25 October 2011

Mazda Takeri - a preview of forthcoming Mazda6

Remember Mazda Minagi? That showcar evolved almost seamlessly into the new Mazda CX-5. In a similar fashion, the next generation Mazda6 is previewed by the Takeri Concept, which will be showcased during 42nd Tokyo Motorshow coming up in 30th November 2011.

Mazda Takeri is the latest in-line to adopt the new KODO design language, which revolved around Soul of Motion theme. The front fascia design bears design cue previewed by Minagi Concept, with customary heptagon radiator grille and crisp headlamps punctuated by silvered bars. We can safety assume similar rate of tone down as when Minagi evolved into CX-5.

The body side has several strong character lines, running from the hood to just after front door leading edge, with an almost parallel line on the top of it. The rear flanks is characterised by strong shoulder at rear door belt line, with similarly sweeping upward arch down at the sills. The glass house is similar in shade as current 6, but more rakish, understandably for concept car status.

The rear end is characterized by two main elements, the slim rear combi with bars, and the standalone boot line standing proud from the side structure. It is a neat and stylishly done as far as rear end is concern.

Underneath the showy bodywork lies the latest of Skyactiv technology. This include Mazda's first regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration, stores it in capacitors and then uses it to power the vehicle's electrical equipment - reducing load on the engine and saving fuel. Combined with the new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, Mazda i-stop, new lightweight structure, aerodynamic and chassis technologies, regenerative braking - enables the Mazda Takeri Concept to achieve excellent fuel economy together with vigorous performance and a comfortable high-quality ride. The SKYAVTIV-D in question is the 2.2l version that will debut in the new CX-5, capable of producing 173bhp and 420Nm of power and torque. The engine also can rev to 5500rpm, a high figure for diesel engine. 
More details and photo of the interior after the jump.


The interior is pure showcar with 4 seater setup. The layout is similar to the Mazda Minagi Concept with its simple instrumentation and minimalist dials. Expect something along the lines of CX-5 for the mass-production Mazda6.


The Takeri will debut at Tokyo motorshow together with the Frankfurt-displayed CX-5 and the coupe version of Mazda Shinari. The new Mazda 6 is expected to launched in 18 months time.

Full gallery of Mazda Takeri can be viewed below, from Netcarshow.