Autoblog

Student designed Mazda Yuuga Coupe features no smiley face

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Japan, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style

Mazda Yuuga Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

The jury is largely in on Mazda's new happy corporate face and well, most folks don't like it. But what if Mazda designed a car featuring its Nagare design language minus the smiley face? That's exactly what one student designer named Imran Ali did with the Yuuga Coupe. Presented at the 2009 Degree Show at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, UK, we have to say that the Yugga Coupe is quite the looker.

No known plans exist for production. For all anyone knows, this could be a Mazda6 coupe. Or, the Yuuga could indicate a design direction for future RX models - like a return to the gone-but-totally-not-forgotten RX-7. Or hey, it could be something totally different - who knows? The all-glass roof and crash-cymbal sized brakes are obviously auto show wishful thinking, yet the side profile is quite modern and Fisker-like. The rear looks even better - sorta like an Aston Martin V8. Then, of course, there's the Mazda meets GT-R front end, which is especially handsome. Good work, Mr. Ali. We hope they build it, though the name has to go. Too close to Yugo for our liking.

Gallery: Mazda Yuuga Coupe

[Source: Car Body Design via Car Scoop]

Student designed Mazda Yuuga Coupe features no smiley face originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Mazda6 s Grand Touring

John Neff — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Mazda, Reviews

2009 Mazda6 s Grand Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a tagline like "Zoom Zoom", Mazda has given itself the mandate that every one of its vehicles must be fun to drive. While that standard is more easily met with dedicated sports cars like the RX-8 and MX-5, infusing the essence of Mazda's marketing pitch into CUVs, economy cars and family sedans is easier advertised than done. Mazda runs the risk of damaging its message if each iteration of the CX-7, CX-9, Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6 doesn't measure up.

And so the 2009 Mazda6 arrives with a new design, more room and more power as the brand's all-new offering in the hotly contested mid-size sedan segment. Being a Mazda, the new 6 will be compared just as much to the sedan it replaces as to competitors from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Ford and Chevrolet. The prior version was the driver's choice among this field of vanilla four-doors, and the 2009 model must scream Mazda's mantra just as loudly while appealing to more customers. Does it accomplish this without diluting the company's "Zoom Zoom" message? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Mazda6 s Grand Touring

Continue reading Review: 2009 Mazda6 s Grand Touring

Review: 2009 Mazda6 s Grand Touring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Phelps to hawk Mazda6 in China

Chris Shunk — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the European-spec Mazda6

When American super swimmer Michael Phelps won eight gold medals and broke seven world records at the 2008 Olympics, he became an instant celebrity. Since the Olympics were held in the land of the Great Wall, Phelps is perhaps an even bigger sensation in China. In fact, Phelps is so big in the Middle Kingdom that he has just scored what is believed to be the largest endorsement deal of any western celebrity, a $1 million deal to pitch the all-new Mazda6. Mazda is spending big bucks on a pitch man in an effort to capitalize on its recent success in China. The outgoing 6, named Rui Yi in China, experienced a 43 percent sales increase in 2008, outpacing Mazda's already impressive brand-wide increase of 27 percent.

China is currently the world's third largest market, behind only Japan and the United States. The world's most populous nation is expected by many analysts to surpass Japan in this category as soon as this year, and the US could be in the rear view mirror by 2020. Mazda spending big to land an American hero shows goes some way to showing just how important the growing market is for the Japanese automaker.

Gallery: 2008 Mazda6

[Source: Ad Age]

Michael Phelps to hawk Mazda6 in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: First tuned Mazda6 comes from Troy Lee Designs

John Neff — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Mazda

Click above for high-res gallery of the Troy Lee Designs Mazda6

The redesigned Mazda6 is hitting dealers as we speak, and the Japanese automaker turned to the famous vanguards of style at Troy Lee Designs to tweak one for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this year. TLD laid down the custom green paint job with help from L&G Enterprises and PPG for the paint itself, while Funktion USA added body mods like the carbon fiber splitter up front and rear wing. Lest you think this tuned Mazda6 is just a show stand prop, it's also been fitted with 18-inch black Momo Strike wheels, Hoosier tires (nice touch), a custom suspension by Eibach Springs and big brake kit by Wilwood with 6-piston clampers and cross-drilled rotors. There's no word on whether or not the TLD Mazda6 has any engine upgrades, but it's not like the stock 3.7L V6 is lacking Zoom-Zoom with its best-in-class 272 horsepower. Check out the official word from Mazda after the jump and our gallery of live, high-res shots from the show floor below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Troy Lee Design Mazda6

