Future Mazda6 & AWD

[Donas64]

Can anyone please tell me why AWD isn't an option on the Mazda 6 V6 as it is on the Ford Fusion. They share a platform right?

I know the MS6 has AWD but its power output is far above the V6. If AWD is good enough for the fusion, why not for the 6?

Also does anyone have any new info on the new Mazda6? Relase Date? Engine Specs? New Styling? e.t.c.

 

[Killer]

Donas, I was talking with a friend of mine who works at the local mazda dealer as a Tech. "RUMOR" has it the the Mazda 6 of the future will indeed have AWD available mated with the 268 HP V6 now in the CX-9.

This would indeed be awesome...but keep in mind this is just a RUMOR

 

[Donas64]

Donas, I was talking with a friend of mine who works at the local mazda dealer as a Tech. "RUMOR" has it the the Mazda 6 of the future will indeed have AWD available mated with the 268 HP V6 now in the CX-9.

This would indeed be awesome...but keep in mind this is just a RUMOR

Thanks for the input! That would Absoutely make my day. Now if only they don't screw up the styling and handling. I know its going to be bigger. But I really hope it keeps handsome good looks.

The wife and I would be REALLY interested in one for our next car when her protege goes out to pasture.


Don't you think that this model would cannibalize MS6 sales though? Or will the MS6 get a power boost to over 300hp?

 

[Killer]

I don't think the MS6 will remain on the line up as a Turbo 4 banger...

 

[Donas64]

I don't think the MS6 will remain on the line up as a Turbo 4 banger...

You think they will kill it off? Or maybe give it a beefed up and upgraded version of the V6?

Also are we the only 2 people in the Mazda6 forum? I mean I really do appreciate your input but this place seems dead. Maybe cuz its easter.

 

[Killer]

During the week it gets pretty busy in here...

and yes..I think the v6 is a better way for mazda to go...Just my opinion though.

 

[coolmazda5]

Yup, Easter seems to be the cause for the small audience here (angel)

I'm also looking after a new MZ3 or MZ6, yet my wallet and I are waiting for the 2008 or so models . After seeing the Mazda2 design (a couple of weeks back), I'm pretty sure Mazda will come up with something really nice for any of them.

Here is the closest that I got to the 2008 Mazda6. I know the pics are extremely poor but, yes, the frame looks like the Ford Fusion to me. I like the Fusion yet if Mazda injects some Zoom-Zoom in it, it will be worth the test drive.

http://www.mazda-madness.nl/nieuws/100.htm

Text is in Dutch (which is as good as my Russian ), yet the test location seems Detroit. The site indicates the 3.5L V6 as the test engine but have no idea if it will be the one in production

 

[Raynman]

Well for starters, it's too late in the 6s' product life to be given AWD IMHO. The next gen 6 was due '07 and Mazda is running late with that (The Mazdaspeed 6 was supposed to run for only one year). Therefore, you're not going to put much needed resources for putting in AWD in a '03-'07 product that's fast approaching it's end of product life especially when you've got an '08 launch to meet. It's just a matter of priorities, IMHO.

Also, I don't think Ford will stomach the 6s having AWD at this juncture. You'd have two very similar cars duking it out in the same market. I imagine that Mazda won't do it either because AWD is the party piece for the MS6. It's one of the selling points that makes consumers shell out more money. Imagine if the 6s had AWD and a consumer is on the cusp of an MS6 purchase. AWD may be enough for some to opt for the 6s.

Don't you think that this model would cannibalize MS6 sales though? Or will the MS6 get a power boost to over 300hp?

If we're talking model year '06-'07 Mazdaspeed 6's, then yes the will be some cannibalizing but that's just natural. History has taught us the the next gen Mazda vehicles for a particular has roughly the same output as the last gen Mazdaspeed version. Not entirely a bad thing. As an auto manufacturer, you'd want your more current offering to sell more.

The Mazdaspeed 6 will return in roughly '09 or '10 with increased performance and more options.

and yes..I think the v6 is a better way for mazda to go...Just my opinion though.

I agree with you. But after speaking to some Mazdaspeed Motorsports guys at Sebring I had the feeling that, while the relationship with Ford makes business sense, they're not entirely enthusiastic about relying on Ford technology for the future launches. It sounded that they begrudgingly accept the course whatever present circumstances yielded, but deep down they really believe that given the resources Mazda can organically develop the high performance powerplants to support next year's crop of launches.

 

[acidbug]

i also heard a rumor from salesman..at mazda...that the mazda6 will have option for awd..but no offical date for release.

Charlie