Mazda Finally Shows Redesigned Mazda6 in Full Production Guise
Midsize sedan will arrive next year as a 2014 model-year vehicle.
By Joshua Condon Jul 25, 2012 5:59AM
Twelve days ago, Mazda began the now-common practice of stripteasing a new vehicle over a number of weeks. In this case, Mazda's opening shot revealed a murky image of the new grille on the third-generation Mazda6.Now, though, the redesigned midsize sedan has been mostly revealed in full production trim ahead of its official bow at next month's Moscow auto show. The vehicle will arrive next year as a 2014 model, and will compete with a host of redesigned competitors, including the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
Mazda is looking to claim the fuel-efficiency crown in the segment, meaning it will have to top the Altima, which currently boasts the highest fuel-economy rating with 38 mpg on the highway. Key to Mazda's success will be a proprietary regenerative braking system called i-ELoop, which transforms kinetic braking energy into electricity stored in a capacitor that powers the vehicle's lights, audio, transmission and engine-control systems, fuel pump and air conditioner.
According to an unnamed source quoted by Automotive News, the U.S. version of the Mazda6 is expected to boast a 2.5-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder mill as its base engine, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.[Source: Automotive News.]
8Comments
Jul 26, 2012 3:52PM
Without Ford's financial backing, it seems Mazda chose a non-risky design that is current(although derivative)against its peers. The 6's natural strengths and appeal will be its sporting nature and exclusivity. Those seeking a sporty driving midsizer from a Japanese nameplate while not being ubiquitous in the streets and parking lots will be drawn to this car. If its fuel economy/power ratings are comparable to the segment's leaders, the new model should be competitive. While not as mainstream as Camry/Accord/Altima, the 6's build quality, driving dynamics, cost of ownership & reliability are all in line with those big sellers.
Jul 26, 2012 1:17PM
Jul 26, 2012 3:23AM
Jul 25, 2012 10:26AM
"Key to Mazda's success will be a proprietary regenerative braking system called i-ELoop, which transforms kinetic braking energy into electricity stored in a capacitor that powers the vehicle's lights, audio, transmission and engine-control systems, fuel pump and air conditioner."
Actually the key will be the Sky-D diesel engine. The i-ELOOP according to mazda's own engineers only accounts for up to 10% increase in fuel efficiency:
"In real-world driving conditions, which involve frequent acceleration and braking, i-ELOOP, a name derived from "Intelligent Energy Loop," will improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent."
One can read all about it here:
http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/all-new-2014-mazda6-make-world-debut-moscow-auto-show
Actually the key will be the Sky-D diesel engine. The i-ELOOP according to mazda's own engineers only accounts for up to 10% increase in fuel efficiency:
"In real-world driving conditions, which involve frequent acceleration and braking, i-ELOOP, a name derived from "Intelligent Energy Loop," will improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent."
One can read all about it here:
http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/all-new-2014-mazda6-make-world-debut-moscow-auto-show
Jul 25, 2012 6:19AM
I like it. It's simple and keeps unnecessary lines to a minimum and what extra lines are there are subtle. The blacked out tail lights are a tad off, but not terrible and they have a good shape. Plus, I love how the front fenders are pronounced.
Overall it's a good evolution of the current design instead of throwing it away entirely.
Now, when will the new rotary engine be released?
Overall it's a good evolution of the current design instead of throwing it away entirely.
Now, when will the new rotary engine be released?
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