Autoblog

2014 Mazda6 to start at $20,880*

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:29:00 EST

We got our very first taste of the impressive 2014 Mazda6 back in October, and had more than a few good things to say about the midsizer. One piece of information that was conspicuous by its absence, however, was a sticker price.

Now, with zero pomp and circumstance (not even a press release as of this writing), Mazda has dropped what looks to be official pricing for the 6 on its consumer website.

$20,880 is the asking price for the base Mazda6 Sport with a manual transmission (plus $795 worth of destination charges, for a total of $21,675). Alaska residents will need to cough up $840 for destination. The loaded-up Mazda6 Grand Touring shown on the site will set you back a total of $30,290 (MSRP of $29,495), but it isn't clear if that's the starting price of the Grand Touring trim. Mazda is taking orders for the new 6 right now, and the cars will be available on January 2, 2013.

By way of comparison, the current 2013 model year Mazda6 starts at just $155 less than the new car, with an MSRP of $20,725 (before destination charges) for the base model. Interestingly, the outgoing top-of-the line Grand Touring trim is actually more expensive than the MY14 car on the site, with a sticker of $29,990 to start. We imagine that incentives on leftover 2013 models will start flowing pretty quickly, bringing down their prices quite a bit, but all of this still points to a rocking value proposition for Mazda's newest model.

2014 Mazda6 to start at $20,880* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mazda6 to spawn coupe and Mazdaspeed variants?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Mazda, Russia

Word has it Mazda may be mulling a return to the coupe market with a two-door version of its shapely new Mazda6. Auto Express cites unnamed sources as saying the car will bow at the Moscow Motor Show next year and will likely feature the 2.2-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine found in the sedan. Good for 173 horsepower, that mill can hustle the four-door to 60 mph in under 7.8 seconds. But Mazda may also turn out a quicker MPS trim (read: Mazdaspeed) when it comes to the coupe, complete with a turbocharged gasoline four cylinder with upwards of 260 hp.

According to the report, there's also some indication the MPS version of the coupe will bow with an all-wheel drive system borrowed from the CX-5 crossover. Both products share basic architecture, theoretically making it easier to swap parts between the two. Auto Express says the two door could bow as early as 2014 with the high-performance variant following along shortly thereafter. Stay tuned.

2014 Mazda6 to spawn coupe and Mazdaspeed variants? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mazda6 finally breaks cover in Moscow

George Kennedy — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mazda, Russia, Design/Style

Mazda has made the unusual choice of selecting the Moscow Motor Show to unveil its all-new 2014 Mazda6. The mid-size sedan looks very sharp, and powered by the Japanese automaker's latest line of Skyactiv engines, it ought to be efficient and solid to drive, as well.

Visually, the Mazda6 is the company's latest expression of their Kodo ("Soul of Motion") design language and draws heavily from the company's well-received 2011 Takeri showcar. A widened, stretched version of Mazda's five-point grille is employed and it's perhaps the most attractive version of that design element to date. The grille is connected to the LED headlights via shiny bits, a design tactic reminiscent of the new BMW 3 Series.

According to chief designer Akira Tamatani, "We have created a design in which the wild and dynamic expressions of motion artistically realize a powerful presence." The color seen here is called Soul Red, and was enveloped by Mazda to accentuate the shapes of the new 6.

Inside, the layout is a clean and straightforward one, which has become a hallmark of Mazda cabin design. The cabin is highlighted by a color-matched interior accent panel. A trained eye will even notice a rotary selector to control the navigation system, à la BMW's iDrive.

At least in Russia, the 2014 Mazda6 gets the new range of Skyactiv engines, including the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G (gas) engine that makes 110 kW (148 horsepower), sending power to the front wheels through either a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic, or a six-speed Skyactiv-MT manual gearbox. The uprated engine is a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter unit, developing 141 kW (189 horsepower). This engine is mated to the aforementioned automatic. A diesel engine is also expected, but it's not yet clear whether the U.S. will receive an oil-burning option (Mazda has committed to bringing an unnamed diesel model to the States in the next few years).

