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2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: The 2008 Mazda6 Sends The Competition Back To Design School

Agent009 submitted on 9/6/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 9:57:42 AM

108 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: www.motorauthority.com

The new Mazda6 has been revealed in all its glory ahead of its unveiling at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new model, once again available in sedan, five-door hatch and wagon bodystyles, brings a new sense of style and design that we predict will lure away customers of more expensive makes. The pictures reveal a dynamically styled model that make rivals like the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy look like design school rejects.

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show Photo Gallery

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2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: The 2008 Mazda6 Sends The Competition Back To Design School

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"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
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User Comments

Zoom zooom...very nice.

but i can see some Lexus design cues in it.(Remind u i am saying it positvely,it's not a bad thing atall).

Front is very nice very GSishhhh(minus second small headlight)

Rear is not thatbeautiful as frontend but still looks nice.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 10:15:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

didn't mazda have those design cues first?
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 10:59:59 AM | | Votes: 10

Rear End Reminds me of the New Sebring

Seems like the same rear with different Rear Lamp Clusters.
— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 2:50:42 PM | | Votes: 2

It looks like an Acura CL from like 5 years ago, fused with an ES350.
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 7:28:31 PM | | Votes: 2

looks great....boy they will be GIVING away the old models now!!!
— bagwell (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 8:44:05 AM | | Votes: 1

Put a Toyota Camry next to it and its Mazda that needs to redesign this car. It's ugly.
— david989 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 10:16:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -33

were you paid by toyota?
— arcy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 9:09:05 AM | | Votes: 3

Thats probably the most negative boost I have ever seen on a comment. Congrats!
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 2:04:11 PM | | Votes: 1

The side profile looks a bit Lexus ISish...
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 10:21:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Clearly Mazda copied the Lexus IS and made it uglier.
— david989 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 10:27:32 AM | | Votes: -26

Riiiiiiiiight...
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 10:43:43 AM | | Votes: -1

wake up, the mazda6 was out in 2003. the current generation IS came out in 2006.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:03:20 AM | | Votes: 3

Like bulldogz said, 1995e34, it is wake-up time!

http://wikicars.org/images/en/thumb/3/32/Greyonwhite.jpg/400px-Greyonwhite.jpg
— Hyundai (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:11:07 AM | | Votes: -2

the first thing i thought when the current IS came out was it looked like a mazda. the CURRENT mazda6. the next mazda6 raised the rear window, and does resemble the current IS, yes. but mazda had many design cues taken from them first.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:20:44 AM | | Votes: 3

Like what? Tell me what, and I will find an explanation to your entire list.
— Hyundai (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:25:10 AM | | Votes: -5

tail lights, and silhouette of the rear. i didn't see it so much in the front.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:29:01 AM | | Votes: 3

maybe it was the mazda3 i was thinking of
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:32:17 AM | | Votes: 3

I'll be back! I need to get my hair chopped!
— Hyundai (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:32:38 AM | | Votes: -3

get a mohawk
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:48:05 AM | | Votes: -2

The Lexus IS wish it looked this good.
— Auto_expert (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 1:43:15 PM | | Votes: 3

And the Lexus IS coppied the G35 which copied the BMW 3 series.
— montyz81 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 2:20:34 PM | | Votes: 2

How do you make an IS even uglier?
— johnct (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 9:50:03 PM | | Votes: 0

I think, this is a New Ford Mondeo (EU) with some redesigned elements. Look for the "A", "B" and "C" pillars, the wheelarches and the hood. Cost saving, using same structure, "delight" the people. Congrats to Ford.
— deepwater (View Profile)

Posted on 9/9/2007 11:53:12 AM | | Votes: 1

Coincidentally, the side-profile is the aspect of the car I like the best. The front end is also quite nice. From the rear three-quarters, the car looks very uncoordinated. Looking at rear dead-on, it looks like they ran out of ideas and looked to the Chrysler Sebring for some inspiration; that is just my opinion.

