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Early look: Mazda Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept

12/14/2007, 4:43 PM

By Drew Johnson

Images of the Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept have been leaked ahead of the car’s 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon debut. Known in the U.S. as the Mazda6, the Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept is equipped with new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a lower ride height and 18 inch wheels. However, no information was released on the car’s mechanical.

Despite rumors that Mazda will not revive the Mazdaspeed nameplate on the next 6, the Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept could be an indication that such a model could be under development.

Another possibility is that the concept is a display of accessories that will be available for the next Atenza/6 through Mazda dealerships.

Check back for more information after the car’s official unveiling.

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12/14, 4:53 PM

posted by:

autonutt

Why not the 5-door this time? The new one would make a great looking Mazdaspeed!

12/14, 5:01 PM

posted by:

jdepould

Really, I think their mistake was just making too many Mazdaspeed 6s. It was a good car, but they were trying to go for too much volume. Mazdaspeed editions have always been fairly rare.

12/14, 5:03 PM

posted by:

Jon

I’m not sure what happened to the old Mazdaspeed6. On paper it looked like a poor-man’s S4 but our local dealers were discounting them like crazy and couldn’t move them off the lots.

Mazda has always made enthusiast one-offs. Does anyone remember the 323GTX or the 626 4WS Turbo? Good on Mazda for giving those the college try.

12/14, 5:48 PM

posted by:

Ahura

People above: This has nothing to do with a future Mazdaspeed6, Mazdaspeed Atenza or Mazda6 MPS. Its just a concept for the aftermarket skirts and stuff….

leftlanenews: there aren’t leaked. They are on the official Japanse pressite together for some more cars shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon:

http://www.mazda-madness.nl/nieuws/162.htm

12/14, 5:49 PM

posted by:

Ahura

Sorry, I ment this:

“They aren’t leaked. Thet are on the official Japanese pressite together with some more cars shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon”

12/14, 5:53 PM

posted by:

jackjimturkey

I like that

12/14, 7:12 PM

posted by:

mazdaman

The add-ons look ridiculous and ruin the appearance of a naturally nice looking car. Subtle appearance changes would work a lot better in this case.

One thing that I am disappointed in is Mazda slapping the black plastic piece behind the rear side window to alter the appearance of the C-pillar. I’ve seen this same practice used on the Chrysler Sebring sedan and Lincoln MKZ; I am just as annoyed that it is being utilized here as I was when it appeared on the two other vehicles mentioned above. This practice reeks of laziness and cost cutting.

12/14, 8:05 PM

posted by:

sharpie

So there will be another Mazdaspeed6? Nice!

12/14, 8:07 PM

posted by:

SS4LIFE

Yeah I like it too jjt. I really like it in fact. And they really need to bring the Mazdaspeed edition on the new Mazda 6.

12/14, 8:08 PM

posted by:

autonut

I like the looks of it: a bit of Impala and Infinity sedan at the same time. Agree with mazdaman a splash of modesty would not hurt, but it is aimed at pseudo enthusiastic segment where showmanship is equated with substance.
I think Mazdaspeed 6 did not sell, ’cause hatchback are not well accepted and Mazdaspeed 3 is superb machine that took over enthusiastic crowd for less coins.

12/14, 8:23 PM

posted by:

Ahura

sharpie, please read..!

12/14, 8:24 PM

posted by:

C6Racer

The car looks good but all those carbon-fiber looking pieces around the bottom need to go. Plus the pieces around the lower intakes. Other than that, no problem here.

12/14, 9:00 PM

posted by:

stick2clutch

I like how this looks. Being a better looking car I think it has a better chance. But if mazda really wants to move it they should give it 300 ponies and make it a real performer.

12/14, 10:22 PM

posted by:

global_lightning

Without additional power, the aerodynamic drag and weight of those add-ons will make the car slower. Wheeee! Look at Meeeee!

12/14, 10:34 PM

posted by:

johnnycanuck

Oh c’mon people, for tasteless add-ons go seek out just about any Pontiac from the ’90’s. This looks good and the extra cladding is at most minimal and at the very least distinctive. Gawd, they don’t all have to look like they’re from Hertz.

12/14, 10:37 PM

posted by:

lucklaster

Looks cool to me.

12/15, 1:44 AM

posted by:

C6Racer

Yea, johnny, but those were the ’90’s. That kind of thing was actually popular from what I remember. Who knows, this thing might look pretty good in person, even with those add-ons.

12/15, 12:54 PM

posted by:

CTS DRIVER

i think the add ons look good on this car. they look like they started off on the car.

12/15, 1:21 PM

posted by:

LP640

i like it, it looks pretty good although from the rear it looks a bit too much like an extra from the fast and the furious without all the crazy paintwork

12/15, 1:53 PM

posted by:

GBilbo070

OMG them add-ons ruin the look of the car.

12/15, 9:32 PM

posted by:

jonmiles

zzzzzzzzzzzzz

12/16, 12:10 AM

posted by:

CJC

The front has a feel of the European Mondeo…I guess its the wheel arches…

12/16, 8:26 PM

posted by:

zoomzoomr

autonut.. the previous Mazdaspeed6 wasn’t offered as a hatchback, only a sedan.. my argument is that perhaps basing the next one on the hatchback would make it more exclusive and attractive to the set that buys this sort of vehicle.

mazdaman.. I totally agree about the horrible black plastic piece most manufacturers seem to be slapping on the sides of their vehicles to visually extend the greenhouse, both ahead of the front mirrors and behind the rear doors.. I challenge the designers to find more creative ways to solve this, and stop taking the lazy way out!

 
 
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