Also incorporated into the powertrain is Mazda's new "i-Eloop" system, which is essentially regenerative breaking. This is combined with "i-stop", stop/start technology. Actual EPA fuel economy estimates have not been released at this time, nor has price or availability, though Mazda says global deliveries are slated to begin later this year.

Check out the gallery of the all-new Mazda6 and more info on the mid-size sedan in the press release below.

Continue reading 2014 Mazda6 finally breaks cover in Moscow

2014 Mazda6 finally breaks cover in Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First official Mazda6 wagon pic revealed as plant comes online

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

Mazda has officially kicked off production of the 2014 Mazda6 at its Hofu No. 2 plant in Japan's Yamaguchi prefecture. The car in the photo above is a European-spec Mazda6 wagon, equipped with the automaker's 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline inline-four, and it's the first undisguised look we have at the rakish estate.

The 2014 Mazda6 will be seen for the first time at the Moscow Motor Show in August, and the rest of the world will get their first glimpse at market-specific models during September's Paris Motor Show festivities. The third-generation Mazda6 will go on sale in Europe and Japan before the end of the year, while North American cars will start hitting dealerships sometime in early 2013.

Mazda plans to produce approximately 120,000 units of the Mazda6 annually at Hofu. 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of Mazda6 production there, with the original car (the official 626 replacement) first rolling off the line in 2002.

To review, Mazda will also offer the new mid-sizer with its Skyactiv-D diesel engine in other markets (and possibly the U.S.), and the car will be the first to use the automaker's new i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology. We'll have all the official details later this month.

Continue reading First official Mazda6 wagon pic revealed as plant comes online

First official Mazda6 wagon pic revealed as plant comes online originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Mazda6 teased in high resolution

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mazda

We've seen a quadruplet of teaser videos of the 2014 Mazda6, the most recent of which showed off the car's (nearly complete) side profile. Now, thanks to the slippery fingers at Russian site AutoWP, this high-resolution image of the new midsize sedan has leaked onto the internet, clearly showing the sharp new front fascia.

If that new schnoz looks familiar, it's because the new Mazda6 will use the same Kodo design language first seen on the Takeri concept car and later brought into the production world on the 2013 CX-5 crossover. We certainly like it more than the Sir Smiles-A-Lot Nagare styling that has graced the last generation of Mazda vehicles.

Under the hood, Mazda will likely employ its 2.0-liter Skyactiv inline four-cylinder engine mated to six-speed transmissions. The Japanese automaker will be employing its 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine in other markets, and while Mazda has confirmed that the oil-burning mill will make its way Stateside at some point, it's still unknown if it will show up in the Mazda6 or another vehicle like the CX-5.

Look for the 2014 Mazda6 to officially bow at the Paris Motor Show this September.

2014 Mazda6 teased in high resolution originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Mazda6 teaser is out

Zach Bowman — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Japan, Videos, Mazda, Design/Style

Don't blink, or you might just miss the first teaser for the next-generation Mazda6. Mazda has released a 21-second spot designed to give the world a glimpse of the company's new sedan. From the look of things, the Mazda6 will borrow heavily from the Takeri Concept Car we saw debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. While details remain scarce about the upcoming model, rumor has it the four-door may bow with nothing but four-cylinder engines under the hood. Automakers like Chevrolet, Hyundai and Kia have already embraced that move for their family sedans, resulting in lighter, more efficient platforms.

Whether or not Mazda does eschew a traditional V6 engine engine for a four-pot, odds are buyers will find a Skyactiv mill behind the headlights. That means direct injection will make a showing on the car for the first time in the model's history. Currently, the most powerful Skyactiv four-cylinder in the Mazda stable tops out at 155 horsepower, which would be low for an entry-level model in this segment. We expect a more powerful tune of the 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine in the Mazda3 to be the base powerplant, but we imagine the technology will need to be mated with either a larger-displacement block or forced induction if Mazda intends to stay competitive with other automakers' higher-power engine options. Check out the teaser video below.

