Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon
Mazda Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept foretells next Mazdaspeed6
Click the image above for a gallery.
The 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon is right around the corner and despite rumblings that Mazda isn't considering making a 'Speed version of the Atenza/Mazda6, it's trotting out a concept to Japan's premier tuner expo to gauge consumer interest.
What's being dubbed the "Mazda Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept" found its way onto the Web, but information about the body kit-equipped concept is sorely lacking. We know it'll be coming to the show with new front and rear bumpers and some mild aero modifications, along with new side skirts, a lower ride height and a set of 18-inch 10-spoke wheels. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess as to what's powering the new 6 and how that power is finding its way down to the road.
Regardless, we've been able to source a couple of good photos of the concept and are hoping to have more information about all of Mazda's concepts bound for 2008 TAS soon.
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
nissanfreak87 12:35PM (12/14/2007)
I like it! a lot!
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Luis 3:23PM (12/14/2007)
Ditto...
WillDaThrill 7:56PM (12/14/2007)
OMFG, I'm going to have to give up my dreams for a Camaro if this keeps up. 270-300HP, AW or RWD, it's going to be hard to not look at one if they come out looking like this.
Hank 12:39PM (12/14/2007)
very nice
will this make Subraru bring over the B4 designation for the Legacy??
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Austin 12:39PM (12/14/2007)
Can Mazda do anything wrong? I love it, built it now
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Alan44 3:09PM (12/14/2007)
Yea, they can fix the crappy ventilation system that my Mazda 3 has. Love the car, hate the ventilation system, won't buy another.
seoultrain 5:27PM (12/14/2007)
what's wrong with the ventilation system? Mine works totally fine.
John R 12:42PM (12/14/2007)
the new 6 looks so much better than the Camcord and Malibu. I hope the rumors about the US version being bigger aren't true.
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Kaptain75329 2:41PM (12/14/2007)
The USA is likely get it's own version, but it's supposed to be very much like the one you see being launched in Europe. Most reports (albeit many of them based on rumors) state Mazda does believe this exact car is too small for the US market, but the machine we're getting is supposed to be on the same platform and styled nearly exactly the same. The only differences expected are the packaging of the options and the size.
I don't know how reliable this information is, but I'm fairly convinced that Mazda's idea of "USA Market" is not the same as ours - where we expect to get lifeless, bland waterdowns ala Toyota and Ford's very tired formulas. The CX-9 is an example of Mazda's idea of a US-Spec product, and considering the market in which it competes, I think Mazda nailed it there. I expect the same for the new 6 - that's a car with serious shoes to fill, and I imagine Mazda knows that better than anyone.
There's certain to be some styling tweaks here and there, but so far I don't think we have any serious reason to worry - I have faith in Mazda. They're one of the few car companies that gets it right time and again.
All that said, if it were up to me, they'd bring that hatch over here untouched, and set one aside with my name on it.
Steve_S 12:50PM (12/14/2007)
Is there any word yet on what the US version of the Mazda 6 will look like? Is it slated for a NAIAS reveal?
I love the look of the JDM version but I'm worried about the US one.
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Tyo 12:51PM (12/14/2007)
I loved the Original Speed6 and This looks even better, just more boost for the 2.3 disi
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Pete 1:02PM (12/14/2007)
Actually, the next Mazda 3 is getting a new 2.5L MZR engine, so I would expect that to be turbocharged for the next Mazdaspeed models. Ever since Mazda jumped on the tuning bandwagon they have made leaps and bounds with each new model, from the MP3 to the MSP to the MS6 and MS3. The DISI 2.3 is a Ward's 10 best engine 3-years in a row. I can't wait to see their future products.
Tyo 1:03PM (12/14/2007)
Awesome thanks for the heads up
Dmitriy 12:55PM (12/14/2007)
They should make a hatchback version
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YouFaceTheTick 1:00PM (12/14/2007)
Wow, Mazda sure improved the look of the 6.
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Sean 1:00PM (12/14/2007)
I currently own a 2006 Mazdaspeed6, I love the looks of this concept. I hope they build it.
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DesiAuto 1:00PM (12/14/2007)
simply a beauty ... i am certainly going to buy at least one mazda in my lifetime.
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fuzzy 1:03PM (12/14/2007)
Hey Subaru!
See that? A "tuned" version of a midsized sedan with suspension bits.
I heard that you guys have a similar division, Subaru Technica something-or-another. You know, you should think about having that division tune a similar Subaru mid-sized sedan and sell that in America.
You know, sort of like your Spec.B but with 300+ hp.
I'm just sayin'.
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mk 1:32PM (12/14/2007)
You have no idea how long myself, and others over at LegacyGT.com have been asking for that, and been ignored.
The STI stickers for ~34.9K... same as the Spec B. Ever since finding that little tidbit out, I have been clamoring for the Legacy GT Spec B to either be similarly equipped, or dropped to $30k, and a Legacy STI filling that mark.
Legacy with 305hp, bilsteins and STI springs and other STI suspension bits, Brembo brakes, Forged wheels, and a 6-speed with DCCD and HID headlights, painted WR Blue. Subaru could do this instantly, if they wanted to.
Subaru of America has very little credibility on that front. The rest of the world gets Spec B versions of the GT and the 3.0R models as option packages. Japan, Australia and new zealand, among others have access to the Blitzen model, and the Legacy Tuned by STI, which is much like what I described, except for the WRX STI power level, (which is not hard to get in the aftermarket. I have first hand knowledge with the car in my avatar.)
Mazda is on a roll. and this concept looks great. (I agree, though, it should be the 5-door model, with AWD...)
Subaru has the better drivetrain, and the Legacy could already be in this position, yet it isn't. Subaru needs to take lessons on design and marketing of sporty cars from Mazda.
MUSASHI66 5:24PM (12/14/2007)
Why would Legacy STI cost the same as Impreza STI? After all, Legacy is more expensive t begin with, so how why would Legacy with STI parts cost the same as Impreza STI.
Don't get me wrong, I would love that, but it is not going to happen.
Why I hate about Subaru is that their GT/XT models of Legacy/Outback are only available with leather and other expensive goodies, so they cost ~30K. How 'bout 2.5i models with turbo as an option??? Right now, turbo outbacks are just too expensive.