We liked the Mazda6 when it was released in Australia in the later half of last year. In fact we thought it was one of the smartest looking sedans in its class. Mazda has just released the first images and details of its North American market Mazda6 and we are jealous – for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it is visually even more impressive than the Asian/European/Australian spec car, with a new front fascia and completely different rear end and dual exhaust treatment. In fact the car is one size larger than the Mazda6 that we know.

Which brings us to the second reason for our jealousy – there is a V6 under the bonnet. While the U.S. spec Mazda6 is available with the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual or five-speed automatic on offer in Australia there is also a 3.7-litre V6 option. The V6 is the same 203kW/273hp unit that powers Mazda’s CX-9 SUV and is only available with the one gearbox option, a six-speed automatic with manumatic sport shift feature.

Due to arrive in the States mid-year, the 2009 U.S. spec Mazda6 will be available as a sedan only.

GALLERY » us spec mazda6

PRESS RELEASE:
Mazda Reveals the All-New Mazda6 for the North American Market

- Designed and engineered specifically for North American customers -

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today revealed the all-new Mazda6 and confirmed that sales will start in late summer 2008.

Specifically developed for North America, the all-new Mazda6 inherits and evolves the sporty styling and superb driving performance of the first generation Mazda6. The North American model features a larger body and greater engine displacement to meet the particular demands of the North American market. Handling and comfort were also optimized for North American road conditions.

“Following the CX-7 and the CX-9, the 2009 North American Mazda6 is the third model that was designed and engineered specifically to meet the needs of our North American customers,” said Daniel T. Morris, Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing and overseas sales. “The midsize sedan segment is extremely competitive and the Mazda6 will be up against some of the best vehicles in the industry.

“The all-new Mazda6 offers plenty of Mazda’s characteristic Zoom-Zoom vitality and we believe it will succeed in the challenging North American market. We will continue to deliver products that reflect our customers’ needs and build Mazda’s brand image in order to achieve the goals set out in our mid-term Mazda Advancement Plan.”

The all-new North American Mazda6 will be powered by Mazda’s newly developed 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and its 3.7-liter V6 engine. The I4 engine is already available in the European and Japanese Mazda6 models and the V6 promises an exhilarating ride, coming straight from the 2008 North American Truck of the Year, the Mazda CX-9. A six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode will be available for the I4 engine. The V6 will be coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The North American Mazda6 will be available only as a four-door sedan.

The all-new North American Mazda6 will be produced at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company, as it has been since the first Mazda6 launched in 2002.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.