Looks like we may be getting the Mondeo after all (sort of)

[jetsetter]

It’s been a while since we last checked on the next-generation Mazda6, and from these spy shots, it appears that the sedan is growing markedly, and nearly production-ready.

Mazda’s bread-and-butter sedan picks up a decidedly Nissan Altima-esque exterior (no bad thing), and it’s expected to ride on an amended version of the CD3 platform known as CD3-2. According to Brenda Priddy & Co., the platform will be shared with the forbidden-fruit Ford Mondeo.

Expected later this year as a 2008 model, both four- and six-cylinder powerplants (the latter appears to be what is depicted in these shots) should be made available, as well as front- and all-wheel drive variants. Mazdaspeed and hybrid variants are also in the cards, reports Priddy.

Us? We just dig the hip new spy cladding (“Now in fashion colors and patterns!”) that Mazda’s engineers are employing on these prototypes.

A year ago we brought you pictures of Mazda 6 test mules, but this batch are real prototypes and it’s obvious that the all-new Mazda 6 is quickly approaching production.

Based on a modified CD3 platform - known as CD3-2 - the new Mazda 6 will be sharing its platform with the European Ford Mondeo, as well as the Fusion and its siblings.

We’re expecting the all-new Mazda 6 to arrive in time for the 2008 model year, although it will likely reach dealership late in 2007. It?s expected to measure-in about 2-inches longer (with a 2-inch longer wheelbase) and a tad bit wider. Sources tell us to expect it to be powered by Ford?s 3.5-liter V6, as well a 180-horsepower 4-cylinder powerplant, and all-wheel-drive will be offered as an option. A hybrid, as well as a Mazdaspeed version, will eventually follow.

http://news.windingroad.com/body-sty...-mazda6-sedan/

Though spy shots of the 2008 Mazda6 have been snapped before, the automaker has done a good job obscuring the car's new shape from the camera's lens... until now. Chris Doane has managed to track down a production prototype wearing little camo that reveals exactly what Mazda has planned for the new 6. Clearly a bigger car than the current model, the new 6 should be about two inches longer with a similar stretch in its wheelbase. It appears the car's new front clip features larger headlights and a grille that plunges down the front bumper above another long lower air intake. Doane also managed to snap a view of the interior, which looks very high-tech with its hard lines and edges. It reminds us of the inner dwellings of an RX-8, in fact.

Priddy tells us that the new Mazda6 is expected to be motivated by Ford's now ubiquitous 3.5L V6, and there'll be a 180-horsepower 4-cylinder model, as well. Of course, MazdaSpeed will eventually debut its own hyper kinetic version, and a hybrid is also in the works.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/s...s-2008-mazda6/

[bartboy9891]

Hooray, that's close enough as long as it looks good.

[thedguy]

I just hope it doesn't end up looking TOO much like an Altima. I really like the current Mazda and Mazdaspeed 6.

I would like to see them put more use to that turbo I-4 they have, especially considering it belts out more torque and more hp than the V6.

[jetsetter]

Mazda has given us a teaser shot:



Not too bad I think.

[Cobol74]

Mondeo underneath? It does not look big enough.

[NecroJoe]

Oooh...me likey!

[Wizegui]

Mazda seems to be one of the only main stream manufactures that still knows a thing or two about car design

[thedguy]

Originally Posted by Cobol74

Mondeo underneath? It does not look big enough.

Just a platform which honestly doesn't mean a whole lot these days. Many of GM's platforms can be stretched or shortened, widened and then they can completely change the suspension design.

The Volvo S40 and Mazda 3 share the same platform with the very Focus we Americans are screaming for, but I'd be surprised to find a single part interchanges.

[jetsetter]

What do you guys think about the engines? Volvo 2.5l I5 turbo vs Ford 3.7l V6. In my opinion the 3.7 seems to be the better engine but eh, not quite the same class.

[Dsemaj]

Mazda have some great looking cars.

[Deanodriver]

To be honest, I don't like it. I actually prefer the old one. Then again, that's just my opinion

[Donington]

Very nice!

[Prost264]

Originally Posted by Dsemaj

I need to see the whole car, that looks like a minivan to me.

[bartboy9891]

Originally Posted by jetsetter

What do you guys think about the engines? Volvo 2.5l I5 turbo vs Ford 3.7l V6. In my opinion the 3.7 seems to be the better engine but eh, not quite the same class.

The 2.5T is a great engine, better than Ford's Duratec V6 in my opinion. But the 3.7L V6 is supposed to have 270+ hp which is significantly more than the 2.5T, they could probably get away with offering both engines.

[SoxXpupPeT]

vundava! the front looks nice. almost like a lexus. and if it is like the ford mondeo then it should be 1 good car.

[Cobol74]

what is the weight difference between the 2.5T and the 3.7 anyone? I'd probably go for the lighter one and make a big thing of it being the Volvo designed one if it were lighter.

FWIW I like Mazdas too, especially the 6.

[thedguy]

Originally Posted by jetsetter

What do you guys think about the engines? Volvo 2.5l I5 turbo vs Ford 3.7l V6. In my opinion the 3.7 seems to be the better engine but eh, not quite the same class.

Mazda Turbo 2.3 seems to have more torque and hp thats sub 4.0 in Fords stable (with minor exceptions). They really need to put that thing to more use IMO.

[Blind_Io]

Wow, they really accented those front fenders. It looks like they made it look a bit more like the RX-8 - which I think is a brilliant looking car.

[sonza68]

Originally Posted by Cobol74