Continue reading SEMA 2008: First tuned Mazda6 comes from Troy Lee Designs

SEMA 2008: First tuned Mazda6 comes from Troy Lee Designs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris

Alex Nunez — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Budget, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Mazda Kiyora concept

Mazda has confirmed its Paris Motor Show lineup, which will be led by the Kiyora concept, a water-themed, Nagare-styled city car built on a new platform that features a "next generation" direct-injected four-banger. No additional details have been relayed at this time, other than it's supposed to be lightweight and efficient, in keeping with Mazda's "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" approach. (As an aside, you should know that it's quite amusing to watch grown adults actually say this stuff with a straight face at press conferences.) Also officially confirmed now is the updated MX-5, complete with the new happy face that hit the web on Wednesday. It's joined by the Mazda6 MZR-CD 2.2L diesel and the Mazda2 MZ-CD 1.6L diesel, both of which are also world premieres. As always, we'll be in Paris to bring it to you live next month.

Gallery: Mazda Kiyora Concept

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris

Mazda Kiyora city car concept, MX-5 facelift head to Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No plans to release Mazda6 hybrid

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda6.

Despite having the ability to snatch the 2.3-liter gasoline-electric hybrid from FoMoCo's arsenal - the same engine found in the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and 2009 Fusion - Mazda has decided to keep the new Mazda6 hybrid-free for the time being. Jay Amestoy, veep of public and governmental affairs for Mazda, told InsideLine that the automaker is content that the new 6 can hold its own against the competition, despite the high cost of fuel. "Our real-world MPG numbers will be strong, and we think the fuel economy is pretty good the way it is."

The 2009 Mazda6, equipped with the base 2.5-liter four and a manual transmission is rated at 20/29 mpg on the EPA's city/highway estimates, while the 3.7-liter V6-equipped model comes in at 17/25 mpg.

Sales of hybrids continued to rise, but consumer's tastes seem to favor dedicated hybrid models like the Prius, instead of hybrid sedans and cute 'utes based off normal models originally equipped with traditional powerplants.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Mazda6

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6

[Source: InsideLine]

No plans to release Mazda6 hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:32:00 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 Drive

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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2009 Mazda6 starting at $19,220

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Mazda

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda6.

While you'll have to wait another day to get our initial impressions of the 2009 Mazda6, the automaker has released the pricing details on its redesigned mid-level sedan.

The base "i" model starts at $19,220 (including the $670 destination charge) and comes equipped with a 170 hp, 2.5-liter inline-four sending power to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed auto with a manual shift mode. The range-topping SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models will be packing a 272 hp, 3.7-liter V6 and will start off at $24,800 (again, destination charge included).

Mazda hasn't released a comprehensive break down of each model, their corresponding features and specific prices, but you can hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6

Continue reading 2009 Mazda6 starting at $19,220

2009 Mazda6 starting at $19,220 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Mazda6 caught in the wild, sort of

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mazda

Click above for high-res gallery of all-new Mazda6 shots

Few cars have generated as much traffic for Autoblog lately as the all-new 2009 Mazda6. We have been talking about this car for a long time, sharing pics and renderings, rumors and speculation. While Mazda shared some official pics of the U.S. version recently, we just received some shots of one sitting out in the open that we wanted to share. Submitted by avid Autoblog reader Andre R., these dozen or so shots show a beautiful blue (blue is the new white apparently) sample parked next to a current generation Mazda6. The differences are pretty striking when these two vehicles can be viewed together. The front fascia and wheels are a touch busy, but what a beautiful shape Mazda designers have given the new 6.

Although similar to the Japanese and European-market versions, the USDM car gets the signature bisected grille with foglamps housed in silver pots at the lower corners of the front air dam. As we pointed out when the first official shots were released, the trunk, rear bumper, and exhaust are also different and arguably better looking than the simpler Japanese and Europeans versions. These photos also give us a glimpse of the interior, and we'll reserve judgment on how it functions until we get some seat time. The dash isn't the best we've seen and the seat material looks odd, but it could be the glass giving odd reflections. Thanks for the pics, Andre!