Once again, a cheap interior that does not match the success of its exterior counterpart.
— Hyundai (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:09:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

I agree with your comments, Hyundai. I also have to agree that much of this design was lifted from the Lexus IS. Looks good.
— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:26:50 AM | | Votes: -13

I am not talking about 2003 Mada 6 but this new 2008 one.It did come out after new IS and GS

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:10:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Actually, it's not a bad looking car. I'm not going to buy it, but it looks pretty good.
— gryphon (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:16:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

I actually prefer the previous generation, as this one looks like GM had a hand in the design.
— LuxuryFan (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:23:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

actually its Ford....but I actually like the new design....the previous gen was getting waaaaaaaaaaay long-in-the-tooth.
— bagwell (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 8:38:10 AM | | Votes: 3

This new Mazda like Hondas, Toyotas and Datsuns have nothing styling-wise to the previous cars they're replacing.

No heritage like the Germans maintain.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:26:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

I think its a very attractive car.I think it beats the Camry(ugly front end),Accord(ugly rear end),and Altima(just plain ugly)by a country mile. If you look closely there are a few Lexus design ques and RX8 and Mercedes S class ques. I don't know how the interior quality wil be. You can't tell from a picture.At least it does not mimic other Jap car swoopy center dash designs.The engine is the 3.5 and is class competative. No this one is a home run for Mazda.
— mini22 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:27:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10

Yeah, they're all beginning to look alike.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:57:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

Are you serious? Aren't you one of the ones who bash new BMWs for being too different and interesting?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 1:47:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

It's got the typical aggressive Japanese styling, but it's not sexy like a Ferrari or Lamborghani.

The car just has the mean face.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:53:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

How about a cutesy mean face.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:56:56 AM | | Votes: -7

Very nice, but it looks as small as the Acura TSX.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:56:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Nice Maserati rims LOL
— SHOWTIME (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 12:01:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Don't you love the Ford Fusion inspired headlights?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 12:19:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Sometimes you guys crack me up with all the "who copied from who" debates. I think everybody copies from everybody whether it be indiscreet or flat out blatant. As for the new 6 I think it looks fantastic, that 5 door hatch being my fav. I know Ford owns part of them and I hope they dissect this car and copy some of it into their next gen offerings.
— PlanB (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 12:02:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Okay, for some reason the story and post that I posted in were deleted. Here we go again:

Wow, this one is much nicer and more refined. I was going to consider a Mazda6 for my next car, but passed because of their engines. Sure they have high hp, but their torque sucks. I like my engine to have more torque than hp. The only trim that did that was the MAZDASPEED6 which had a turbo-4, not a V6.

Hopefully they'll up the engines in this new version.
— jeffy210 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 12:05:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Beautiful. I agree that it has some design cues from other vehicles. But you can pick just about any Japanese vehicle and pick out two or three other vehicles it borrows from. Toyota has publically said that they intend to borrow from the Mazda3, the Camry was a rip off of the current 6's front end. Even with the similarities, still a unique vehicle. Really makes just about everything else on the market look bad (Particularly the Camry and new Accord). Hopefully for Mazda it will translate into sales.
— the_gamper (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 12:05:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

It looks like a cross between the older Civic and the older Camry.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 12:14:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9

The design of the new Accord SUCK ASS BIG TIME compared to this nice Mazda 6!
— cckw (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 12:38:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

jeffy210-The top engine is Ford 3.5 V6 that is in the Taurus,Edge,Lincoln etc. It make about 265HP and 250 LBS of torque I believe. In the Taurus(which is a heavy car)0-60 is around 7.5 seconds. Being that the 6 is quite a bit lighter you can expect much better performance.
— mini22 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 12:40:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Those are numbers I can respect. The previous Mazda6 had a smaller V6 engine that had < 200 torque. Put any amount of weight in it and you can kiss your acceleration goodbye.
— jeffy210 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 2:16:54 PM | | Votes: 1

The new 6 is not getting the 3.5L, they are getting a mazda sourced 3.7L, the same engine that is going into the 08 CX-9
— holmstar (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 3:06:19 PM | | Votes: 1

A home run in my book. Now all they need to do is to get rid of the hatchback, and replace it with a sport coupe model.
— Lem1972 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 1:31:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Makes me think of Saturn Sky in front and Infiniti FX in the back and Infiniti interior.
— Auto_expert (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 1:37:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

The saturn/infiniti styling cues aren't necessarily a bad thing, because overall it's more appealing than a Lexus IS. GS300, you didn't take offense to that did you? Please don't. You just have to have an eye for these things. However, I understand that not everyone does. Nor, does everyone appreciate profound insight as evidenced by your irreverent and flippant remark.
— Auto_expert (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 2:03:03 PM | | Votes: 5

Looks good.