Continue reading First Mazda6 teaser is out

First Mazda6 teaser is out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Mazda6 wagon reveals its stylish new shape

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Mazda, Design/Style

Get used to the aesthetics of the Mazda CX-5 - you're going to be seeing a lot more of it. Yes, the automaker's new Kodo design language will be rapidly spreading across the entire lineup, and that's clearly evident in these spy shots of the next-generation Mazda6 wagon. Friendly as the Nagare styling may have been, we're happy that Mazdas won't be smiling at us anymore.

Here, we can clearly see the automaker's new corporate face with prominent details like a larger, more upright grille with a strong character line that extends into the headlamp surrounds. Around back, there's a rakish rump design with taillamps that appear to have been pulled straight off of the larger CX-5 crossover.

Under that shapely new skin, expect a full suite of Skyactiv technologies to be employed - everything from lightweight materials to more efficient powertrains. Expect Mazda's 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine to be the breadwinner elsewhere in the world. Here in the U.S., it's unclear if we'll even get the wagon variant, let alone the diesel. Mazda has confirmed that the Skyactiv-D engine will be coming to the States at some point, though what vehicle it will reside in is still unknown.

The Mazda6 wagon will reportedly debut at the Moscow Motor Show at the end of August with the sedan to show up sometime thereafter. Click through the gallery above to see the sleek new hauler for yourself.

Next-gen Mazda6 wagon reveals its stylish new shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Mazda6 to go four-cylinder only

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Mazda

Beneath the gorgeous and impossibly long looking hood of the Mazda Takeri Concept lies plenty of real estate. By our estimation there's room for any number of powerplants, from a high-revving rotary to a twin-turbo V6. However, when Mazda launches the new 2014 Mazda6, which will ape the looks of the Takeri show car, it will only contain a measly little four-cylinder, according to Autoweek.

So that's being a bit harsh, as despite the reported demise of a V6 engine option for the Mazda6, at least it will be getting a Skyactiv four-banger, according to the report. Skyactiv is, of course, Mazdaspeak for its suite of technologies that includes its next-generation powertrain with direct injection and a fancy new automatic transmission design, a combination we liked a great deal when we sampled it in the CX-5 crossover.

With Hyundai, Kia, and Chevrolet having dumped their V6's in favor of an all-four-cylinder lineup for their midsize sedans, we're not surprised to see Mazda follow course. We do, however, wonder how the beleaguered Japanese brand intends to compete when it comes to performance.

With 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, the 2.0-liter Skyactiv four in Mazda's new crossover isn't particularly powerful, so we hope we might see a slightly larger displacement version with a few more ponies for the bigger sedan. Or one with forced induction. Or how about a diesel engine option? Mazda has promised a diesel for North America, though it hasn't specified which vehicle it will arrive in. The automaker has committed to deploying a stellar 2.2-liter turbodiesel four making 173 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque for the CX-5, at least in Europe. Now that might be just the ticket to make a top-trim Mazda6 get up and go.

Next Mazda6 to go four-cylinder only originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda6, Subaru Tribeca headed for the exit ramp?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 10 May 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Mazda, Subaru

Mazda6 and Subaru Tribeca - Click either image for high-res gallery

The Subaru Tribeca and Mazda6 haven't exactly set the U.S. auto market ablaze, and a report in AutoWeek (citing Japan's Nikkan Kogyo) claims that both models could meet an untimely demise.

The Tribeca has been unpopular seemingly since the day it was introduced as the B9 Tribeca, and recent sales figures show that the Subaru crossover has only found 910 new homes so far in 2011. Subaru attempted to increase interest in the CUV by giving it a new face, but buyers have been mostly unimpressed. And since other Subaru models are selling like hotcakes, the Tribeca is doing little more than taking up space at the automaker's Indiana assembly plant. The automaker has reportedly already stopped research and development on the next generation Tribeca, which definitely isn't a good sign.

