Spyshots: 2009 Mazda 6

[Rupewrecht]

After we brought you photos of a test-mule for the new Mazda 6 in summer last year, these are the very first shots of the real machine. We snapped the car testing in the Arctic winter of northern Scandinavia.

Based on a modified CD3 platform – know as CD3-2 – the 2008 Mazda 6 will be sharing the platform with the new Ford Mondeo. Down the line, the CD3-2 is also expected to be the platform for various other future models – including the Jaguar X Type replacement and new Volvo S60. Even though the car is still heavily disguised, it’s clear that the new Mazda 6 will become some 30 mm longer overall and a bit wider, too. On top, we can see clues showing the new front fascia, including honeycomb inserts in the air intakes, large projector-type headlamp clusters.

The 2008 Mazda 6 will be powered by Ford’s new 250-horsepower 3.5-liter “Cyclone” engine. Other engine offerings may include a 2.5-liter inline-4 powerplant, and all-wheel-drive will be a popular option on all Mazda 6 versions.

A hybrid model will eventually become available, using the same 2.5-liter hybrid engine as the American 2008 Ford Fusion. All three body styles, a sedan, hatchback and wagon, will be offered, as well as a Mazdaspeed for the 2009 model year.

Production will take place in Flat Rock, Michigan (for North American models), as well as Japan. Asian production should start in late 2007, whereas North American production is expected to begin in June of 2008.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphoto...os-new-mazda-6

TheCarConnection.com's spies caught the redesigned Mazda6 running on a secluded side street, within spitting distance of Ford's Detroit engineering operations.

This is the most complete, most revealing Mazda6 prototype spotted to date. This new 6 appears larger than the current model, confirming earlier sightings of cobbled-up test mules which hinted at added length and width for the second-generation model.

The styling of the new 6 is fuller, and more voluptuous than today's model, with a rounded greenhouse flowing into a sloping backlight and a rather short rear deck. The hood sweeps up from a still recognizable Mazda grille, and is flanked by prominent front fenders that mimic everything from Mazda's RX-8, to the MX-5, up to the CX-9. When the camouflage comes off, the new 6 should look right at home in the Mazda family.

The headlights and taillights are quite visible on this prototype, and look very promising, indeed. The current Mazda6 was a successful model on many levels, and may have saved both Mazda and its parent Ford, which uses its platform extensively in its revamped lineup.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...78.A12239.html

more pics after the jump.

[chicaboo]

Argh, it still has a low body with a huge guards you can never fill no matter how much more you lower it...

[Cincinnatus]

yeah the is250 suffers from the same problems. However, they both look good.

[BigBoyLemonade]

I am interested to see what this looks like because it is part of the reason I am not buying a MPS6

[pr1mo]

haha we can all wait for ever! the 2047 mdl that hovers is the one you really want :P

[zappy65]

yay another car to service....just hope the engine layout is esay to work with looks alright i spose

[MAztinA 323]

lol check all the duct tape holding it together.. quality issues from mazda

hahah~

[skitz]

Originally Posted by MAztinA 323

lol check all the duct tape holding it together.. quality issues from mazda

hahah~

hahahahaha yeah true the final product will just be painted over the tape :P this is prob why are cars all get rattles etc after a yr or so

hahahahahaha jks jks

[mrpayner]

found this thread on the "fo mo co" forums.. rear view of the new Mazda6..
http://www.fomoconews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=416

[BigBoyLemonade]

Any others, I was really unimpressed with the Mazda 6 MPS. Longest gear shift throw ever!

[mrpayner]

i enjoyed driving the MPS, although they could do without the turbo lag between gears.. that annoyed me..

artist impression of what the 2008/09 Mazda6 could look like..

[SehnKhan]

Heeelllllooooo Aurion. And that's not a bad thing, I like the Aurion... and this looks better

[Toyboy]

Thats sexy as...

[newman]

that artists impression looks like a honda

[chicaboo]

I don't fully agree with the way the artist has shown the front guards. I reckon going by the bulge in the leather in the earlier pics, that the guards are going to have that RX8/CX7 look about them...

Gav.