Hopefully this will sell well and inspire Ford to offer the Mondeo in the U.S. instead of crap like the 500.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 1:39:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

M-Finesse

or standard Y2K Japanese design. You could by it either with a Daihatsu, Honda, Toyota, Mitsu or Mazda badge. Too bad it doesn't stand out.
— JWalkerLegrande (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 1:42:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

nice looking car.
very impressive for its class.
definitely much better looking than accord and camry.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 1:51:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Yeah, I definitely see the s class but with a shorter rear. The rear looks like the new G37.

I'm not a big Mazda fan but I'll have to take a closer look at their lineup, particularly the 6, when I go car hunting.
— Jay7 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 3:30:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

well i dont see the s class at all. because the rx8 came out way before the new s class was introduced. and it has wheel flares just like that, so did the rx8 inspire the s class would be the question. maybe not, but im sure the rx8 did inspire the looks of the mazda 6 and not the s class...logic
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 6:47:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I really like the Mazda6. This concept is slick. The "6" has turned into what thought the Honda Accord was going to evolve into.
— dumpsty (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 2:58:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I think in spite some familar cues it's an aggressive but elegant design. If it's really getting a 3.7 V6 thats exciting.That could put HP around 280 which would be at the head of the class. Then the issue could be a little torque steer but Mazda is good enough to get around this.
— mini22 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 3:30:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Wow! Mazda definitely did a really good job in this new Mazda6. I really light the xenon light, it look really good both inside and outside.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 4:18:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Great Job Mazda! I especially like the Wagon. Mazda USA has decided however, not to bring the wagon anymore and concentrate more energy on the CX-7... which is fine but I like wagons!
— Airliner (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 4:38:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Concur. Personally I think the Estate version looks like a lowered CX7 with a redone front facia.

I like both though. Actually my wife and I are deciding on whether to by a CX7 or CX9 right now.

The next thing they need to add is a new 300hp V6.
— Spectator (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 11:18:59 AM | | Votes: 3

I think many of the posters (Toyota fans in particular) who are posting the 'back came from a..', 'copying the..' etc. posts are just jealous this Mazda looks hotter than the Camry. (Not very hard to do, mind you).

The fact is, the new 6 CLEARLY takes its styling cues from the RX-8 and the recent concept cars Mazda has shown.

I may also note at this point that all Mazda's recent concepts were penned in Europe under the supervision of a European design chief.

I'd say that same studio probably is responsible for this car too.
— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 5:03:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

for some reason i get a extreme Proton P2 Concept vibe.
— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 7:43:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Looks great. The interior is ok. But the interior is best in class, in the true mainstream sedan class.
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 8:08:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Camry and Accord definitely challenge that- I'd say the Camry's interior looks better and the Accord's has better build quality.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 1:43:49 AM | | Votes: 1

The car is gorgeous. More aggressive than the first generation. You can see RX-8 influences without trying to make the car a full on sports car. Very well done. I would get another one!!
— Atenza28 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 8:16:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

It's amazing how the rear 3/4's of many vehicles are looking so similar nowadays. Each decade brings a certain style element that seems to run the gamut of marques. Look at the side profile of this list of vehicles and see if you notice some of the same elements (there is a certain 'flair' in the style execution; look especially towards the rear):

2008 Mazda6, 08' Accord, Hyundai's upcoming concept 'Genesis', Sonata, Toyota Avalon, Lexus IS, BMW 5 series... any others?
— aeyjay (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 8:27:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I meant to add the new Chrysler Sebring as well.
— aeyjay (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 8:29:31 PM | | Votes: 1

Very impressive design except for the rear end. Hatchback is less appealing than the sedan this time. I think they did a great job on the wagon. Reminds me of a shorter CX9. Interior looks cheapass from photos. However, caranddriver reports that this will not be available in NA market and for EU consumption only. According to C&D, NA version will wear entirely different sheetmetal.
— zoom_zoom (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 9:57:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I doubt it will have 'all new' sheet-metal.

What a waste of millions of more engineering dollars.

i think it will just have 'revised' front and rear styling (a few tweaks here and there) to appeal to the more conservative American buyer.

I'd say the headlight clusters will be toned down for a start.

Shame the interior is so tacky.

— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 11:27:59 PM | | Votes: 0

"i think it will just have 'revised' front and rear styling (a few tweaks here and there) to appeal to the more conservative American buyer."

