Мазда Люс: История и эволюция японского седана

The Mazda Luce (マツダ・ルーチェ) is an executive car that was produced by Mazda in Japan from 1966 until 1991. It was widely exported as the Mazda 929 from 1973 to 1991 as Mazda's largest sedan. Later generations were installed with luxury items and interiors as the Luce became the flagship offering. The Luce was replaced by the Sentia in 1991 which was also exported under the 929 nameplate. TOC

The name "lu'ce" was taken from the Italian word for "light".

The next generation of Luce was built on the HB platform. Production started in October 1981. The HC platform came out in two variations during its five year span that had identical engines and interior but with two distinct body shapes; a pillared four door sedan as well as a slightly larger pillarless four door hardtop. While the pillared model was common in all countries that allowed the importation of the 929 (including the US and Canada), the pillarless model was predominantly seen in the Asian and Australian markets. The Canadian 929 came with a "Winter Package" option and included heated seats, a higher grade alternator, winter tires and non recessed windshield wipers. A five speed manual gearbox was an option, but most North American 929s were two mode ('power' and 'economy') electronic four speed automatics. Top speed was A 0– time of 9.2 seconds was recorded using the manual gearbox; the automatics were somewhat slower at 10 seconds. The first 3.0 litre V6 engine seen in the 1986–1989 929 was a Single Overhead Cam type with 18 valves. When Mazda released the higher spec 929S model for the 1990–1991 period, the engine was upgraded to a Double Overhead Cam type with 24 valves, slightly increasing fuel economy, performance and reliability. Also in the revised edition came the presence of an anti lock braking system, ventilated rear disc brakes and a few inconspicuous changes to the exterior. The standard 18 valve SOHC remained in the base model 929. After mainstream production ended in May 1991, the HC remained in production until January 1996 for taxi applications in Japan. 2.0 L JFT V6, FI, / (JDM only)
2.0 L JFT V6, FI turbocharged, / (JDM only)
1986–1991 3.0 L (2954 cc) JE V6, FI, /182 lb·ft (247 Nm)
3.0 L JE V6, FI, ,

When the HC series Luce was replaced with the Mazda Sentia, it continued to be manufactured in South Korea at Kia Hwasung plant as the Kia Potentia. The Potentia was produced from 1992 until 2002 using the 2.0 liter four cylinder Mazda FE DOHC engine— which was the same as used in the first generation Kia Sportage's gasoline version — a 2.2 liter four cylinder, and a 3.0 liter V6. The V6 model was called the President trim level. In May 1997 the Potentia was given a thorough facelift, with a more bulkier, more aggressive front design and heavier looking taillights. Sold as the "New Potentia," this facelift was developed by Kia themselves and was not used by Mazda. The upper versions of the Potentia were replaced by the more expensive Kia Enterprise, which was based on the Mazda Sentia and was introduced in 1997 after the Sentia was cancelled. The New Potentia was realigned in the marketplace and was now offered with a narrower range of engines and transmissions. The manual transmission, always a slow seller in South Korea, was discontinued and the engines were limited to a 2.0 liter four and a 2.5 liter V6. There was also an LPG powered 2 liter four available. The New Potentia was unable to compete with the more modern Hyundai Grandeur and the Samsung SM5 and was partially replaced by the somewhat smaller Kia Optima beginning in 2000; the Potentia remained in production until May 2002.