Available Powerplants

Millenia Base and L: 2.50 L KL-DE V6 - 170bhp

Millenia S: 2.25 L KJ-ZEM V6 (Miller cycle) - 210 bhp

The Mazda K-Series of V6 engines utilize a 60° piston angle, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and range from 1.8L to 2.5L of displacement.  All are short-stroke, high RPM engines designed to be compact for transverse-mounted front-wheel drive applications.

KL:

The 2.5L KL family uses an 84.5 mm bore and 74.2 mm stroke. It includes the Japan-only KL-ZE, which produces 199bhp and 165 lbs/ft of torque, and the second variant, the KL-DE (also known as the KL-03), which was the export version with 170 bhp.  While both the DE and ZE have 2.5L of displacement, the ZE uses higher compression pistons and different camshaft profiles to generate more power than the DE.  Mazda also introduced a key technology with these engines, known as the Variable Resonance Induction System (VRIS). A series of butterfly valves within the intake runners coupled with electronically controlled actuators dynamically vary the apparent volume and length of the intake manifold improving power and drivability at all engine speeds.  Applications for the KL-DE include the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 and Ford Probe, the 1993-2002 Mazda 626, and the Mazda Millenia.  The KL-ZE saw duty in the Japanese MX-6, MS-8, Capella Wagon and Eunos 800 / Millenia.

KJ:

The 2.25L KJ-ZEM is one of Mazda's most technologically advanced engines. It employs a "Miller cycle" forced induction intake system, which uses a supercharger to decrease compression losses and increase output.  It’s only use has been in the Mazda Millenia / Eunos 800M / Xedos 9 series of cars. The supercharger used is of a twin-screw type with electronic boost control. Power output is 217bhp and 210 lbs/ft of torque The KJ-ZEM was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for four consecutive years following the Millenia’s introduction in the US.  Though smaller in displacement (2.25L vs 2.5L), the Miller-cycle V6 engine installed in the Millenia S sedan produces 40 more horsepower than its base-car counterpart, and 50 more pound-feet of torque while returning the same fuel economy as the KL-DE.

K8:

The 1.8 L K8 is among the smallest production V6 engines ever made by an auto manufacturer.  The K8 has a 75 mm cylinder bore and 69.6 mm of stroke. It produces 130bhp in US trim (sometimes referred to as K8-DE), and 135bhp for the Japanese version (the Japan-only K8-ZE producing 144bhp at one point). Applications include the Mazda MX-3 coupe and Eunos 500 and Xedos 6 sedans.

KF:

The 2.0 L KF-ZE with 78mm bore and 69.6mm stroke produces 159bhp and 132 lbs/ft of torque.  Applications include the Eunos 500, Xedos 6 and Lantis sedans in Europe and Japan.  The KF has no applications in North America.