Unfortunately, the U.S. model, which may see the light of day at either November’s L.A. auto show or the Detroit auto show in January, will wear different sheetmetal. We're also told that it could ride on a completely different platform that the Euro-spec car. According to Mazda, this is because the North American car needs to “look bigger.” Car buyers, it says, think the current car looks too small in relation to other mid-size sedans.

ENGINES AND POWETRAINS

Base engine: 2.5l I4 - this is an all new engine developed by Ford oE and Ford NA (NOT Mazda the way the 2.3l was). This engine is more powerful, smoother, AND more economical than the 2.3l It is so much more economical that in the same car (like the Mazda6 or the 09 Fusion) the engine makes better EPA numbers than the smaller 2.3l.
2.5l I4, PFI, 190-200hp

Optional Engine: 3.7l V6 - this is a larger version for the Ford D35 engine. It is not the Lincoln version however. Mazda took the D35 head and the D37 block and bolted them together, increasing displacement and power, but keeping the basic D35 head with only single exhaust variable cam timing and all. This MazdaD37 will also appear in the 08 CX-9, but it will not appear in Fords - Ford will keep the D35 engine in its cars - including the 2009 Fusion, where the D35 will replace the D30.

3.7l, V6, PFI, 280hp

Other Engines: The 2 pieces uncertain at this point is the 2.5l TwinForce engine (Twin Turbochagged, direct injected I4 good for 260+ hp) and the Hybrid. the TwinForce is again a Ford oE and Ford NA project, and I do not know whether Mazda will want to use it. But it will produce V6 power with I4 economy- the engine will debut in the 09 Fusion.

The Hybrid is coming for the 09 Fusion, however nothing was mentioned about it for the Mazda6. I have no definitive info on the Mazda6 application of the new Hybrid, but I am certain that even if Mazda will use it, Ford will not let a single bit of info escape before Hybrid is announced for the 09 Fusion.

Transmissions are anyone's guess, but we can see that the pictures show a 6speed manual. I predict this will be a V6 option, with the I4 getting a 5speed manual, but that is just a guess. I predict 6 speed automatics with both engines. I have no definiteive information however.

AWD is to be optional on the new model

HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda showed a bit of its hand for the upcoming 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon, releasing images of the Mazda Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept. The concept is a customized version of the new Mazda6, which is called the Atenza in the home market.

The Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept is based on the new Mazda Atenza that is set for launch in Japan in spring 2008. Show horses, not horsepower, are the main point here. The Japanese automaker will display tweaked versions of its lineup, including a Mazda Demio "Haru Iro" (spring colors) Collection in blue, pink and green.

Other vehicles set for the Tokyo Auto Salon include the Mazda CX-7 "Cool Style" Concept, with appearance upgrades that include chrome exterior trim with a brown interior, and the Mazda RX-8 Type RS, a new top-end model outfitted with 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, Bilstein dampers, urethane-foam-filled front crossmembers and custom Recaro bucket seats.

Mazda said it will feature a lineup of 16 customized vehicles at the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon, which runs from January 11-13.

What this means to you: Just a little taste of how Mazda plans to strut its stuff at Tokyo's answer to SEMA. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

My trip revealed a car with first-rate body control, steering that really does feed back the road conditions, balance that lets you drift through fast corners and a chassis response that even lets you tighten the cornering line with a throttle lift mid-corner. In a group test with the aforementioned Germans, the 6 would give them all something to worry about.

Add to this a level of refinement that is among the best in the class when it comes to noise vibration at cruising speed, as well as a ride that is supple and compliant, and you’ve got a pretty compelling case.