2009 Mazda6 U.S. Spec Revealed – Larger & More Powerful Than Euro Version

Following on the heels of the European and Japanese spec versions, Mazda has revealed the North American market Mazda6 Sedan that will go on sale in the U.S. in late summer, 2008. Surprisingly, compared to the Euro Mazda6, the North American spec model does not only feature greater engine displacement but it has also grown in dimensions featuring a larger body.

Design-wise and from what we can tell from the initial images released, the US Mazda6 Sedan retains the basic shape of its European counterpart adding a few unique details like the new grille, the aluminum fog-light trim and most importantly, the restyled rear-end which incorporates a small lip spoiler on the trunk. There are no pics of the interior so we'll have to wait and see the differences.

The 2009 Mazda6 will be powered by Mazda’s newly developed 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that’s already available in the European and Japanese spec models along with the CX-9’s 3.7-liter V6 unit (it produces 273Hp in the CX-9). A 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode will be available for the 2.5L engine while the V6 will be coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. –Continued

Other mechanical changes include the suspension which has been tuned to meet tha particular demands of the North American market in terms of handling and comfort.

“This is the most important new vehicle Mazda has launched in a decade,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO, from Denver, where the car was unveiled to Mazda dealers a day earlier at the company’s North American Dealer Meeting. “The midsize sedan segment – where MAZDA6 competes – is a real battleground, with some of the best vehicles in the industry going toe-to-toe for sales. This new MAZDA6 was designed and engineered specifically for the North American market – the third Mazda in a row to be so – and will take on the very best cars from Asia, Europe and the U.S.”

As with its predecessor, the 2009 Mazda6 Mazda6 will be produced at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan, a joint venture with partner Ford Motor Company

The 2009 Mazsa6 will be available in North America only as a four-door sedan, and in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, with varying levels of standard and optional equipment. More information and pictures on the all-new 2009 Mazda6 will be available closer to launch.