While the Tribeca has been something of a sales catastrophe, the Mazda6 hasn't been quite as big of a dud, but it has serially underperformed. Mazda was looking to move about 100,000 units per year out of its Flat Rock, MI plant, but sales haven't been quite so robust. The Japanese automaker sold only 45,168 units in 2010, which has led to speculation that Mazda may quit producing the model at the facility.

Mazda hasn't divulged any plans regarding the 6, but speculation is that the automaker could move out of Flat Rock altogether, leaving the facility to Ford, which produces the Mustang at the plant. One rumor has Mazda moving to a new facility in Mexico, where labor costs are much lower than in the States.

If Subaru opts to stop making the Tribeca in the U.S., the CUV is likely dead forever. That's not necessarily the case with the Mazda6, though, as Mazda could potentially import the mid-size sedan from other markets. Neither Subaru or Mazda have announced any plans about either vehicle or their production plans in North America.

Mazda6, Subaru Tribeca headed for the exit ramp? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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52,000 Mazda6 sedans recalled over... fear of spiders?!

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Recalls, Safety, Mazda

2009 Mazda6 - Click above for high-res image galllery

Mazda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have succumbed to a bit of arachnophobia. The Japanese automaker has issued a recall for 52,000 Mazda6 sedans due to potential obstruction in the vehicles' evaporative systems. Apparently, the evaporative canister vent line of certain 2009 and 2010 Mazda6 models is the perfect home for a species of spider. If the web clogs the line, excessive negative pressure may build up in the vehicle's fuel tank, which is likely to eventually cause a crack in the tank itself.

Needless to say, a cracked fuel tank is a bad thing.

Mazda says that it will inspect the vent line and clean it as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install a vent in the line to prevent the itsy-bitsy spider from crawling back down into the line and making a home for himself. The recall is expected to begin on or around March 25 of this year. Hit the jump for the full NHTSA notice. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mazda6 s Grand Touring

Photos copyright (C)2009 John Neff / AOL

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading 52,000 Mazda6 sedans recalled over... fear of spiders?!

52,000 Mazda6 sedans recalled over... fear of spiders?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Congrats, Mazda! Two millionth Mazda6 rolls off the line

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mazda

2011 Mazda6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Milestones and goals are great things to strive for in life. Mazda just reached a pretty impressive one with their mid-size Mazda6. The two millionth example has just rolled off the assembly line. It took the Japanese automaker eight years and six months to get here.

Production began on the first generation Mazda6 back in 2002 and it served to give the Zoom-Zoom campaign a major push. That first-gen car was redesigned in 2007 (the changes arrived in the US in 2009) and a third generation will be arriving soon.

Take a look at the gallery and you can see that the why-so-serious mug has been toned down. The style is more mature without losing the subtle aggressiveness found in the rest of the lineup. The future looks bright for the Mazda6. Now if we can just get them to bring over the wagon and the Mazdaspeed6 we could push them to three million units even faster.

Gallery: 2011 Mazda Atenza/Mazda6

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Congrats, Mazda! Two millionth Mazda6 rolls off the line

Congrats, Mazda! Two millionth Mazda6 rolls off the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Mazda6

Michael Harley — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mazda, First Drives

Click on the image above for our high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda6

The 2009 Mazda6 is an all-new midsize sedan from Mazda that was designed, engineered, developed, and will be manufactured completely on U.S. soil. While the Japanese and European markets have been enjoying the new 6 (Atenza) since late last year, the North American market finally gets to bask in the sleek new bodywork, along with a bigger engine under the hood. Follow the jump to see if the latest product from team "Zoom-Zoom" can compete head-to-head with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Mazda6

All photos copyright Michael Harley / Weblogs Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Mazda6