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6 in the wild

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6

[Source: Mazda]

2009 Mazda6 caught in the wild, sort of originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2010 Mazda9

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mazda, Rendered Speculation

The Mazda 929 from the '90s was a rear-wheel-drive technological marvel that was ultimately unsuccessful because of its hefty price tag and Americans' infatuation with the SUV. Times have changed and big cars are cool again, with just about everybody on the market offering a large sedan. Mazda, however, is an obvious exception. The artists over at CGI Automotive decided to render out a future Mazda9 just for fun, and while it looks a bit awkward, the overall idea is pretty solid.

Out front, the blue rendering holds true to the design of the upcoming Mazda6, but Audi-like jewelry has been added to the headlamps and the lower air dams look aggressive and sporty. The bulging wheel arches borrow from the Mazda6 and RX-8, and the roof-line is tapered to give it the four-door coupe look. The one thing that would have to change is the hatchback, which might be OK on smaller Mazdas, but is unattractive for a large flagship sedan. Would we like to see a Mazda9 flagship sedan? Hell yes, the more Zoom Zoom the better. But it would have to be more distinctive and less hatch-like, or it'd suffer the same fate as the 929 of years gone by.

[Source: CGI Automotive via Carscoop]

Rendered Speculation: 2010 Mazda9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda survey reveals pricing and packages for Mazda6

John Neff — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Mazda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda6

Mazda recently sent out a survey request to potential customers, the purpose of which was to allow these survey takers to build a 2009 Mazda6 with whatever options, packages and colors they wanted so that the automaker could gauge which will be most popular when the car goes on sale. Unfortunately, Mazda was smart and the survey can only be taken once, but one person recorded all the information he saw and posted it on the Mazda6club.com forum. His notes after the jump give us an idea of what trim levels, options and pricing will be available when the car does go on sale, though none of it is written in stone.

It appears that the 2009 Mazda6 will be available in two basic versions: the Mazda6 i that comes with a 170-hp 2.5L four-cylinder with VVT and the more powerful Mazda6 s that's motivated by a 272-hp 3.7L V6. The Mazda6 i will be offered in SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models, while the Mazda6 s will be available as Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. As far as pricing goes, the Mazda6 i SV kicks things off with a base price of $19,850 while the Mazda6 s Grand Touring tops the range with a base price of $29,150. That's quite a large range that should satisfy the wants and needs of most buyers, and features like Xenon headlamps, Bluetooth, a Blind Spot Monitoring system, rain-sensing wipers and wheels up to 18-inches in diameter should position the new Zoom-Zoom sedan well against its mid-size family sedan competition.

Check out all the packages, standard features and pricing info after the jump, but remember they may not be the same when the car officially goes on sale. Thanks for the tip, Joel!

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6

[Source: Mazda6club.com]

Continue reading Mazda survey reveals pricing and packages for Mazda6

Mazda survey reveals pricing and packages for Mazda6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 15:00:00 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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Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Mazda, UK

Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model from AutoExpress.

The Mazda Performance Series, or MPS, is what we've come to know in the U.S. as "Mazdaspeed." It's quickly becoming one of the defining characteristics of modern-day Mazdas, and with the releases of the new Mazda6 and its baby brother, the Mazda2, we've been anxiously awaiting Mazdaspeed's tweaked versions of both vehicles.

In addition to getting the scoop on the new Evo MR and STI Spec C, AutoExpress has got the goods on Mazda's two new hot offerings. A concept version of the Mazda6 MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, complete with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, sending 280 hp to all four wheels, and sprinting to 60 in six seconds. Naturally, the Mazda6 MPS (or Mazdaspeed6 when it makes the trek to U.S. shores) will be sporting an aggressive front clip, spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes when it goes on sale in 2010.

Less information is available about the Mazda2 MPS, but expect a turbo'd 1.5-liter mill sending around 170 hp to the front wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some exterior and interior tweaks to bring it up to Mazda Performance standards. If and when the Mazda2 makes it to the States, we'd expect the Mazdaspeed2 version to follow shortly thereafter.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda unveils 2009 Mazda6 for North America

Alex Nunez — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mazda

Click above for a photo gallery of the 2009 Mazda6

Mazda has released the first photos and initial details on the new 2009 Mazda6. Designed specifically for North America, the car shares many cues with the Japanese and European-market cars that hit the scene over the last year. The car Americans and Canadians will drive is, in fact, bigger than its overseas counterparts. Visually, the front and rear fascias differ from the Japanese and European models as well. The USDM car gets a bisected grille and has its foglamps pushed out to the corners below the bumper. As we'd seen in spy photos, the car gets a completely different trunk, rear bumper, and exhaust treatment that's more appealing than the plainer setup Japanese and Europeans get.

