Mazda has released some images and some info on the 2009 Mazda6. The American version is reportedly a bit larger than the global model and will be built in Flat Rock, MI. Base powerplant will be a 2.5L 4-cylinder, hooked up to either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. The upmarket V6 will be a 3.7L unit, and will come only with a 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting. No horsepower figures have been released; but expect the 4-cylinder to put out around 170 horsepower and the V6 around 273, which is what it puts out in the CX9.

Full story here and here.

Edmunds.com is conducting another consumer comparison test.

We want you to test-drive these 2008 economy sedans:

Honda Civic, Mazda MAZDA3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla

Just like our last consumer test, we will send you to Willow Springs Raceway in California where you'll get to test the cars in a number of situations.

All you have to do is write an essay telling us why we should choose you. Make it good because competition will be stiff.

You must be at least 21 years old to be eligible to enter, have a clean driving record and be able to travel to Los Angeles between May 13 and 15.

Good luck.

Apply here for the Edmunds Consumer Comparison Test.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

 

No longer is it seen as environmentally responsible to toss around terms like "zoom-zoom" in the cavalier manner typical of, say, 2001. Now it's "sustainable zoom-zoom," and says James Muir, CEO of Mazda Motors Europe, that means a "focus on the minute and painstaking weight reduction of every component."



Sounds painful, but on the 2009 Mazda 2 three-door hatchback (which joins the previously released five-door), it's good for a 220-pound weight reduction over the previous model, says Muir. For a car that's 153.5 inches long (2 inches shorter than a Honda Fit) with a 98-inch wheelbase (1.5 inches longer than a Fit), this is quite significant.

Mazda broke up what could have been a rather dry, number-y press conference with a performance by the Infidels, who like the Strokes, come across as a modern-day repackaging of the Stones -- right down to their moves on stage. Mazda, conveniently, is sponsoring their 2008 European tour.

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We’ve seen the Mazda 6 that the rest of the world will get before, now the check out the 2009 Mazda 6 that’s headed for the U.S. Caught during a logistical swap in the Detroit area, this Mazda 6 looks like a full production spec model right down to its odd looking headlights. The rear end isn’t so bad, although it looks as though it uses a pair of exhaust “covers” like the Lexus IS-F. Hopefully we’re wrong on that one. Although the 3.7-liter V6 now used in the CX-9 would make the Mazda 6 one of the more powerful sedans in the segment, a slightly smaller 3.5-liter V6 is the more likely powertrain. Look for the official debut of the 2009 Mazda6 in the next few months with sales beginning this fall.

Shockingly enough, Mazda did not want to spend much time today talking about the 2009 RX-8. Details on its new front fascia were left unsaid, and the new R3 sport package that adds Bilstein shocks, Recaro seats and urethane-filled suspension crossmembers was barely mentioned. So when a Mazda official told us after the press conference that the car was also 45 pounds lighter than before we were skeptical. Turns out the optional 19-inch wheels that come with the R3 package are actually lighter than the stock 18s. And apparently those Recaro seats are much lighter than stock. Combined with the new shorter rear end gear, this RX-8 might actually feel new from behind the wheel. That would have been worth talking about.  -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line



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The blond and photogenic Franz Von Holzhausen, Mazda's North American design chief, had the pleasure of "driving" the Mazda Furai concept onto the stage during the press conference today in Detroit. (For most of the show, the Furai sat uncovered, but the company whisked it out of sight just before its official debut.)



Von Holzhausen revved the mid-mounted, three-rotor 20B rotary engine before disembarking, commenting, "It sounds good, doesn't it?"

Indeed. As we reported in our full article on the Furai, this concept sports car is built on a racecar chassis from the American Le Mans Series. It's fully driveable, and the engine develops some 450 horsepower.

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Well, the back-slapping inside Cobo's Michigan Hall threatened to drown out the impeding stampede that will introduce the all-new Dodge Ram later today. Chevrolet's Malibu scored the 2008 North American Car of the Year award, giving GM a repeat of last year's excitement over the Saturn Aura's win. When one considers that these two cars are nearly identical from a structural standpoint that's either fitting or foolish. Regardless, a beaming Ed Peper and Bob Lutz embraced the throngs of reporters rushing to get the latest sound bytes from these high-ranking GM execs. I personally overheard Mark LaNeve describe the Malibu's win as a result of offering "...a $40,000 car for $20,000..."

Activity around the Mazda CX-9, winner of the 2008 North American Truck of the Year, wasn't quite as crushing, but the Mazda win did keep GM from sweeping the awards, as neither the Enclave nor the Tahoe Hybrid (the other two finalists) captured the title for 2008. -- Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief, Edmunds.com

Mazda will show their latest expression of their new Nagare (pronounced na-ga-reh) Design Language in a concept vehicle called the Furai at the Detroit Auto Show. Nagare is Japanese for "flow and the embodiment of motion."  Others may see folding drapery (or the morbidly obese, depending on your point of view) .

The Furai (pronounced foo-RYE) is built upon a 2005 Courage C65 chassis, and hints at the fact that Mazda may re-enter endurance racing at some point. If you recall, they won Le Mans in 1991.

Mazda Furai Concept

Detroit Auto Show Preview: Mazda Furai

This could be a big year for the General at the Detroit Auto Show, as they have secured four of the six contender slots for the 2008 North American Car and Truck of the Year. The Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS will face off against the Honda Accord for 2008 North American Car of the Year award; and the Buick Enclave, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid will take on the Mazda CX9 for 2008 North American Truck of the Year award. The winners will be announced at the NAIAS in Detroit.

So, what do you think are the chances of GM sweeping these awards?

My first thought is that I think we really do need a new
definition of what a "truck" is, as I sure don't consider the Enclave
or CX9 trucks; but that's an entirely different discussion.

Here's Inside Line's take: Lutz Faces a Painful Choice: Which Car To Root for

Here's AutoObserver's take: GM Has Four of Six NACTOY Finalists; Mazda, Honda Round Out the Roster

With the Detroit Auto Show coming up fast and furious, expect to see a bunch of teaser images from various carmakers over the next couple of weeks. Straightline posted about the Hummer HX concept yesterday, and now Mazda has offered up an image of their Furai concept. Expect it to continue with Mazda's new nagare ("flow") design, which we've seen at recent car shows.

2008 Detroit Show Preview: Mazda Furai