First Drive: 2009 Mazda6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #93

Dan Roth — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, BMW, Mazda, Nissan, Pontiac, Suzuki

It's been two weeks since our last podcast -- we tried to do one last week, but technical difficulties scuttled the effort. With that in mind, we packed some extra content into Autoblog Podcast #93. It's the usual rollicking good time where we discuss our current Autoblog Garage occupants, hit a few news items like the neo-M1 concept from BMW, Suzuki's content addition to the SX4, and the unveiling of the new Mazda6. Most importantly, we burn a healthy amount of minutes on the new Knight Rider suckfest. We also take a few emails from our podcast at autoblog dot com address. Thanks for your hour and seven minutes!

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Autoblog Podcast #93 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 May 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Mazda6 coupe, convertible

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Japan, Mazda, Rendered Speculation

Mazda's 6 is having a tough time finding love in its home market where it goes by the Atenza moniker. 7Tune is reporting that Mazda's going to flip the script and introduce three new variants of the Atenza; a coupe, a convertible, and a high performance version called the Mazdaspeed Atenza for JDM consumption. Mazda looked to the holy-grail BMW 3 series for inspiration, though that car is rear-wheel-drive, and hopes to achieve the same build quality with its Atenza line.

The vehicles in 7Tunes renderings are more conservatively styled than the current 3-Series, though that's hardly a bad thing. We think the renderings are easy on the eyes, with clear RX-8 influences, though all suffer from a basket-handle spoiler tacked on to the trunklid. It's tough to imagine the Mazdaspeed Atenza amounting to anything other than a tasty snack for the monstrous M3, though we're sure the Mazda will comport itself sportily. If any of this conjecture rings true, it's tough to go wrong benchmarking the icon of the segment.

[Source: 7tune]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda6 coupe, convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mazda

Move along, hardly anything to see here. Still, it's always interesting to chart the changes. KGP photographers demonstrated the importance of keeping the glovebox stocked with trailmix, which allows these sharp shooters to outlast their quarry driving around in preproduction mules of upcoming models. Mazda's new 6 has already had its exterior snapped (see gallery below), but the interior has also received some attention. A new steering wheel is the most noticeable change compared to the already-revealed European model, though the instruments are also tweaked and the start button has been relocated closer to the shifter. Hopefully we'll meet the new 2009 Mazda6 in person in just a couple weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show, because if not, we'll have to wait until at least the end of year at the next LA Auto Show.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6 - spy shots

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Following CX-9, Mazda to make more vehicles just for U.S.

Chris Shunk — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Crossover, Mazda

The CX-9 was Mazda's first vehicle designed specifically for US consumption, and one Motor Trend SUV of the year award later, Mazda may be on to something. Sales momentum has increased steadily for the seven-seat utility vehicle, with 3,000 units flying off dealer lots in October alone. Mazda's flexibility allowed the automaker to transform in 18 months a minivan that would likely retail for less than $30,000 into a hot CUV with a price tag reaching $40,000. The Hiroshima-based automaker will leverage those lightning-fast production capabilities and its Ford-shared global architecture bin to produce more vehicles for US tastes, and we're happy to hear it.

Since Mazda seems to have a handle on CUVs (it has four in the US already), we can only guess what exclusive product the development team in Irvine, CA will give us next. A zoom-zoom version of the Honda Ridgeline would be interesting, as would a US-unique Mazda2. We'd like to put in a vote for Mazda utilizing the RX-8 platform to create a sporty RWD sedan, but we're sure everyone the world over would want that.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Following CX-9, Mazda to make more vehicles just for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2009 Mazda6

Siddharth Raja — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mazda

Several prototypes for the next-gen Mazda6 have been spotted in recent months, but most were covered with enough camouflage to prevent prying eyes from catching a glimpse of the car ahead of its launch early next year. New renderings that have just been released allow us to peel away the protective camouflage, however, revealing a car that retains the sporty 'Zoom-Zoom' look of the current model.