Since Mazda released only exterior shots, we'll have to wait to see what the passenger accomodations look like. Base power comes from the same 2.5L four-cylinder base engine used in the Japan/Euro car, mated to either a 6-speed stick or 5-speed auto. The step-up 3.7L V6 is the same one you'll find under the hood of the CX-9. It's only transmission option is a six-speed auto with a manumatic sport shift feature. Horsepower and torque numbers for the USDM car haven't been released yet, but figure on seeing something in the neighborhood of 170 hp/166 lb-ft from the four. The six produces 273 horses and 270 lb-ft in CX-9 trim, so we'd expect something along those lines. Mazda's press release is pasted after the jump, in which you'll find no mention of either a wagon or 5-door hatchback variant. The '09 Mazda6 arrives as a sedan only, and it'll land in your local dealer showrooms later this summer.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6 - spy shots

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda unveils 2009 Mazda6 for North America

Mazda unveils 2009 Mazda6 for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:06:00 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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Beijing '08 Preview: FAW B131 Sedan

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Misc. Auto Shows

The FAW Besturn is a Chinese sedan based on the current-gen Mazda6, and while it won't go down in the annals of memorable car designs, its certainly not offensive either inside or out. Come next month at the Beijing Motor Show, FAW is expected to introduce a new, still-unnamed 4-door that Autoblog Chinese refers to simply as B131. The attached sketches show some promise -- that's a nice-looking car -- but the spy photo to the right gives us pause, as it looks nothing like the sketches. In fact, it just looks like a taped-up Mazda6. Here's hoping that FAW unveils something that looks like the drawings and not just the current Mazda6 with a FAW badge in the middle of the grille.

Gallery: FAW B131 (China)

[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Beijing '08 Preview: FAW B131 Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:29:00 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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Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda6 caught naked with new curves

John Neff — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:22:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mazda

Click above to view high-res spy shots of the 2009 Mazda6

Last September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we made the claim that the new Euro-spec Mazda6 was bringing sexy back to the midsize sedan market. The version slated for sale in the United States will do the same, but not because it's identical to the one designed for Europe. It's not. These spy shots from Brenda Priddy & Co. show a completely naked prototype that was caught in Detroit. Though at first glance it looks exactly like the 6 that debuted in Frankfurt last year, closer inspection reveals many changes to the car, which corroborates reports we've heard that the U.S. version is also markedly different underneath its skin. Follow the jump for a review of the changes in store for U.S. customers.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6 - spy shots

Gallery: 2008 Mazda6

[Source: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Continue reading Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda6 caught naked with new curves

Spy Shots: 2009 Mazda6 caught naked with new curves originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda6 coupe sketch surfaces, prognostication ensues

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Mazda

click above to see the original rendering

If there's anything that Vince Burlapp of Hollywood Extra fame is good for, it's random sketches with no attribution and even less information. This newest pic appears to be a possible concept for a Mazda6-based coupe, sporting many of the design elements already seen in the newly redesigned Atenza.

Shifting into speculation mode, a Mazda6 coupe (or return of the MX6) seems like a great way to expand the range of Mazda's two-door offerings, while providing some competition for buyers looking at the Nissan Altima and Honda Accord coupes. We'll take that a step further and use our powers of prognostication to equip the coupe with both the 2.5-liter four and possibly the 3.7-liter V6, along with offering a Mazdaspeed version sporting the MS3's turbocharged 2.3-liter mill. We're smelling a winner, but it's all a pipedream until we hear something from Mazda.

UPDATE: As per usual, this image has turned out to be much ado about nothing. It's an official rendering from Mazda that was released when the new Mazda6 was first unveiled in Europe, and was released again today with the unveiling of the new JDM Mazda Atenza,. It has been flipped 180-degrees horizontally and had its color reduced. Thanks to Matthijs from Mazda-Madness for clearing this up!

[Source: The Hollywood Extra]

Gallery: Mazda Atenza renderings

Mazda6 coupe sketch surfaces, prognostication ensues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:57:00 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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