New Mazda6 Shows Its Aggressive Face Ahead of Global Debut

WAUKEGAN, ILL. (08/03/2012)(readMedia)-- Following a series of teaser videos released throughout July, fans have finally received a clear look at the all-new 2014 Mazda6 midsize sedan. Mazda recently released official photos of the car along with the announcement that the redesigned flagship will make its global debut at 2012 Moscow International Motor Show at the end of this month.

Maintaining many of the aggressive character lines from Mazda's TAKERI Concept, the 2014 Mazda6 keeps the smirking front fascia, including the five-point grille that connects to the slanted headlights through a winged piece of bright chrome trim. Elsewhere, the Mazda6 still features the bulging fenders and raked greenhouse first introduced by the concept car, as well as its high-quality Soul Red paint job.

"The TAKERI Concept closely followed Mazda's new KODO design theme, which focuses on flowing yet muscular lines, and the final design of the new Mazda6 is also true to that style," said Tom McGovern, general manager of Rosen Mazda Waukegan, a Chicagoland Mazda dealer. "It's rare that you see a production vehicle like the Mazda6 end up so closely resembling what designers imagined, but the result is a car that looks bolder than any other offering in the crowded midsize class."

Though its athletic styling offers more emotional appeal, the underpinnings of the 2014 Mazda6 are just as significant. The new sedan will be the second Mazda model to fully feature the automaker's new SKYACTIV technologies, which use lightweight materials and innovative designs in the engine, transmission, chassis and body for a more fuel-efficient and dynamic ride.

In response to the global popularity of existing SKYACTIV-equipped vehicles and the upcoming launch of the 2014 Mazda6 in early 2013, Mazda recently announced that it will be doubling production of its SKYACTIV engines starting in October. At that point, the current production pace of 400,000 SKYACTIV powerplants per year will increase to 800,000 annual units.

When it enters production, the 2014 Mazda6 will also be the first in the brand lineup to feature a new regenerative-braking system called i-ELOOP. Unlike the systems found in many hybrid vehicles, which rely on a battery and electric motor, i-ELOOP instead uses a capacitor that charges more rapidly and deteriorates more slowly as it produces electricity to power onboard systems. Mazda says that i-ELOOP can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent.

"The cutting-edge drivetrain technologies in the new Mazda6 make it just as fuel efficient as it is fierce, and that is something that many Chicago commuters will appreciate when they're dealing with stop-and-go traffic," added McGovern. "Still, when it's time to hit the open road, the lightweight SKYACTIV materials throughout the car will help maintain the signature responsiveness that Mazdas are known for."

About Rosen Mazda Waukegan:

Part of the Rosen Motors Group, Rosen Mazda Waukegan takes pride in offering the highest quality sales and service to its Mazda customers in the Chicago area and beyond. Whether drivers are searching for the ever-popular MX-5 Miata sports car or the efficient-yet-versatile CX-5 crossover, the Chicagoland Mazda dealership has the extensive inventory and knowledgeable staff needed to ensure a satisfying vehicle purchase. Browse Rosen Mazda's selection of new and used Mazda vehicles online at www.rosenmazda.com, or call 847-497-8696 to set up a test-drive from their dealership at 100 N Green Bay Rd. in Waukegan, Illinois. They can also be found on Facebook.