[bziko98]

We should see next gen. mid size car from Mazda around 2013. Reading about Mazdas new technologies and design I'm coming across a lot of hints what the next car may look and feel like. Here’s couple of things we know already:

-New Kodo styling language is to be implemented into design.
Mazda insiders happily confirm the front half of the Shinari shares more than a passing resemblance to the next Mazda6, while the rear hints clearly at the future direction of Mazda styling.
Mazda-cadabra – the next generation of Mazda will be a treat | Fleet Directory News



-Skyactive drive trains and chassis
http://www.automobilemag.com/green/..._diesel_prototype/sky_drive_transmission.htmlhttp://www.caradvice.com.au/104992/mazda-skyactive-technology-driven/


-Skyactive diesel engines for NA market has been confirmed by Mazda
Mazda to bring SKY diesel and gas engines to North America in 2012


-Since Mazda investigates pulling out of AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan, next car may be a global model again, build either in Japan or new plant planned in Mexico or other developing country:
Mazda is studying a plan to transfer production of the Mazda6, called the Atenza here, to a factory in Japan in 2013 at the earliest
Mazda mulls suspending production at U.S. JV with Ford | The Japan Times Online


Here's one of the Kodo design theme sketches (Minagi concept):

Shinari Concept:

 

[karlt10]

Yah, right.... take that, subtract 95% of what you see, and that is what the production outcome will be.

Love the Kia headlights. <_<


There's nothing you can do to make (this) look good:

 

[Sacramento6]

The first concept sketch looks like a Volt to me. We'll see. As long as the get the size right this time, they'll be headed in the right direction.

 

[LukeG12]

Personally I love those drawings. I can only hope to see some of those body lines carry over into the 3rd gen Mazda 6. All I want is a Speed though, that will make me happy...

Nevertheless great find on those links! Lots of info I had no idea about.

 

[Mcfly013]

The SkyActiv Technology 'sounds' awesome. Putting it into a US production car will
be a challenge. It's not too far away, it will be interesting to see how Mazda proceeds with this.

 

[ricardo44751]

I definitely hope Mazda continues to create new designs as I think these ones are really showing Mazda's character. We can only hope that they will continue to design cars that we really want to drive!

 

[willits8]

Hmm Idk looks strange

 

[cerealkilla]

strange??!?!?!? i think the Shinari is sexy as hell!

 

[Jgarmo]

I love the Shinari and the Minagi. They're both amazing designs.

 

[kadowson]

They both look like out of my $ range cars though...unless I hit the lottery. I hope they're not heading toward just making "rich people" cars. I'll have to start looking at Hyundai's line-up.

 

[tflare]

very nice design

 

[Grumpycheeto]

that's very debatable... that design looks horrible

 

[bziko98]

Mazda will stop production of Atenza, which is sold as the Mazda 6 in the U.S. by 2013, the report said. The next version of the Mazda 6 will be made in a factory in Yamaguchi prefecture in Japan, the report said.

Mazda to end U.S. production by 2013, cancel Ford JV: report | Reuters

 

[Mz6GreyGhost]

Mazda to end U.S. production by 2013, cancel Ford JV: report | Reuters

Doesn't surprise me at all. In fact, I'd think that Ford wants the space back to add production capacity for their Fusion.

I'll wait until a formal announcement by Mazda, but it explains why the 6 was tweaked for 2011, and they're on their way to a 4-year product cycle.

 

[Rodman]

I regret that Mazda will stop the production of the 6 at Flat Rock, MI I live in Detroit and drive a 2007 6i 5-door built at that plant. Mazda's big mistake was to allow ford & it to try to produce a NA only version at that plant. They should have used the Japan and Euro vversions for the US also. I love my 5-door and I hope the next series keeps that model.

 

[mrbanhbao]

shinari looks good!

 

[BlackCherry06]

Ranks right up there with Aston Martin, IMO. I fear they'll bastardize / neuter it to the point that it's barely a reflection of this before it makes production.

 

[ocramida]

It all really comes down to cost of manufacturer etc.

Ranks right up there with Aston Martin, IMO. I fear they'll bastardize / neuter it to the point that it's barely a reflection of this before it makes production.

Bastardize is a bit harsh.

IMO How close they come to the concept really depends on how expensive it is to manufacturer and how durable it will be in the real world. Often these concepts use materials and parts that would last long in the real world under different climatic conditions. Can you imagine those rear view mirrors lasting very long or being all that functional in the real world? Once those change then other aspects of the design needs to follow otherwise the result would look odd.

I agree that the design is right up there with the higher end Euro designs like Aston. But there's a reason an Aston costs what it does. I posted an article about the 2nd generation 6 and the challenges they had realizing certain design elements within the context of a mass manufacturing environment. Although some people hate the 2nd gen design it was a complicated design that required new manufacturing techniques to realize. And sometimes they had to compromise aspects of the design just because it would have been prohibitively expensive to implement.

 

[mr.cheez]

Bastardize is a bit harsh.

And sometimes they had to compromise aspects of the design just because it would have been prohibitively expensive to implement.

I'm sure after seeing the sales results of the 2nd Gen 6, Mazda wouldn't mind implementing expensive designs into the 3rd Gen. Unless they like making cars that you barely see on the road!

I don't think it was a bad idea to make the 2nd Gen bigger, but sacrificing the design and performance of the new 6 to make it more "Camry" was a mistake. Now if the 2nd gen was a little more sexier, better gas mileage, and had a stronger aftermarket segment like the 1st gen, I would've traded my 6 in for one.

Guess we'll have to wait and see what Mazda decides the next 6 should look like.

 

[ocramida]

Well the new 2nd gen is not a Camry

I'm sure after seeing the sales results of the 2nd Gen 6, Mazda wouldn't mind implementing expensive designs into the 3rd Gen. Unless they like making cars that you barely see on the road!

I don't think it was a bad idea to make the 2nd Gen bigger, but sacrificing the design and performance of the new 6 to make it more "Camry" was a mistake. Now if the 2nd gen was a little more sexier, better gas mileage, and had a stronger aftermarket segment like the 1st gen, I would've traded my 6 in for one.

Guess we'll have to wait and see what Mazda decides the next 6 should look like.

Funny having owned the 2nd gen for almost 2 years I can't say I feel like I'm driving a Camry or Accord- and I've had the misfortunate of having to drive rentals of both those appliances. With the 6, I feel like I'm driving a refined and sporty sedan that likes to take corners and blast down the highway when I feel like it. Maybe the 4 cylinder is more of the problem; it's pretty underpowered IMO, while my 3.7 is a blast.

Honestly Mazda can't win. Either they have people wanting a rehash of the first gen, which BTW, wasn't too successful either (it only appears to be because it's very popular in the used market). Or they get lambasted by critics for having a car that isn't competitive. Say whatever you want but the 6 is very competitive. Personally I think people are just scared of trying something new. Camry and Accord are safe. The 6 is interesting and different. in the flesh, people propabably don't recognize it as a Mazda, rather a more expensive European car- I know the many people who complimented my on mine mistook it for a Jag. Personally I find my black 6 very sexy, more so than the first gen IMO. But hey everyone has their opinions. I know that my 6 has just gotten better with age, while being extremely practical and fun. It hasn't made me miss my MS3 for one second.

I think Mazdas new marketing campaign is spot on. And I think they're positioning themselves correctly as "building less, building better, for a discerning few."

We'll see how it goes