At last, an engine worthy of the name. Word is that the next Mazda6 will be fitted with -- drum roll please -- a V6!
Undergoing testing in the USA, the heavily disguised replacement for the current Mazda6 was caught in action by our expert spy snappers, Carparazzi.
Built on the same platform as the new Mondeo, which is coming to Australia (more here), the Mazda6 is rumoured to be engineered for the 3.5-litre 'Cyclone' V6 which will be the same basic architecture as the engine which will power Ford's Falcon from 2010 (more here).
This platform is rumoured to be the support act for the Jaguar X-Type and Volvo S60 replacements.
The vehicle in these shots is a premium model. Note the RX-8 style fascia for the audio system, chrome rings around the instruments and the multi-function steering wheel.
According to Carparazzi, the new Mazda will be some 30mm longer and a little wider than the current car. Judging by the shape of the front end under all that padding, we think that the car will borrow some styling cues from Honda's Accord, while retaining the major features contributing to the Mazda corporate look.
At the rear, the tail light design looks a bit 'Lexus' to our eyes. It's tempting to think that the 'sixth window' in the 'C' pillars will be reverse-canted, as in the Mazda3, but all that padding has to be there for a reason, so we're expecting the unexpected around the rear of the glasshouse.
Production of the new car is expected to commence in Japan near the end of this year and American production is likely to begin around the middle of next year.
We would expect a four-cylinder engine to power the local car, but the V6 is a good chance too. It will be interesting to see whether a V6 entrant in the medium car segment -- assuming that's how Mazda markets the car -- will expand sales and pick up buyers from the large car segment.
-- with Carparazzi
To comment on this article click here