Sharing its platform with Ford's new mid-sized Mondeo sedan, the new Mazda6 is expected to grow several inches in both length and width compared with the current model. New to the range will be a 3.5L V6 developing around 250 hp, which will likely be eclipsed by an even hotter motor, possibly turbocharged, for a new Mazdaspeed 6/MPS model a year down the road.

Though the renderings only show a sedan, the current five-door hatchback and wagon variants are also expected to continue on for the new model, though the current generation wagon and Mazdaspeed6 have been shelved for the '08 model year. Let's hope that Mazda's new weight saving initiatives that were used for the new Mazda2 will also be applied for the six.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Rendered Speculation: 2009 Mazda6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Mazda6 a go for Frankfurt, sales begin this fall

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:06:00 EST

Filed under: Mazda

Current 6 pictured above

Last month we speculated, but now we're pretty sure. Winding Road (via "the Republic of Moldova's premier automobile website", Auto.tihai.md), has learned that the all-new, next-gen Mazda6 will officially debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. European sales should then follow promptly in November. We think the new 6 will be based on the new Ford Mondeo platform, but should still be more of a niche player that emphasizes sporty driving characteristics. The Mazda6 has never sold in the same volumes as the Camry/Accord, but still manages to find buyers who appreciate the Zoom Zoom experience, even in a family vehicle. No news has been issued about which bodystyles will make the jump to the new platform or whether or not a new Mazdaspeed6 will appear based on this next generation. The current Mazda6 lineup includes sedan, hatch, wagon and Mazdaspeed versions. Whichever models carry over, we expect (hope?) some version of Ford's 3.5L Cyclone V6 will be offered in the top models, and a 2.5L four-cylinder in the base 6.

[Source: Carscoop via Winding Road]

New Mazda6 a go for Frankfurt, sales begin this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: More Mazda6 pics

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:09:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Mazda

Another day, another dose of spy pics of the new Mazda6. Bigger than the previous model, the new 6 is rumored to be sitting on the CD3-2 platform found under the Ford Mondeo and Volvo S80. We expect some version of Ford's 3.5L Cyclone V6 in top models, and a 2.5L four cylinder in the base 6. One of the most versatile and fun to drive vehicles in its class, we're hoping to see similar sedan, hatchback, and wagon versions of the new 6 return to showrooms when the model debuts next year as a 2009 model. There's even talk of a hybrid version in the works.

The new platform couldn't come at a better time for Mazda. Even though it has been an engaging ride, competition in this segment is cutthroat and just about every competitor has surpassed this mid-size Mazda in power, size and driving dynamics. Still pretty heavily camouflaged, these new pics offer a few more glimpses of exposed sheetmetal. The Car Connection spies found this advanced prototype just outside Ford's Detroit engineering operations. They said to expect familial styling, with the prominent front fenders a lá Mazda's RX-8, MX-5, CX-7 and CX-9.

Click the read link for several larger photos.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: More Mazda6 pics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda6

Chris Shunk — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Mazda

When the Mazda 6 came out in 2003 it had the best driving dynamics in its class, but four years later there's more power and more size everywhere else in the segment. We got our first glimmer of hope for a new 6 last summer when we tipped you off to some photos of a Mazda 6 test mule and now it seems we've stepped up to a fully-camouflaged prototype.

The new Mazda 6 looks to be bigger and wider than the previous model. Rumor has it that the 6 will ride on the CD3-2 platform that currently underpins the Ford Mondeo and Volvo S80. Power could come from Ford's new 3.5L cyclone V6 and a 2.5L four cylinder. The vehicle should be very versatile with sedan, hatchback, and wagon variants and a hybrid may be on the way as well.

Unless you count the B-Series pickup, the Mazda 6 needs a makeover more than anything else in the zoom-zoom lineup. With Mondeo guts, the Ford 3.5, and Mazda's legendary driving dynamics, the new Mazda 6 may be quite the handful for the competition.

Thanks for the tip, Aaron!

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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