The first email I got regarding the new Mazda Takeri simply said, "Whoa." Mazda is known for some spectacular concepts (Furai, Shinari, Taiki) but they're all very clearly concept vehicles with no chance of production. This concept, however is different. Yes, the Takeri, which will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, is a concept car with giant wheels, tiny headlights, a too-low front fascia and silly little fig-leaf mirrors. With some careful tweaks, though, this could easily be the next Mazda 6 -- due sometime in 2013.
The Takeri shares more than its face with the CX-5, it also uses Mazda's new Skyactive Technology which will be first released on the CX-5. Use of a production engine and platform is another sign that this is a thinly disguised production car.
Whoa or no?
200kmiletaco says:
05:19 AM, 10/25/11
Woah! That looks stellar, except for the sonata-ish back end
ed124c says:
06:27 AM, 10/25/11
Hmm, how does Mazda get such a svelt C pillar when everyone else's is much fatter? Perhaps because it is a "concept"?
I would have thought that the not-very-popular current 6 might cause Mazda to shrink the new one a bit. But, then again, it is a "concept".
Nice looking, but the interior seems kind of stark.
roar02ram says:
07:20 AM, 10/25/11
Nice looking car! Hopefully this 6 is normal size, not plus size like the current 6.
bc1960 says:
08:05 AM, 10/25/11
Ed, it's not that svelte--ignore the tiny decorative-only window which isn't going to affect the rigidity too much because it's a triangle and it's similar to the current car, especially the overseas 5-door which has a larger such window. Look at the interior shot and see how deep-set the window is--the box section of the roof rail and door support is quite thick. Plus, with an angle that obtuse, the vertical component of force in a rollover is reduced.
This does look like a Shinari that has been turned production-practical, although I think the Shinari was also a liftback with the cut line flowing along and from the horrid chrome window trim, which still looks possible if they are still producing a 5-door for some markets.
blueguydotcom says:
08:08 AM, 10/25/11
Nice if Mazda can deliver a good looking 6. Agreed about the current 6's size...that is one big damn car. If it's gonna be that big, offer it as RWD and give zoom zoom fans a reason to really opt for it.
jlcii says:
08:55 AM, 10/25/11
Now THAT'S how you do competition for Sonata and Optima. Take note, Camry!
stovt001 says:
09:01 AM, 10/25/11
I love you Mazda. You so rarely let me down. That is just beautiful. Now bring on the Mazdaspeed6!
todd_bianco says:
09:13 AM, 10/25/11
I would love for Mazda to have a competitive product in this segment. The Mazda6 never really caught on. I see lots of the Hyundai Sonata in this style, particularly the rear end. It's certainly a step in the right direction, but we all know that a styling concept/exercise isn't necessarily what makes it to production.
The latest example of a big disappointment is the Subaru Impreza concept versus the dull reality of what is sitting on showroom floors.
I love the interior, but again, as we all know, the production version probably won't be even close to these futuristic good looks. If Mazda could pull off a production car close to the concept, it would instantly get more attention from the buying public. H/K did is easily with the Sonata/Optima, Elantra, Accent, Forte & Rio. So we know it can be done!
lj182 says:
09:31 AM, 10/25/11
Awesome looking car! Having previously owned a 2004 6 and being a current owner of a 2007 Speed6, i love the first gen. Mazda lost their way with the second gen. It is too big and bloated, everything the first gen wasn't. The third gen is looking promising though. Put some realistic size door mirrors and wheels on this car and call it done.
coolb944 says:
10:02 AM, 10/25/11
Incredibly attractive car. Hey, I like those fig leaf rearviews. Maybe not so practical in real driving, but I wouldn't mind squinting or turning my head briefly to get rearviews with such a svelte profile. I've been seeing them for gosh darn long enough on concept cars, can it just happen already, haha.
But anywho, gorgeous, and I'm sure the next 6 will look close to this. I doubt they'll reduce the sixe either.
greenpony says:
10:10 AM, 10/25/11
Those who have noted my comments might know that I'm not a fan of "concept" vehicles. "Concept" to me means the actual production version, if it progresses that far, could be radically different. Just look at the Volt.
This concept is no different. It looks like the product of a drunken foursome between a Sonata, a Regal, a current-gen 6, and a 159. Those four cars are decent in their own right, but you can't mixmaster them and magically produce something appealing.
Let me give it a thumbs-down and hope they make the production version more unified and pleasant to look at.
aviboy97 says:
10:13 AM, 10/25/11
woah...
ethanp71 says:
10:20 AM, 10/25/11
Beautiful car.
I don't know what you guys are saying about the current generation of 6 being ugly and bloated. It's probably the best looking car that Mazda offers right now, save for the MX-5. And if you compare the C-Pillar of this concept to the current 6, they're not really different...
I do wish that Mazda would bring back a 6 wagon though.
