy Astro/GMC Safari's came in painted from the supplier. This may also be the case with Mazda because I see distinct differeces in Soul Red bumper covers and front grille fascias vs the actual 3-stage paint job on the metal body parts (some Soul Red's worse than others). My thinking is the bumper and fascia suppliers are not using a three-stage-process to finish the Soul Red pieces, and the results show.

 

[Kal El]

I have a soul red 6 and have staired it down multiple times in various angles (it's kind of hard not to). I have not noticed any difference between the bumpers and the sheet metal. Maybe I just got a good one who knows.

 

[TerryFrench]

on the 2014 Mazda 3, the rear bumper kit is quite lame. You pick the color, drill 2 holes, and plug it into the bumper. There are no existing sensors or electronics. In fact the sensor box has to be installed near the back rear left seat, and all it does is beep faster the closer you are from obstacles. So no integration with the back-camera or infotainment system to provide distances on the screen. The install instructions are also clear to align it very well to be efficient... so the install (drilling holes) is not fool-proof at all. A mechanic could screw it up easily.
All in all, the value is almost zero out of that kit.

 

[tom8]

YOu have a pic of this sports button?

 

[cancerman]

The sport button is to the left of the P when the shifter is in Park. It seems to adjust the shift points to improve acceleration, not sure if it does anything else, like stiffen suspension...