2014 Mazda Mazda6 to Make Global Debut in Moscow

On the heels of announcing that its all-new CX-5 crossover is far exceeding initial sales expectations, Mazda has released our first official look at the next-generation of its mid-size sedan, the Mazda6. The 2014 Mazda Mazda6 will make its global debut next month at the Moscow Motor Show, and the new car brings a whole new level of styling, efficiency and technology to Mazda's portfolio of vehicles. Mazda points out that the pictures and information it released of the new Mazda6 are for the Russian-spec model, and that detailed info for the U.S.-spec cars will be "released at a later date."

Although Mazda only released four images of its all-new Mazda6 (none of which show the car in its entirety), we can instantly see an obvious inspiration coming from the 2011 Mazda Takeri Concept. Continuing Mazda's KODO "Soul of Motion" design language that was introduced on the 2013 Mazda CX-5, the new Mazda6 has a familiar face with its five-sided grille and the now-signature character line that wraps around the grille and up into the sharp, angular headlights. The headlights and the front fascia give the 2014 Mazda6 an aggressive appearance, while the bulging front fender arches and prominent hood creases add a dynamic and upscale look. At the rear of the car, horizontal taillights are tied together with a chrome strip, and while this car is shown with smoked lenses, we expect the North American version to get conventional taillights. Mazda did not release any interior photos of the new Mazda6.

Powering the 2014 Mazda Mazda6 will be the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G inline-four, but no horsepower or torque figures were released. Mazda has already confirmed that the diesel Skyactiv-D engine will be making its way to the United States, but it has not announced if it will come in this car, the CX-5 or another new model altogether. No surprise, the gasoline engine will be paired with the Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, but the big news is that the new Mazda6 will debut an all-new brake regeneration system called i-ELOOP (short for Intelligent Energy Loop). Mazda says its capacitor-based system could improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent in stop-and-go driving. Seeing as how the U.S. market did not get Mazda's i-stop automatic stop-start feature on the Mazda3, it has yet to be seen whether we will get this new i-ELOOP feature.

Following the auto show in Moscow, other global versions of the new 2014 Mazda Mazda6 will be on display at the Paris Motor Show in September which will likely include a station wagon and possibly even a hatchback version. We expect the 2014 Mazda Mazda6 to make its official North American debut in November at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.