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Mazda’s Supercharged 2.3-Liter V6: The Millenia S and Its Miller Cycle

The Millenia S was the Mazda with a supercharged 2.3-liter V6. Here’s what made its Miller Cycle engine unusual and how its 2002 specs compared with the base Millenia.
Entry353 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The Mazda with a supercharged 2.3-liter V6 was the Mazda Millenia S, and its unusual distinction was the engine’s Miller Cycle design—not simply the presence of a supercharger. Mazda offered that engine in the S version of its Millenia premium sedan, which ran from 1995 through 2002.

Which Mazda had a supercharged 2.3-liter V6?

It was the Mazda Millenia S. Mazda’s historical overview describes the Millenia as a premium sedan that replaced the 929 and was sold from 1995 to 2002. The company calls the S’s engine “Perhaps the most intriguing” of the sedan’s features: a supercharged 2.3-liter Miller Cycle V6. Mazda gives its output as 210 horsepower. Mazda USA’s historical overview

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What made the engine a Miller Cycle V6?

Mazda’s explanation is brief: the Miller Cycle, which it says is similar to the Atkinson Cycle, keeps the intake valves open longer than normal to facilitate smoother airflow through the engine. That is Mazda’s consumer-facing description, not a full engineering account of how the supercharger and valve timing interact.

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The cited Mazda page does not specify the supercharger type, boost pressure, intercooling arrangement or detailed operating mechanism. Those details should not be assumed from the Miller Cycle label alone.

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Engine Air Intake Hose Compatible with 1995-2002 Mazda Millenia 2.5L V6, Air Cleaner Intake Tube Replacement for KL47-13-221, 696-605
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  • Vehicle Fitment – Compatible with 1995-2002 Mazda Millenia 2.5L V6 models. Please verify fitment before purchase.
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How did the 2002 Millenia and Millenia S differ?

For the 2002 model year, the base Millenia used a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter V6; the Millenia S used the supercharged 2.3-liter V6. Edmunds lists both with a four-speed automatic transmission. Its specifications distinguish the engines’ output and the engine speeds at which peak figures are listed:

2002 trim Engine Horsepower Torque Transmission
Millenia 2.5-liter V6 170 hp at 5,800 rpm 160 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm Four-speed automatic
Millenia S Supercharged 2.3-liter V6 210 hp at 5,300 rpm 210 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm Four-speed automatic

Figures are Edmunds’ specifications for the 2002 model year; they should not be carried across every Millenia year without checking that year’s specifications. Edmunds’ 2002 Mazda Millenia specifications

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  • [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Ford Probe 1993-1997 V6 2.5L; Compatible with Mazda 626 1993-2002 V6 2.5L, Millenia 1995-2002 V6 2.5L, MX-3 1992-1995 V6 1.8L, MX-6 1993-1997 V6 2.5L
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What was the engine’s award record?

Mazda says the Miller Cycle V6 won a Wards 10 Best Engine award four years in a row. The historical overview does not identify which four years, so the award streak cannot be dated more precisely from that source. Mazda USA’s historical overview

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A-Premium Lower and Upper Engine Intake Manifold Gasket Set
  • [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Mazda Millenia 1995-2002 V6 2.5L
  • [Reference Number]: The A-Premium Engine Intake Manifold Gasket Set's reference number: MS97198
  • [Specifications]: ①Location: Lower and Upper Side; ②Material: Metal, Asbestos-Free, Nitrile Rubber; ③Color: Black; ④Package Included: 1x Metal Throttle Body Gasket, 2x Metal Intake Manifold Gasket, 1x Asbestos-Free Throttle Body Gasket, 1x Nitrile Rubber Coolant Outlet Gasket, 2x Asbestos-Free Gasket; ⑤Packaging Type: Box; ⑥Fitment: Direct Replacement; ⑦Package Quantity: 1
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AISIN AFTERMARKET AVBAZ-00606 Serpentine Belt 39.65" Length
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  • [Compatibility] - Compatible with BMW X5 2000-2001, 540i 1997-2003, 740i 1997-2001, 740iL 1996-2001, 840Ci 1996-1997, Daewoo Lanos 1999-2002, Land Rover Range Rover 2003-2004, Mazda Millenia 2001-2002, Porsche 944 1984-1985 - L4 1.6L 2.5L, V6 2.5L, V8 4.4L
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  • [Reference Part Number] - 11-28-1-435-280, 11-28-1-742-029, 11281435280, 11281742029, 1435280692637, 1742029, 25050396, 5PK1004, 60596949, 7658133, 96144934, 99919220650, KL70-15908, KL7015908, P96144934, PQS000220
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A-Premium Iridium Platinum Spark Plugs Pack of 6, Fine Wire, V6 Engine
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  • [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Accord spark plugs; Compatible with Acura CL 1997-1999 V6 3.0L, CL 2001-2003 V6 3.2L, MDX 2001-2002 V6 3.5L, TL 1999-2003 V6 3.2L; Compatible with Honda Accord 1995-1997 V6 2.7L, Accord 1998-2002 V6 3.0L, Odyssey 1999-2004 V6 3.5L, Pilot 2003-2005 V6 3.5L; Compatible with Mazda 626 1998-1997 V6 2.5L, 929 1990-1991 V6 3.0L, Millenia 1995-2002 V6 2.3L, Millenia 1995-2002 V6 2.5L, MPV 1990-1995 V6 3.0L, MX-6 1993-1997 V6 2.5L
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