This concept tells me once more that Mazda is seemingly the only mainstream automaker left out there who still has passion for what they build and sell.
arbiter says:
10:58 AM, 10/25/11
Definitely a stunning design but I would REALLY like to see what this would look like as a coupe.
ocramidajzj says:
11:02 AM, 10/25/11
Defintely WHOA
+100 stovt001
Thank god there is a company like Mazda still watching the back of those enthusisats who can't rationalize spending huge money on cars but still love them oh so much.
+1 ethanp71
I love my 2010 6 sGT. And I'll probably buy out the lease to bridge the time it takes to get this beauty to market. Keep in mind that the CX-5 did not shy too far away from the Minagi concept it was based on. Those details mentioned, like the impractical side mirrors and the silver grille garnish that bisects the headlamps, were some of the differences. My guess is though that Mazda may spend a bit more money on the shiny finish bits for what will be their flagship sedan, compared to their entry level crossover. My only concern is how well the 2.0 liter Skyactive engine will do with propelling this car. I know Skyactiv also involves weight reduction but I'm really getting used to the way my current 6 propels me with it's 272 hp V6.
All I can say is bring it on!
ttbuyer says:
12:07 PM, 10/25/11
Great looking car.
qddave says:
12:39 PM, 10/25/11
I'd say definite WHOA!...and dat ass!
I love how the taillight lenses are sunken in to follow the cut line of the brightwork on the trunklid. Also, that smooth rear bumper likely won't make it to NA. Part of the problem when the current-gen Atenza turned into a 6. Makes the current 6 look way too long and ruins the backend.
Cheers
Dave
evil_dentist says:
12:49 PM, 10/25/11
Woha rip off cough cough.
The new GS and now mazda too?
Why would they want to copy sonata's rear end? Sonata is a good family sedan at best. If they are to copy a design, aim something better.
And I don't know why ppl associate mazda 6 with sportyness. Had owned 2004 and droved other 6s but they are as boring as accords with worse interior. I guess after owing porsches, nothing really interests me especially fwd.
spqr309 says:
01:22 PM, 10/25/11
I've own the past 6 and I didn't like the current one. If they make this I'll be all in! Also please lighten the car!!!!! I'm tired of these heavy for no reason cars!
rmiranne says:
01:59 PM, 10/25/11
As an owner of a 2007 6i 5-door, I'd consider trading in for this one. I hope they make a 5-door model for the USA market.
exinobel102 says:
02:00 PM, 10/25/11
I am really taking a liking to Mazda's new design language. I like the sharps line and creases thoughout the body. Sporty yet innofensive and far from dull. I also like how the Mazda Signature flared fenders have evolved. Beautiful Car. Nice to See Mazda returning the six to it's roots. The current card, though not enitrely bad strayed way too much from what first gen Mazda6 was. Hopefully they will shrink it a bit. Is that a panoramic sunroof I see??? If so, I hope it makes it into production. This car looks like a good replacement to my 07 Mazda3.
lzks says:
02:01 PM, 10/25/11
Mazda6 has always been a very good looking car. Latter better than the former. But it seems like it just keeps getting better.
bestjinjo says:
04:22 PM, 10/25/11
I am not a huge fan of the rear or the interior (which reminds me of Jaguar XJ), but the exterior is nice. I much prefer this type of modern design language to the bland and falling asleep stuff that Honda and Toyota put out. If this car is fun to drive like the 1st generation, it'll be a great driver's family sedan. Although, time and time again, the American market is unwilling to buy the Mazda 6 despite it being one of the more fun to drive family sedans. Unfortunately for Mazda, the target market of Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Sonatas of this world cares more about fuel economy, depreciation and reliability, and does not prioritize fun to drive. Although, at the same time I don't mind Mazda 6 being the niche fun to drive car in the segment. Makes it more unique. ;)
litewerk says:
04:58 PM, 10/25/11
From the rear end shot, I seem to get a hint of BMW, Chrysler 200 and especially Hyundai Sonata. The front fenders seem to have what I'd call - dare I say it - senuous curves! If this fairly accurately portends what the upcoming 6 replacement will be like, I'd say it will be a car that will be worth checking out. Couple this with the new SkyActiv technology and people who found the previous 6 to be a bit of an underachiever in the fuel economy department may be pleasantly surprised. Overall looks quite nice, and I can't wait to see what the actual production model will be like.
mrbacon says:
05:31 PM, 10/25/11
Looks quite good!
I've never liked stylized/fake exhaust outlets though. Those need to go.
rayzor says:
05:37 PM, 10/25/11
love it, maybe tone down that dolphin nose a little, otherwise, the design is spot on, balanced and sporty looking. Very nice job!
thejohnp says:
06:03 PM, 10/25/11
Add a Skyactiv-D diesel engine and make it a 5 door and I've found my next car.
legacygt says:
07:13 PM, 10/25/11
I would ditch two leftovers from the current Mazda6; the front fenders and the slight upward kink at the rear side windows. Otherwise, perfect.
alaskanroads says:
09:14 PM, 10/25/11
Looks fantastic! With AWD and with minor alterations for real world life......This will be my next car.
roadburner says:
07:54 AM, 10/26/11
Build an MS6 with at least 350 bhp, rear-biased AWD, keep the price under $40K, and I might buy another Mazda.
