Spotted - 2009 Mazda 6!

[mikeyb]

​

Brenda Priddys crew has just snagged photos of the 2008 Mazda 6, which will be at once wider and longer than the current iteration. While this cobbled-together mule looks borrows heavily from the existing model, it is in fact substantially longer (perhaps as much as seven inches).
Fords CD3-2 platform is expected to underpin the new 6 (a derivation of the CD-3), meaning that it will share its skeletal bits with Mazdas own Tribute, along with its Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner twins. Priddys people indicate that the platform will also be used underneath a number of 2012 models, including the next generation Fusion and a possible new Mercury sport wagon.
(Click through to the jump for more views and information)
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/

Peaking through the anti-spy cladding is the new front fascia, which uses honeycomb-pattern air intakes, and a set of headlamp units that may-or-may-not be RX-8 lenses are fitted awkwardly up front. Regardless, its easier to see in person that the new 6 will grow in size to meet larger competitors like the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion head on.
Slated to be powered by Fords new 250-horsepower 3.5-liter Cyclone V6, the car will almost certainly see a less-powerful four-cylinder (perhaps a 2.5-liter). All-wheel drive availability will no longer be the sole preserve of the Mazdaspeed variant, which should give the 6 an edge in foul weather climes when compared with much of the front-wheel drive-only competition. Down the road, a hybrid model is expected come on line, with the same 2.5-liter thats expected in the 2008 Fusion.
Priddy reports that the Flat Rock, Michigan produced Mazda 6 will continue to be available in more bodystyles than the competition, including the sedan, wagon, and hatchback. A Mazdaspeed version should return in 2009.

source:http://news.windingroad.com/?p=1055

 

[J dragon]

So no mazdaspeed for 2008.....Wow I can only wonder what the 2009 Mazdaspeed will be like?

 

[ZoomZoomH]

bigger, fatter, and slower than ever =/

 

[melicha8]

what's the point of these pictures. Nothing on there indicates a production body panel

 

[Raynman]

"...substantially longer..."

Sounds like it's going be heavier...

 

[ZoomZoomH]

AWD as a regular option sounds interesting

europe and japan had this option since the beginning, so nothing new here

 

[Donas64]

AWD sounds cool. 3.5L V6 sounds punchy. More weight and bigger size sounds like less fun. Hopefully it won't lose the great drivng dynamics.

 

[genericuser]

bigger, fatter, and slower than ever =/

says the torqueless wonder over here.

 

[Antoine]

I also wonder what's brewing for the MS6 in 2009...Hmmmm

*Stickied for your viewing pleasure

 

[Raynman]

What worries me is this list of cars based on the CD3-2 platform:

* 2008 Mazda6
* 2008 Mazda Tribute
* 2008 Ford Escape
* 2008 Mercury Mariner
* 2012 Mercury sport wagon
* 2012 Lincoln MKX
* 2012 Ford Edge
* 2012 Ford Fusion
* 2012 Mercury Milan
* 2012 Lincoln MKZ

Not exactly the end of the world, but it's kinda worrying how they're going to field a sports sedan from a SUV/CUV platform. (dunno)

 

[mikeyb]

Mazda should add a Coupe and Convertible versions of the 6. Wait a Coupe would kill the RX-8.

 

[Donas64]

a coupe 6 would be TEH SEXAY!!!!

 

[Mazda3]

I also wonder what's brewing for the MS6 in 2009...Hmmmm

*Stickied for your viewing pleasure

How does a 3.5L DISI turbo with about 380 HP sound?

 

[Donas64]

Sounds delightful. Although I just wish mazda had a strong lightweight NA V6 ala Nissan. I just don't trust turbos. I love Nissans VQ35DE's. Wit turbos you gotta worry about boost leaks, spikes, detonation, costly repairs, power loss, premium gas et-al. If the DISI's hold up and prove to be durable then I guess it will put my mind at ease.

 

[Mazda3]

Sounds delightful. Although I just wish mazda had a strong lightweight NA V6 ala Nissan. /quote]

They do. The 3.5L is 265 HP and adding the DISI bumps that to 300 HP. This engine also cleaner burning and will get better fuel economy than the Nissan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duratec_35

 

[mazda_pro5_2nr]

They are trying to get into the filed to compete with the Nissan Altima. 3.5 V6. But the thing the Nissan has is the new transmission with, from what I've heard, significant less power loss. Sounds like competition for the Nissan Altima....better have shitload of torque though....3.5SE and SE-R Altima's are ******* quick. Sorry if I ranted off topic a little. Oh and that 300hp....wont make a difference if that thing is heavy as hell. Same thing with the Civic Si, more power...yet heavier. Its going to be a matter of what manufacturer is willing to put out more performance. (peep)

 

[Antoine]

How does a 3.5L DISI turbo with about 380 HP sound?

Sounds better than Pr0n (shocked)

 

[Mazda3]

They are trying to get into the filed to compete with the Nissan Altima. 3.5 V6. But the thing the Nissan has is the new transmission with, from what I've heard, significant less power loss. Sounds like competition for the Nissan Altima....better have shitload of torque though....3.5SE and SE-R Altima's are ******* quick. Sorry if I ranted off topic a little. Oh and that 300hp....wont make a difference if that thing is heavy as hell. Same thing with the Civic Si, more power...yet heavier. Its going to be a matter of what manufacturer is willing to put out more performance. (peep)

250 tq and 280 tq with the 300 HP version. I personally can't stand Nissans CVT transmission and could never own a car with it. Mazda's new 6 speed is state of the art, I'll take that any day over the CVT.

 

[mazda_pro5_2nr]

How many praises has the CVT tranny from Nissan recieved compared to the Mazda transmission?

http://www.nissan-global.com/GCC/Japan/NEWS/19991001_0e.html

 

[DE31]

i want a small coupe, maybe a mazda 4?!?!