New Mazda 6 Concept Car
Mazda’s vision for the next-generation Mazda 6 saloon will be presented at next month’s Tokyo motor show in the shape of this new Takeri concept.
The next Mazda 6, due on sale at Essex Mazda in around 18 months time, will benefit from the full array of the Japanese firm’s radical ‘Sky Activ Technology’. This includes new highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, compact, lightweight automatic and manual transmissions, new suspension systems and a new modular steel platform.
All this technology is designed to allow Mazda to prosper as an independent car maker after its split from Ford, and to future-proof the company from strict future emissions regulations.
All Sky Activ technology will appear in a production car for the first time in the Mazda CX-5 when it goes on sale in spring 2012. The Mazda 6 will be the second car to be spun off the lighter, stiffer Sky Activ platform. This steel spaceframe is made in small sections so it can be easily scaled up or down to underpin anything from a Mazda 3 family hatchback to a full-size CX-9 SUV.
The handsome Takeri saloon sports the firm’s new ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ design language, also seen on the CX-5. The result is a much bolder look than the current-generation 6 saloon, complete a more distinctive treatment front grille and slim, technical headlights, crisper lines and a more coupe-like profile. There also appears to be a Jaguar XF inspiration for the rear styling, particularly with the lights and brightwork across the boot.
The concept is powered by the new Sky Activ-D 173bhp, 310lb ft 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. Its lightweight, low friction design, together with the lowest compression ratio of any production diesel engine and clever new stop-start and regenerative braking systems, results in CO2 emissions of just 104g/km and “excellent” fuel economy. This engine is mated to a new torque convertor automatic gearbox, which offers economy similar to that of a manual.