Oh yeah- please make the hole in the roof optional...
bodyblue says:
09:36 AM, 10/26/11
The front end with its lights that look like eyes reminds me of something from "Cars". And the back end does look like a BMW, 200 and Sonata mix. So much for the Koreans ripping off other cars designs....Mazda does it as well.
tib2006 says:
09:43 AM, 10/26/11
This is a pretty sweet looking car! If this is the next Mazda 6, I might have to consider it when it comes time to replace my Honda Accord (which will be a while, of course). I don't know why more manufacturers aren't using more daring designs like this one. However, there is always that fine line between conservative styling and designs that just try a little too hard to be different (the current Mazda 3). Even thougn Mazda's current 3 does try a bit too hard, I really like the looks of this design and hope that all aspects of it make production. If it does, than Honda and Toyota have something to worry about, for sure. I also wonder what type of power will be under the hood, and I can only hope that Mazda's new Sky-activ technology makes the list, but it will need to be in a larger motor for the heavier 6. Hopefully there will be some unique options to go along with this aggressively styled vehicle.
graspthefact says:
09:48 AM, 10/26/11
Talking about ripping off.
Maybe korean did until last generation of their cars, but I think they have their own design language now.
And now Lexus is ripping off sonata's rear and now mazda doing the same.
LOL. who have ever thought this would happen.
ocramidajzj says:
04:43 PM, 10/26/11
Bodyblue how do you know the Koreans didn't rip off Mazda? Design is a very cannabalistic medium. There are only so many ways to design a car, add in the needs of crash and pedestrian regulations and you're bound to get some details that seem common. Ultimately you can never know who is ripping off who. Unless the rip-off is done on a true classic.
redrage says:
10:24 PM, 10/26/11
I see they kept the current 6's greenhouse because it's just the perfect arc, and you don't mess with perfection. Although I can see why some people think the tail lamps were ripped off from the Sonata, the Takeri's are deep set and set off by the surrounding surface geometry, giving them a catlike glower. I did a side by side on my computer, by the way, and the Sonata just looks chunky and chubby in comparison.
leonard81 says:
07:44 AM, 10/27/11
Mazda PLEASE build this car and make it as close as you can get to this concept!! Offer an AWD Speed edition for me as well. My next car has to be AWD and I would love to make this car on the possibility list.
bodyblue says:
08:31 AM, 10/27/11
"Bodyblue how do you know the Koreans didn't rip off Mazda? "
One has to go by WHEN one sees a design, right? For the past 10 years we keep hearing that the Koreans "rip off" designs from other car makers. The Sonata has been out for a while now and this concept is just out....you can make your conclusions about who ripped off whom.
aviboy97 says:
09:17 AM, 10/27/11
bodyblue says:
One has to go by WHEN one sees a design, right? For the past 10 years we keep hearing that the Koreans "rip off" designs from other car makers. The Sonata has been out for a while now and this concept is just out....you can make your conclusions about who ripped off whom.
____
This concept is an evolution of the Shinari Concept from over a year ago. Even the Shinari was probably in development when the new Sonata came out.
While there are similar in the rear, I highly doubt Mazda is trying to rip off Hyundai.
blurglide says:
02:50 PM, 10/27/11
Mazda makes great driving cars, but now their only RWD model is the Miata. They should take something like this, make it RWD with a 300hp turbo 6, shorten that front overhang, and make an affordable 3-series fighter.
My 335i is fantastic to drive but awful to own. If I could have a car that drives like that with Mazda reliability and save 20% to boot I'd do it in a heartbeat.
cz_75 says:
06:48 PM, 10/27/11
Not sure I completely feel the front end, but I like it more than anything else currently in its class, so here's hoping it isn't an oversized pig with no power or a V-6/automatic only configuration and that it handles better than its predecessor. Maybe it will get a diesel variant as well?
mz6greyghost says:
09:41 PM, 10/27/11
Whoa... That is all.
kkear3 says:
05:59 AM, 10/28/11
Looks a lot like a Hyundai from the rear, an Audi from the front, and a Camaro from the drivers seat. Not that any of this is bad-well maybe the Camaro interior- but it seems the only manufacturers talking about car building as a passion are the Koreans and Mazda. Everyone else just wants to "put you in a car for $199 a month!"
illoxyill says:
09:05 AM, 10/28/11
It would be a miracle if this went into production looking anything like this. I will keep my fingers crossed never the less.
jmcbmw says:
11:26 AM, 10/30/11
It's not Hyundai's rear end they are copying it's BMW (Audi in the front). Hyundai IS a copy cat remember? How soon they forget.
Regardless, this Mazda is a looker, sexy even. The mid-size market needs this car!