LexFather

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/0...erica

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, which 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.

SLegacy99

I like it. However, I view Mazda as kind of the sporty line of Ford. I think people would want the 6 cylinder in a stick shift more so than they would want a Fusion V6 with a stick. What gives?

Lexmex

This actually turned out to be the car that a few of my friends back in Mexico got over the Accord, Camry and Maxima, if nothing more than for pricing differences

IS350jet

What does "posted after the jump" mean?

Gojirra99

Nice looking sedan Always like Mazda6's ....

Gojirra99

If you look at the link to the original article, there's a gallery posted between the article and the official Press Release, thus "the jump"...

Seize

I think it looks pretty good

LEXUS_KID

iTrader: (4)

Not bad but not for me

speedflex

It will be one of the best looking mid-sized sedans on American roads, but the Euro version 6 still looks better IMO.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I like it. Very sporty looking. A nice fresh breath of air compared to all the ho-hum sedans that have been popping up lately...

bruce van

I really like the styling of this sedan. The 3/4 rear view is outstanding.

What really surprised me is they say this car is lighter than its predecessor. That's really bucking the trend of bigger and heavier. I hope Mazda sells truckloads of these and decides to bring over the wagon.

whlkev

nice touch on the LS460 exhaust

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

except I think the Civic Type-R had the integrated exhaust before the LS460...


then again, I'm sure there were cars with that kind of exhaust before the Civic as well (like the Mark-X)

LexFather

I think its fantastic and will be another Mazda Home run. That is the company I would buy from if I was in that market. Nissan/Toyota/Honda= blah or yuck or sigh.

Mazda CONTINUES to come strong with releases. KUDOS to them.

Pearlpower

iTrader: (2)

During one of the endless shop visits of my last Fusion I drove a 6 as a rental and really liked it. Had the same drive train minus 6sp i believe and down a few ponies but I much preferred it to the Fusion. Handling, brakes, interior, and style were much preferred.

This car is a looker. Good for Mazda.