Topic: Mazda6 US-spec unveiled

[Mitlov]

Just found these.  Not sure if the official embargo has lifted yet.  It's very much a four-door coupe, a la Volkswagen CC and Mercedes CLS.

http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2009-6_us-spec/

EDIT:  For comparison, I put up some photos of the Euro spec model.  US-spec is red; Euro-spec is white.  They appear to be the same car except for minor differences in front and rear fascia.

[quadzilla]

A six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode will be available for the I4 engine.

Hopefully the makes 6th gear a real overdrive for hwy cruising.

I wonder when they will release HP/TQ ratings plus the EPA numbers? I've heard 170-175hp for the 4cyl with equal or better EPA than the current 2.3L engine.

Otherwise, I think it looks good....for a sedan. 

[Mitlov]

Autoblog's article on the new Mazda6:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/mazda-unveils-2009-mazda6-for-north-america/

They continue to insist it's bigger than the Euro version, but the curves on the cars are so identical that I won't believe it until I see the actual dimensions of each.  Here's some more details:

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.

[initial_D]

I like the overall look of the New6, although not too crazy about the frontal treatment.

[MKII]

This car has to be seen in the flesh to really appreciate how nice it really is.

The front and rear overhang is the main difference size wise I can see from the pics.

[Iso Octane]

They appear to be the same car except for minor differences in front and rear fascia.

*sigh of relief*

What was up with the rumours that it was going to be a different (bigger) car?  And those spy pics didn't help either.

[jcon]

It looks MUCH bigger than the previous generation. I hope its only the photos that make it look that way.

Waiting to see it in the flesh...

[Mitlov]

The front and rear overhang is the main difference size wise I can see from the pics.

The rear does look bigger to me--bigger trunk on the US-version.  But the front looks identical to me.

[jcon]

Do we know what platform this is built on? Mondeo?

[MKII]

Do we know what platform this is built on? Mondeo?

No it is still riding on the same platform CD3, now referred to as CD3-2 . North American Fusion is said to be using this modified CD3-2 platform for MY2010 when Ford will refresh the front face and rear, plus some interior changes.

The CD3 2 platform is expected to be phased out early next decade and give way to either the Ford EUCD platform currently used under the Ford Mondeo in Europe or more likely by the EUCD2 as Ford aligns its global product architecture. The North American Fusion and Mazda6 are expected to be on the new Mondeo platform by MY2011-MY2012.

[Spheric]

All well and good but where's the hatchback ? 

[MKII]

The front and rear overhang is the main difference size wise I can see from the pics.

The rear does look bigger to me--bigger trunk on the US-version.  But the front looks identical to me.

If you study the line from the top of the flared out wheel-well running towards the headlight, the Euro Mazda6 line turns in right around the headlamp washer, whereas the N.A. version the line runs down towards the lower bumper. Giving a very different look and perception ,IMO of a more protruding nose.

From Mada press release regarding N.A. market difference-The North American MAZDA6 differs from the similarly named car sold in the rest of the world in many ways: larger interior and exterior size, more powerful engines and unique styling.

  The 2009 MAZDA6 will be available only as a four-door sedan, and in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, with varying levels of standard and optional equipment.

Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or five-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (2.5-liter engine) or a six-speed Sport AT automatic with manual-shift mode (3.7-liter V6).

http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=28124&CFID=1053514&CFTOKEN=609a485b3e3c16e5-367FD5B1-1185-6933-5D885915254191B1

[ghost]

All well and good but where's the hatchback ? 

Yeah! Where's the hatch? And wagon??? My 92x lease is coming to an enddddd!!!!

[mrthompson]

no wagon???     it's the best design of the three.   maybe the best looking wagon ..

 

[Arthur Dent]

No hatch, no wagon. Sedan only. That and the V6 is auto only too. Looks really big to me. Damn the refresh bloat.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I can see why no wagon because sales were minimal - even tho I really liked the design, but no Sport hatch is a true loss for Canada as that model was fairly well received and gave a unique selling point.

I like the Euro front lower fascia (the fog placement and don't like the NA silver), with the North American rear. Quite an attractive flowing sedan though. Hope it does well.

Leave it to Mazda to continue offering the manual with both 4 and 6 cylinder power 

[Dante]

I prefer the Euro front and rear treatments, but by comparison with the rest of the American mid-size sedans, the Mazda6 is still the best looking IMO.

[Leviathan]

No hatch, no wagon. Sedan only. That and the V6 is auto only too. Looks really big to me. Damn the refresh bloat.

Bigger but reported to be lighter. The no hatch thing is a real  . Snap up a 2008 at 0% before they disappear 

[turbodiesel]

what the hell why they changed the designs of headlights and taillights? (if DOT and SAE are NOT the issue)... Mazda Canada gotta giveus wagon and hatchback or else don't expect Mazda6 gonna be the bestseller...

[Mitlov]

what the hell why they changed the designs of headlights and taillights? (if DOT and SAE are NOT the issue)... Mazda Canada gotta giveus wagon and hatchback or else don't expect Mazda6 gonna be the bestseller...

Because the sales of Accords and Camries just PLUMMETED when they dropped the wagon models, don'tcha know...