Unfortunately I agree, if you take a close look at the spy-shots snagged in Detroit, you can see that the fog lights are closer to the edge of the bumper and it looks like the head & tail lights have a different design as well. :-(
— holmstar (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 11:07:13 AM | | Votes: 2

In comparing the official photes of the sedan to the U.S. spy shots, it appears that the front and rear overhangs will be noticably longer on the U.S. car. I'm afraid that will destroy the great porportions we see in the European car. I was really fired up about this car, ready to trade in my RX-8, but I suspect I won't be as interested in the U.S. version. I sure hope I'm wrong.
— CPRX8 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 9:17:27 AM | | Votes: 1

Here's the link to the profile spy shot that is the cause of my concern:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp-content/plugins/iimage-gallery.php?idpost=5002&idg=1&idi=4

Hopefully the camo is throwing me off and its really not that different from the Euro car

— CPRX8 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 9:29:04 AM | | Votes: 1

Fenders seem less pronounced on U.S. vesion too, although maybe they are just well hidden by camo
— CPRX8 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 9:32:57 AM | | Votes: 1

http://www.pistonheads.com/pics/news/12451/lexus_IS_2005-L.jpg

http://www.autospies.com/images/users/Agent009/2008-Mazda6/Mazda_6_Frankfurt_002.jpg
— wackura (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2007 10:35:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

When this car come out, it will definitely be a hot seller for sure. I hate to admit it but when it good you have to said it good.

On look alone it #1 on my list, #2 Toyota Camry SE, # Honda Accord. I think it is very sexy and classy both the interior and exterior as well.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 12:10:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Easily the best looking of all the current mid-sized family sedans...

Just Great Design - Pure & Simple!

If some find it imperative to draw comparisons to others vehicles (fenders/tail lights etc), all that matters is none of them visually match the sum of these parts quite as well.

Bravo Mazda!
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 12:17:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Wow, a great looking Japanese sedan. Finally.
— Mercedes (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 1:40:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

gs in the front, mercedes s class on the side and chrysler sebring in the rear....... no skills just copy n paste
— iamdabest1 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 1:47:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Yet it works unlike so many Japanese copies.
— Mercedes (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 2:18:52 AM | | Votes: 3

It's nice, but it gets bland very quickly. And why the hatchback model when you have a wagon which looks better. Just seems like an unnecessary cost.
— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 4:43:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

it does look like lexus IS BUT! MAZDA6 looks better
— arcy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 9:10:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

...nice looking.
— richard112360 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 1:16:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

In terms of exterior design, mazda has been destroying the competition since the pervious mazda 6 came out. Every model after that, as far as I can recall, has been beautiful.
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 1:26:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Mazda is the only Japanese car brand that hired real designers instead of blind people(like Lexus/Toyota) to draw their cars. Still waiting for another Japanese brand to come along.
— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 2:40:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

i gotta admit,this car is a beauty
— Chronoseus (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2007 8:42:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

It's easy to see the Mondeo side profile in this car, which is a very good thing. I'm sure it will drive beautifully, just another reminder of how Ford is giving us crappy second-tier models while all the happenings are in Europe.

One thing I'm confused about is the start button. It's ubiquitous and seems to be in all cars today- I mean that EXACT start button. Is there a start button manufacturer or something?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 1:40:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

amazing. although I like the current one more.
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 12:55:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I like the looks! I am more curious on how it performs, fuel economy,acceleration,braking 60-0mph,safety...
— truckmen (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 5:19:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

honestly looks better than the IS. If this car offer more hightech options im sure it will be a great alternative to Lexus IS
— MrGunFun (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 5:32:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

This is one nice car.I would love to own this one.I don't see other cars here in it's looks.I only see others Mazda's,and thats at a minimal.Congrats to Mazda!
— bmw4meonly (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2007 11:12:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Looks like an Acura RSX in the Front vand TL on the side which is a good thing. The bad thing is it's nothing original and its a MAZDA.
— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/9/2007 5:13:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Nice. It'll be a welcome addition to an otherwise boring midsize ($20-$30k) field. I wonder how the The new Galant (concept) photos are out, too. Glad to see Mitsu is finally waking up from it's 8 year nap. GM has a few upcoming sedans that look promising as well.
— ElSparquito (View Profile)

Posted on 9/10/2007 4:39:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: The 2008 Mazda6 Sends The Competition Back To Design School

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