SCOOP: 2014 Mazda6 Test Mule Trying Out its New Hardware

Mazda engineers continue the development of the next generation "6" sedan's chassis and mechanical hardware under the cloak of the existing model's body panels, albeit in modified form as you can see from the wheel arch extensions on this prototype that our spies snapped in Europe.

If you're wondering what the new Mazda6 will look like, then all you have to do is take a gander at the photos of the swooping Takeri concept car displayed at the last November's 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

The handsome study with its voluptuous curves generally received praise for its design. Hopefully, the production Mazda6, which is due sometime in 2013, won't stray too far away from the original concept.

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Rumors: Four-Seat Coupe to Join Next-Gen Mazda6 Range?

When you put the words "Mazda" and "Coupe" together, they immediately conjure images of models like the RX-7 and RX-8. Especially the latter since, save for the Japanese market-only Spirit R special, the RX-8 has being discontinued for the rest of the world.

Mazda has already confirmed that it is not giving up on the rotary engine that has become synonymous with its larger rear-wheel drive coupes.

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Mazda Hints at Next Mazda6 with Diesel-Powered Takeri Concept in Tokyo

Arguably, the Takeri concept is Mazda’s most important attraction at this week's Tokyo Motor Show. Intended to showcase the styling of the Mazda6's replacement that is due in 2013, it adopts many elements of the new “Kodo” design introduced in the Shinari concept, which is also on display at the firm's Tokyo stand.

Powering the 4,850mm long four-door sedan study is the new SKYACTIV-D 2.0-liter diesel engine linked to the firm's new 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Takeri is also fitted with Mazda’s i-stop idling stop system and a unique regenerative braking system called ‘i-ELOOP’ (Intelligent Energy Loop). The i-ELOOP is billed as the world’s first kinetic energy recovery system that uses a capacitor and a 25V to 12V alternator instead of a traditional battery pack.

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Mazda Develops i-ELOOP Capacitor-Based Regenerative System, Debuts on Takeri Concept

Regenerative braking systems that store energy into batteries during braking are becoming increasingly common in new cars because they help reduce fuel consumption.

Today, Mazda presented what it claims to be the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery pack for storing energy, named i-ELOOP (“Intelligent Energy Loop”).

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SCOOP: New Mazda6 Test Mule Spotted Testing with…Toyota Badges

We'll get our first taste of what Mazda has in store for us in the mid-size family car segment at this month's 42nd edition of the Tokyo Motor Show with the Takeri concept, which previews the next generation of the Mazda6.

However, the Japanese brand's engineers have already began work on the sedan model as you can see from these fresh spy shots that were taken in Germany.

A keen eye will immediately recognize that the lines of the prototype belong the current Mazda6. That's because what you see here is an early test mule that combines the next model's platform architecture with the body panels of the current Mazda6.

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Mazda Takeri Sedan Concept Smiles for the Video Camera

This year's edition of the Tokyo Motor Show in December is gearing up to be one of the most exciting automotive events of the year as we're anticipating many important debuts including the Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ twins, the new Honda CR-V and the reason why we're writing this article, the Mazda Takeri concept.

Even though Mazda's initial press release didn't disclose many details, the Takeri is believed to be a thinly disguised concept of the next generation of the Mazda6 sedan in the same way that the Minagi study previewed the CX-5 that was revealed in Frankfurt this September.

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BBR Offers New Power Kits for Mazda3 and Mazda6 MPS with up to 400HP

Power is the name of the game when it comes to UK tuning firm BBR that has just released a newly developed range of engine and suspension upgrade packages for the Mazda3 and Mazda6 MPS models (named MAZDASPEED3 and MAZDASPEED6 respectively in North America).

Since the two Mazda models are powered by the same 2.3-liter turbocharged four-pot, BBR's engine kits apply to both vehicles.

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Tokyo Motor Show: New Mazda Takeri Concept Previews Next Mazda6

Mazda fans may be unhappy about the RX-8’s demise, but the Hiroshima-based automaker has a history of displaying well received concepts that eventually enter production, like the RX-Evolve and the Minagi.

The company's latest concept is the Takeri and it will be unveiled at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show on November 30. The Takeri is a mid-size sedan that effectively gives us an early glimpse at the Mazda6's replacement, which is expected to arrive in the market in the first half of 2013.

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‘Tis Official: Mazda to Stop Building the North American Mazda6 in the USA, Successor will Come from Japan

For better or for worse, depending on which side of the line you are standing on, Mazda has confirmed rumors that it will stop building the Mazda6 at the AutoAlliance International (AAI) plant in Michigan, which it runs jointly with Ford, after the mid-size sedan's current cycle ends.

The company said the Mazda6's replacement for the North American market will be produced at its Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan, adding that the decision was driven by the firm’s “ongoing efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies”.

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Report: Mazda to Cut Ties with Ford and Stop U.S. Production by 2013

Earlier in May, we told you about a report concerning Mazda’s plans to discontinue production of its Mazda6 mid-size model at its joint-venture plant with Ford in Michigan. Today, new reports from both Japan and the U.S. are claiming that Mazda Motors will dissolve its 50-50 joint venture with Ford and stop building cars in the USA by 2013, with the Japanese company already in talks with the Detroit automaker to sell its stake in their car production venture Auto Alliance International [AAI]. Read more »

Honda Accord was Also Caught Up in the Same Spider Web as the Mazda6

It seems that the petrol-sniffing Yellow Sac spider that forced Mazda to issue a recall on some 52,000 cars in the USA last week has a thing for mid-size Japanese sedans as the eight-legged arthropod also caused problems to Honda in the past. According to reports, Honda posted a Technical Service Bulletin in the summer of 2009 alerting its dealers to check Accords for possible infestation by the Yellow Sac spider, but had not issued a recall then.

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A Gasoline-Addict Spider Gets 52,000 Mazda6 Cars Recalled in the US

This must be by far the most hilarious recall action we've ever heard about. It involves some 52,000 US-market Mazda6 cars from the 2009 and 2010 model years and a gasoline-loving spider. Yes, you read correctly; it's about a species of a spider that loves to build its web in the Mazda6 vent line, thus endangering the integrity of the gas tank.

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