SPY PHOTOS: New Mazda 6

Six-pack on ice

After we brought you photos of a test-mule for the new Mazda 6 in summer last year, these are the very first shots of the real machine. We snapped the car testing in the Arctic winter of northern Scandinavia.

Based on a modified CD3 platform – know as CD3-2 – the 2008 Mazda 6 will be sharing the platform with the new Ford Mondeo. Down the line, the CD3-2 is also expected to be the platform for various other future models – including the Jaguar X Type replacement and new Volvo S60. Even though the car is still heavily disguised, it’s clear that the new Mazda 6 will become some 30 mm longer overall and a bit wider, too. On top, we can see clues showing the new front fascia, including honeycomb inserts in the air intakes, large projector-type headlamp clusters.

The 2008 Mazda 6 will be powered by Ford’s new 250-horsepower 3.5-liter “Cyclone” engine. Other engine offerings may include a 2.5-liter inline-4 powerplant, and all-wheel-drive will be a popular option on all Mazda 6 versions.

A hybrid model will eventually become available, using the same 2.5-liter hybrid engine as the American 2008 Ford Fusion. All three body styles, a sedan, hatchback and wagon, will be offered, as well as a Mazdaspeed for the 2009 model year.

Production will take place in Flat Rock, Michigan (for North American models), as well as Japan. Asian production should start in late 2007, whereas North American production is expected to begin in June of 2008.